Bladensburg - Parks and Recreation

Bladensburg
Waterfront Park
Bladensburg Waterfront Park
4601 Annapolis Road, Bladensburg, MD 20710
DIRECTIONS: From the Capital Beltway, take Kenilworth Avenue
(Rt. 201) south, and exit at Route 450 west/Bladensburg. Turn
left onto Route 450, go 300 feet and turn left into Bladensburg
Waterfront Park at the sign. This entrance is 500 feet east of the
Peace Cross Memorial.
PARK HOURS: Open daily from sunrise to sunset.
OFFICE HOURS: Monday–Friday, 8:30 am–5 pm
BATTLE OF BLADENSBURG VISITOR CENTER: Daily, 10 am–4 pm
PHONE: 301-779-0371; TTY 301-699-2544
www.pgparks.com
The Department of Parks and Recreation encourages and supports the participation
of individuals with disabilities. Register at least a minimum of two weeks in advance
of the program start date to request and receive a disability accommodation.
Produced by The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County, Natural and Historical
Resources Division. PPC PR PA 3/13
2013 Calendar of Events
Bladensburg Waterfront Park
V
isitors to the Bladensburg Waterfront Park will find a picturesque park in an urban setting. The park
is open daily from sunrise to sunset. It is nestled among the Port Towns of Bladensburg, Colmar
Manor, Edmonston and Cottage City, Maryland. It provides a unique recreational, natural and
historical resource for visitors and residents. The park, formerly known as the Bladensburg Marina, is located
on the Anacostia River, east of the Peace Cross Memorial. This Waterfront Park features a paved riverside
walk, picnic pavilion, public fishing pier, free boat ramp, free pontoon boat tours, community boat storage,
and canoe, kayak, paddleboat, and rowboat rentals. Visit the Battle of Bladensburg Visitor Center or take a
walk on the Anacostia River Trail.
History of Bladensburg Waterfront Park
I
n 1742 the town of Bladensburg was created on the banks of the Anacostia River.
The river’s depth at that time was approximately 40 feet. This port town was
named after Maryland Governor Thomas Bladen. The town was a vibrant com-
mercial port with wharves, taverns and stores. Some of the historic properties still
exist: The George Washington House, a tavern during the 1700s and currently the
headquarters for the Anacostia Watershed Society; Market Master’s House; Bostwick
House; Magruder House; and Free Hope Baptist Church.
The success of Bladensburg as a port town during the 1700s was due largely to
Christopher Lowndes—a merchant, and shipyard and ropewalk owner—who was the
town commissioner for 40 years. By the 1800s the port town began to decline due to
flooding and the silting of the river. In the 1850s tobacco shipping ended when the
river became too shallow for seagoing vessels. Flooding remained a problem in
Bladensburg until 1954 when the Army Corps of Engineers began a flood control and
navigation project. This project involved straightening parts of the river, dredging,
and the construction of levees, bridges, pumping stations and highways.
In 1996 the old Bladensburg Marina began to be transformed. The waterfront
was redeveloped with a new public boating facility, visitor center, waterfront walkGeorge Washington House (top) and
Market Master’s House (bottom)
way, historic interpretive panels, a picnic pavilion based on a ropewalk, playground,
floating docks and parking. It was re-opened to the public in 2000. In 2005, a pedestrian bridge linking Bladensburg and Colmar Manor was completed, connecting
hiker-biker trails on both sides of the river.
Community
Events/Programs
A-May-Zing Animal Fest
Saturday, May 18, 12 noon–4 pm
Battle of Bladensburg
Visitor Center
Hours: Daily, 10 am – 4 pm
T
he Visitors Center is located along the
Anacostia River near the site of the Battle of
Bladensburg in the War of 1812. This
devastating American loss allowed the British to
proceed into Washington, D.C. where many government buildings were burned
including the U.S Capitol and
The White House. The Center
uses photos, artifacts and other
media and a film to tell the
Bring the entire family to enjoy this exciting event featuring
birds of prey, reptiles, farm animals, a puppet show, food
vendors, arts & crafts and much more! All ages; FREE
Open House on the Waterfront
Saturday, May 25, 9 am–3 pm
Co-sponsored by M-NCPPC and Ladders-N-Things,
enjoy a free, fun day in the park. Enjoy free refreshments and learn basic fishing and canoe paddling
techniques. All necessary materials provided. FREE
■ Canoeing: 9–11 am
■ Fishing: 9–11 am
■ Pontoon Boat Tour: 12 noon
■ Canoe Races: 1–3 pm
Caribbean Heritage Festival
Saturday, June 1, 12 noon– 8 pm
Hosted by the Caribbean Council of Prince George’s
County, experience “A Taste of the Caribbean.” Enjoy live
performances, delicious food, craft vendors, free boat rides,
“pon de river” and more. All ages; FREE
fascinating story of the people,
places and events of the battle in Prince George’s
Arts on the Waterfront
County. Historical and archeological artifacts from
Sundays, June 16 – August 4, 6 –7:30 pm
the British troop encampments of Nottingham are
displayed along with narrative historical accounts.
The Battle of Bladensburg Visitor Center offers
programs and activities for all ages.
■
Discussions and Lectures
■
Historical and Living History
■
Join us when the Waterfront springs to life with music and
entertainment—jazz, R&B, reggae, dance, blues, rock and a
puppet show. Refreshments available for purchase. FREE
Arts on the Waterfront Grand Finale
Sunday, August 4, 2– 8 pm
Enjoy live Zouk/Island music, entertainment, food
vendors, crafts and more. All ages; FREE
Demonstrations
Port Towns Day
Scheduled Interpretive
Saturday, September 21, 12 noon–9 pm
Rain Date: October 5
Historical Pontoon Boat Tours
■
School Curriculum Programs
■
Special Guest Speakers
■
Young Historians Club
Co-sponsored by M-NCPPC and the Towns of
Bladensburg, Colmar Manor, Edmonston and
Cottage City. Enjoy music, prizes, food, crafts,
vendors and other activities. FREE
For more information, please
Teens & Jeans for the Homeless
Walk-a-Thon
call 301-927-8819 or visit
Saturday, November 23, 10 am–2 pm
www.pgparks.com
Walk the Anacostia River Trail and help bring awareness to
homelessness. Enjoy a marching band, live entertainment
and refreshments. Bring clean, gently worn jeans of all sizes
for those in need. All ages; FREE
Bladensburg Waterfront Park
2013 Calendar of Events
Boat Rentals
BOAT RENTAL HOURS & RATES
Boating Programs
FEE STRUCTURE: Residents are persons living within
Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties. Non-residents
are persons living outside Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties. Life vests are provided. Reservations
are required for all boating programs and lessons.
To register, visit www.pgparks.com and click on the
SMARTlink logo.
MARYLAND BOATING SAFETY CLASS
Saturday & Sunday, March 9 & 10 or April 13 & 14,
8:30 am–1 pm
Ages 12 & up. FEE: $25/person
Earn your Certificate of Boating Safety Education.
KAYAK & CANOE LESSONS
Learn paddling skills from a certified instructor.
Persons 16 & under must be accompanied by an adult.
Ages 11 & up. FEE: Resident $25; Non-Resident $30
■
Kayak Lessons: Saturdays, April 27, June 8, July 27,
September 28 & October 26, 10 am–2 pm
■
Canoe Lessons: Saturdays, May 11, July 13 &
September 14, 10 am–2 pm
PADDLE SPORT TOURS
Saturdays, June 22, July 20 & August 10, 10 am–2 pm
Join a naturalist for a paddling excursion in a kayak
or canoe to the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. Persons
16 & under must be accompanied by an adult.
FEE: Resident $10; Non-Resident $12
FREE FAMILY SUNDAYS
Sundays, June 23, July 28, August 25, September 22 & October 27
Enjoy a FREE, one-hour canoe, kayak or paddle boat
rental. An M-NCPPC Health &Wellness Initiative
Our fleet of small crafts is available daily May–October. Rent
single or tandem kayaks, canoes, rowboats or paddle boats.
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 am–3 pm;
Saturday & Sunday, 10 am–5 pm
■
Canoe & Kayak Rates: Resident $16/day;
Non-Resident $20/day
■
Paddleboats & Rowboat Rates: Resident $8/hour,
$20/day; Non-Resident $9/hour, $26/day
■
Fishing Rods: Resident $5; Non-Resident $6
RENTAL FACILITIES
THE ROPEWALK PAVILION is available for rentals. It has
18 picnic tables and a capacity for a maximum of 100
people. All renters must have a SMARTlink account and
complete a contract. Full payment plus the deposit is due
with the reservation. Large groups or specialized functions
must have permission or a reservation to use the pavilion. Alcoholic beverages, and outside grilling are not permitted. MNCPPC park rules apply. Call for more information.
FEE: Resident $200; Non-Resident $250; 9 am–6 pm, Daily;
Security deposit: $100. Additional fees may apply.
CLASSROOM RENTALS are available for meetings,
birthday parties and other small functions. The capacity is
40 people with table and chairs; and 50 people auditoriumstyle seating. Kitchen facilities are not available.
FEE: Resident $60/hour; Non-Resident $78/hour;
plus $100 security deposit
WATERFRONT BIRTHDAY PARTY PACKAGE
Available Tuesday–Sunday, 12 noon–3 pm
The package includes a 3-hour classroom rental and a
pontoon boat ride. FEE: Resident $120; Non-Resident $155;
plus $100 security deposit
THE COMMUNITY BOATHOUSE rents storage spaces for
canoes, kayaks and rowing shells to individuals and teams.
Monthly rates are based on boat length: $1.60/foot (indoors); $1.40/foot (outdoors)
■
Nature Programs
Butterfly Hike
Saturday, September 14, 11 am–2 pm
Join a naturalist in search of butterflies. Wear comfortable shoes and
bring a lunch. Materials provided.
Persons 11 & under must be
accompanied by an adult.
FEE: Resident $2; Non-Resident $3
FEE STRUCTURE: Residents are persons living within
Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties. Non-residents
are persons living anywhere outside Prince George’s and
Montgomery Counties. Reservations are required for all
programs. To register, visit www.pgparks.com and click
on the SMARTlink logo.
■
Nature Outing
Tuesday, April 2, 9 am–4:30 pm
Explore the outdoors, boating, fishing,
hiking and more. Earn service learning
hours. Materials provided.
Ages 11–16. FEE: Resident $5;
Non-Resident $6
SMARTlink #1098415
■
Riverside Campfire
Friday, April 12, 7– 9 pm
Enjoy a riverside campfire and roast marshmallows.
Ages 2 & up; FEE: Resident $2; Non-Resident $3
SMARTlink #1036543
■
Nature Scavenger Hunt
Saturday, April 27, 1–2:30 pm
Join a naturalist on a fun, adventurous scavenger hunt.
Ages 5 & up. FEE: Resident $2; Non-Resident $3
SMARTlink #1036490
■
Fishing 101
Sundays, April 28, June 9 & September 22, 10 am–1 pm
Learn basic fishing techniques such as
casting, handling fish and fish safety.
Persons 12 & under must be accompanied
by an adult. Ages 6 & up
FEE: Resident $5; Non-Resident $6
■
Wildflower Walk
Saturday, May 11, 1– 3 pm
Take a walk to look for beautiful
wildflowers. Persons 12 & under
must be accompanied by an adult.
Ages 7 & up.
FEE: Resident $2; Non-Resident $3
SMARTlink #1036765
2013 Summer
Concert Series
ARTS AT THE WATERFRONT
Join us when the Waterfront
springs to life with music and entertainment—jazz, R&B, reggae,
dance, blues, rock and a puppet
show. All ages.
Sundays, June 16 – August 4
6 – 7:30 pm, FREE
Refreshments available for purchase.
ARTS ON THE WATERFRONT GRAND FINALE
Enjoy live Zouk/Island
music, entertainment,
food vendors, crafts and
more.
Sunday, August 4, 2 – 8 pm
All ages; FREE
River Clean-Ups
EARTH DAY CLEAN-UP & CELEBRATION 2013
Anacostia River
Boat Tours
Join a Park Naturalist on a pontoon boat for an
environmental or historical tour of the scenic
Anacostia River. Pre-registration is not required.
Sign up the day of the tour. FREE
■
Weekday Boat Tours
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays
April 16 – October 31, 12 noon – 12:45 pm
■
Evening Boat Tours
Saturdays & Sundays
May 4 – October 27, 5 – 5:45 pm
■
Historical Tours: April 24 & May 22, 2–3 pm
■
Bird Watching Tours: May 19, 1–3 pm &
September 8, 11 am –1 pm
Sponsored by Anacostia Watershed Society
Saturday, April 20
8:30 am – 3 pm
At 1 pm, celebrate the clean-up at
Bladensburg Waterfront Park. Enjoy
a free lunch, live entertainment
and environmental displays.
ANACOSTIA RIVER CLEAN-UPS
Go to www.pgparks.com click on
Volunteers and sign up online.
Saturdays, June 15, September 7 & October 5
9:30 am–12 noon
Volunteer
Opportunities
Volunteer at the Bladensburg
Waterfront Park! Students can
earn service learning hours. Go
to www.pgparks.com click on
Volunteers and sign up online.
Groups of 12 or more people must schedule their own environmental or historical tours.
Science Curriculum
Programs
■
Animal Characteristics
■
Natural Resources & Other
Programs
■
Nature Senses
■
Water & You
■
Weather
■
Wetland Ecology
Social Studies
Curriculum Programs
■
Native American Life
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19th century Prince George’s
County
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Battle of Bladensburg and
The War of 1812