BLADENSBURG Waterfront Park

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission
Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County, MD
BLADENSBURG
Waterfront Park
2016 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Bladensburg Waterfront Park visitors 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
Visitor Information
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 commercial 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 walkway, 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.
Currently, construction is underway on a new trail to connect Maryland
and Washington, D.C. via the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail.
Rent single or tandem kayaks, canoes, rowboats, bicycles, tricycles
or paddle boats. Rentals are available daily, starting at 9 am from
May–October. The last rental is at 4 pm weekends, 3 pm weekdays.
All rental equipment is due back by 5 pm weekends, 4 pm weekdays.
Age restrictions apply. Please call for more information.
Resident rates are for Prince George’s and Montgomery County
Residents only.
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Canoe & Kayak Rates: Resident $20/day; Non-Resident $26/day
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Paddleboat & Rowboat Rates: Resident $10/hour, $25/day;
Non-Resident $13/hour, $33/day
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Adult Bicycle Rates (helmet included): Resident $15/day;
Non-Resident $20/day
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Youth Bicycle Rates (helmet included): Resident $10/day;
Non-Resident $13/day
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Fishing Rod Rates: Resident $8; Non-Resident $11
Rental Facilities
The Ropewalk Pavilion is available for rentals with 24 picnic tables
and a capacity for a maximum of 150 people. All renters must have
a SMARTlink account and complete a rental contract. Large groups
or specialized functions (festivals and community events) must have
permission or a reservation to use the pavilion. Alcoholic beverages
are not permitted. Grilling permitted with manager’s approval.
All M-NCPPC park rules apply. Please call for more information.
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FEE: Under 150 persons—Resident $300; Non-Resident $400
Security Deposit: $100 (Security deposit is due at time of reservation.
Remaining balance due 60 days prior to rental.)
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FEE: Over 150 persons—Resident $800; Non-Resident $1,040
Security Deposit: $200 (Security deposit and rental balance are due at
time of reservation.)
Classroom Rentals are available for meetings, birthday parties and other
small functions. The capacity is 40 people with table and chairs and 50
people auditorium-style seating. Tables and chairs are provided. Public
restrooms are available. Kitchen facilities are not available.
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FEE: Resident $60/hour; Non-Resident $78/hour; Security Deposit:
$100 (Security deposit is due at time of reservation. Remaining
balance due 60 days prior to rental.)
The Community Boathouse is available for storage of canoes, kayaks
and rowing shells for individuals and teams. Monthly rates are based on
inside or outside storage options and size/type of boat. Please call
for availability.
rentals | 1
Rentals
Rental Hours & Rates
Social Studies & Science Programs
School Curriculum Programs
Bladensburg Waterfront Park offers science and social studies/history
curriculum programs to grades kindergarten through twelfth grade at
our location or at your school. Programs can generally be tailored to
suit your needs in an indoor or outdoor setting. Select programs can be
modified for presentation on our pontoon boat. Please call or visit our
website for more information.
Science
n Animal
Characteristics and Adaptations
Cycles of Plants & Animals
n Meteorology & Weather
n Natural Resources
n Nature Senses
n Plants, Photosynthesis & Cycles
n Reduce, Reuse, Recycle & Conservation
n Water & You
n Wetlands & River Ecology
n Life
Social Studies
n Battle
of Bladensburg & The War of 1812
American Life
n The War of 1812: Causes and Outcomes
n Fighting for Freedom: African American
Participation in the War of 1812
n Native
Pricing
Onsite (minimum $50 program fee)
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$3 for schools/groups in Prince George’s or Montgomery County
$4 for schools/groups in all other counties
Offsite (minimum $65 program fee) Available November–March
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$4 for schools/groups in Prince George’s or Montgomery County
$6 for schools/groups in all other counties
2 | social studies & science programs
Saturday, April 23, Cleanup 9 am–12 noon
Sponsored by Anacostia Watershed Society
Join 2000+ volunteers to help clean up at
sites along the Anacostia River. Then celebrate
at RFK Stadium with an afternoon of food, live music, celebration
speakers and Earth Day exhibits and activities. For more information
or to register, visit anacostiaws.org/earthday2016; FREE
Senior Mondays
Mondays, May–October
Are you 60 years old or better? Come enjoy a single free rental of your
choice on Mondays. From canoes to kayaks, bikes to trikes, paddleboats
and fishing roads, have an outdoor adventure! Free rentals while
supplies last. No groups or reservations. Must provide proof of age.
Ages 60 & up; FREE
Arts
on the
Waterfront
Sundays in July, 6–7:30 pm
Join us when the Waterfront springs to life with music and entertainment! Performances may include jazz, R&B, reggae, dance, blues,
rock, and children’s performers. Please call for performance information
or visit pgparks.com > Calendar of Events. All ages; FREE
Port Towns Day
Saturday, September 17, 12 noon– 7 pm
Rain Date: October 1
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.
All ages; FREE
Teens & Jeans Walk-a-Thon for the Homeless
Saturday, November 19, 10 am–2 pm
Walk the Anacostia Tributary Trail System and help bring awareness to
homelessness. Enjoy live entertainment and refreshments. Bring clean,
gently worn jeans of all sizes for those in need. All ages; FREE
community events/programs | 3
Events & Activities
Earth Day Clean Up
Nature/Fitness Programs
Campfire and Night Walk
Friday, March 18 & April 15, 7–9 pm, October 14, 6 – 8 pm
Come explore the park at night, and see what’s stirring! Enjoy a warm
campfire and s’mores followed by a guided interpretive night walk
on the trail through the woods.
Ages 2 & up; FEE: Resident $5; Non-Resident $6
SMARTlink #1647567 (March), #1647575 (April), October TBD
Bats
and
Beavers Nature Walk
Friday, June 17, 7– 8 pm
Ever wonder what happens along the river as the sun sets? Come
find out with us as we seek out bats, beavers, and other creatures for
an evening walk along the Anacostia River Walk Trail.
Ages 5 & up; FEE: Resident $2; Non-Resident $3
SMARTlink #1653268
Evening Bicycle Tour
Friday, August 19, 6:30–8 pm
Hit the trails by bike for an evening of nature and exercise, guided by
park staff. A bike and helmet rental is included with registration.
Limited spots available.
Ages 10 & up; FEE: Resident $5; Non-Resident $7
SMARTlink #1653264
Yoga in The Parks
Wednesdays, June 1–August 31, 7– 8 pm
(Weather permitting)
Sponsored by Prince George’s Parks and Recreation, Sports, Health, and Wellness
Division. Join us for free outdoor yoga classes in the park! Learn basic yoga
techniques and how to free your mind, body, and spirit in this popular fitness
activity for all ages. Bring your water bottle and towel or yoga mat.
All ages; FREE
Fee Structure: Residents are persons living within Prince George’s and
Montgomery Counties. Non-Residents are persons living in all other
jurisdictions.
To Register: Visit pgparks.com and click on the SMARTlink logo.
4 | nature /fitness programs
Join us for a pontoon boat ride of the scenic Anacostia River. Tours are open
to the public (individuals, families, and groups under 10 people).
Weekday Boat Tours
Thursdays & Fridays, April–October, 12 noon*
Registration at 11:30 am at the gazebo outside the park office;
First-come, first-served. FREE
Evening Boat Tours
Saturdays & Sundays, April– October, 5 pm*
Tickets can be purchased in person on the day of the tour at the park office.
Limited tickets are available for purchase by calling the park office on
Monday–Friday before the tour.
FEE: Resident $2; Non-Resident $3
Groups of 10 or more people, businesses, and other organizations must
schedule a private boat tour. Additional fees may apply.
Specialty Boat Tours
Enjoy specialized pontoon boat rides down the scenic Anacostia River. With
an assortment of themed rides, we are sure to have something for everyone.
Age restrictions apply. Please call the park or visit our website for more
details. Persons under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
DATE & TIME
THEME
PRICE
Apr. 30, 9–11 am
Birding
$5(R); $6(NR)
SMARTlink #
1647761
May 20, 7–8:30 pm
Live Music (18+)
$10(R); $12(NR)
1647797
Jul. 8, 7–8:30 pm
Poetry & Open Mic (18+)
$6(R); $8(NR)
1654027
Jul. 9, 10 am–12 pm
Art of Nature
$10(R); $13(NR)
1653238
Jul. 16, 10–11:30 am
Butterflies by Boat
$3(R); $4(NR)
1653241
Jul. 31, 11 am–2 pm
Trip to the Arboretum
$5(R); $7(NR)
1653261
Aug. 13, 10 am–12 pm
Wetland Exploration
$4(R); $6(NR)
1653262
Oct. 15, 10 am–12 pm
Art of Nature
$10(R); $13(NR)
TBA
Oct. 30, 6–8 pm
Ghosts of Dueling Creek
$5(R); $7(NR)
TBA
Fishing Boat Tours
Come experience a morning of fishing off our pontoon boat down the
Anacostia River. All tours run from 9 am–12 noon on the dates below.
Bait and instruction provided. You may bring your own rod or rent one for
$8(R); $11(NR). Participants ages 16 and up must have a valid Maryland
fishing license.
Ages 8 & up; FEE: Resident (R) $5; Non-Resident (NR) $7
DATE
Apr. 10
Apr. 24
May 15
May 29
SMARTLINK #
1647755
1647757
1647759
1647760
DATE
Jun. 19
Jul. 17
Aug. 21
SMARTlink #
1653866
1653867
1653868
* Boat season start and end dates are subject to change based on weather
conditions and temperatures.
anacostia river boat tours | 5
Anacostia River Boat Tours
Anacostia River Boat Tours
History Programs & Events
History Programs & Events
All programs are FREE and open to all ages. Advanced group reservations
are encouraged. Most programs meet at the Battle of Bladensburg Visitors
Center.
March 26, 1 pm
August 27, 1 pm
Causes and Outcomes of
The War of 1812
The Battle of Bladensburg and
the Burning of Washington
April 23, 1 pm
September 24, 1 pm
The Audacious Joshua Barney:
Part I: Barney as a Young Sailor
The Battle for Baltimore,
Fort McHenry
May 28, 1 pm
October 22, 1 pm
The Audacious Joshua Barney:
Part II: Barney’s Role in the
American Revolution
African Americans in The War
of 1812 For the Americans,
the British, and the Canadians
June 18, 1 pm
November 12, 1 pm
American Privateering during
The War of 1812 Barney and
Boyle
The Last Battle of The War of
1812: The Battle of New Orleans
July 16, 1 pm
British Invasion of the
Chesapeake Bay During
The War of 1812
6 | history programs & events
December 17, 1 pm
Pirates of the Chesapeake
Monday–Wednesday: Closed (Tours by appointment only)
Thursday–Saturday: 10 am– 4 pm
Sunday: 12 noon–4 pm
The Battle of Bladensburg Visitors Center is located along the Anacostia
River near the site of the Battle of Bladensburg in the War of 1812. This
devastating American military defeat 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 to tell the fascinating story of
the people, places, and events of the battle
in Prince George’s County. Historical and
archeological artifacts from 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. For more
information, visit history.pgparks.com.
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Discussions & Lectures
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Historical & Living History
Demonstrations
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Scheduled Interpretive Historical Pontoon
Boat Tours
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School Curriculum Programs
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Special Guest Speakers
battle of bladensburg visitors center | 7
Battle of Bladensburg Visitors Center
Battle of Bladensburg Visitors Center
Boat Programs
Maryland Boating Safety Class
Saturday & Sunday, March 5 & 6, 8:30 am–1 pm
Saturday & Sunday, April 16 & 17, 8:30 am–1 pm
The Maryland Boating Safety Course is required for all power boat operators.
Earn your Certificate of Boating Safety Education with this 2 day course.
To register or for more information, please visit cgaux.org/boatinged
FEE: $25/person
Kayak & Canoe Lessons
Learn paddling skills from a certified instructor.
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an
adult. Pre-registration suggested. Minimum 4 participants for classes to run. Please bring a bag lunch
and water bottle. Hat and sunscreen are also highly
recommended. To register, visit pgparks.com and
click on the SMARTlink logo.
Ages 11 & up
FEE: Resident $30/person; Non-Resident $39/person
Kayak Lessons / Saturdays, 10 am–2 pm
DATE
SMARTlink #
May 7
1647781
Jun. 11
1653207
Aug. 6
1653265
Sep. 24
TBA
Canoe Lessons / Saturdays, 10 am–2 pm
DATE
SMARTlink #
May 21
Jun. 25
1647795
1653834
Paddle Sport Tours
Join a certified instructor as your guide for a paddling excursion in a kayak
or canoe to sites along the Anacostia River, such as the Kenilworth Aquatic
Gardens, National Arboretum, and more. Children under 16 must be
accompanied by an adult.
DATE
PRICE PER PERSON
SMARTlink #
May 8, 1–3 pm
(Mother/Daughter Paddle)
Jul. 23, 9–12 pm
Oct. 22, 9–12 pm
$10(R); $12(NR)
$20(R); $26(NR)
$20(R); $26(NR)
1647765
1653852
TBA
Fee Structure: Residents are persons living within Prince George’s and
Montgomery Counties. Non-Residents are persons living in all other
jurisdictions.
To Register: Visit pgparks.com and click on the SMARTlink logo.
8 | boat programs
at the
Waterfront
Sundays, July 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31, 6–7:30 pm
Join us on Sunday evenings in July as the waterfront springs to life with
music and entertainment. Sponsored by the Port Towns Shopping Center
at Colmar Manor. All ages; FREE
JULY 3
Brian Cunningham Project (Jazz, R&B)
JULY 10 Dr. S.O. Feelgood Music Man (Blues, Soul)
JULY 17 Uncle Devin Show (Children, Educational)
JULY 24 U.S. Navy’s Country Current (Country, Bluegrass)
Summer Concert Series
Arts
JULY 31 Trio Caliente (Latin, Flamenco)
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Anacostia River Cleanup Events
9 am–12 noon on select days throughout the season
Come help us clean the Anacostia River and beautify the park!
All materials will be provided. To register, visit pgparks.com
and click on Things to Do, Volunteer Opportunities.
Volunteer Opportunities
There are many opportunities to volunteer at Bladensburg
Waterfront Park and earn service learning hours. From river
cleanups to festivals, rental assistance to park maintenance, volunteering at Bladensburg
Waterfront Park offers a wide array of occasions to help the park and community! To
register, visit pgparks.com and click on Things to Do > Volunteer Opportunities.
summer concerts & volunteer opportunities | 9
BLADENSBURG WATERFRONT PARK
4601 Annapolis Road, Bladensburg, Maryland 20710
Information: 301-779-0371; TTY 301-699-2544
pgparks.com
outdoors.pgparks.com
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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: Open Daily, 9 am–5 pm
BATTLE OF BLADENSBURG VISITOR CENTER: Seasonal Hours.
Please call for information.
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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. PPC PR PA 4/16
M
-NCPPC
In 2015, M-NCPPC’s Department
of Parks and Recreation won an
unprecedented SIXTH national
Gold Medal for excellence in parks
and recreation manage-ment.
Eligible agencies must be CAPRA
accredited, meeting more than 160
standards. Prince George’s County
has the best parks and recreation
agency in the country!
PRSRT STD
Postage
PAID
Riverdale, MD
Permit #1083