The Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission Department of Parks & Recreation, Prince George’s County, MD
BLADENSBURG Waterfront Park
2015 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
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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, 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. n
Canoe & Kayak Rates: Resident $16/day; Non-Resident $20/day
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Paddleboat & Rowboat Rates: Resident $8/hour, $20/day; Non-Resident $10/hour, $24/day
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Bicycle Rates (helmet included): Explore the Anacostia Trail system by bike: Resident Youth $5/day; Adult $10/day; Non-Resident Youth $6/day; Adult $12/day
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Fishing Rod Rates: Resident $5; Non-Resident $6
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Senior Mondays (Ages 60+): FREE canoe/kayak/bike rentals from May–July
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 and outside grilling are not permitted. All M-NCPPC park rules apply. Rentals are available daily from 9 am–6 pm. Call for more information. n
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 $960 Security Deposit: $200 Full balance (security deposit and rental balance) is 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. n
FEE: Resident $60/hour; Non-Resident $78/ hour; Security Deposit: $100
The Community Boathouse is available to rent 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.
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Rentals
Rental hours & Rates
Social Studies & Science Programs
Curriculum Programs Bladensburg Waterfront Park offers science and social studies/history curriculum programs to grades Kindergarten through Eighth at our location or at your school. Programs can generally be tailored to suit your needs in an indoor or outdoor setting. Please call for more information.
Science n Animal
Characteristics and Adaptations Bay Watershed n Life 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 Weather & The Water Cycle n Wetlands & River Ecology n Chesapeake
Social Studies n 19th
Century Prince George’s County of Bladensburg & The War of 1812 n Native Americans Along the Anacostia River n The War of 1812: Causes and Outcomes n Fighting for Freedom: African American Participation in the War of 1812 n Battle
Pricing Onsite (minimum charge 20 participants) n $2 for schools in Prince George’s or Montgomery Counties n $3 for schools in all other jurisdictions At Your Location (minimum charge 20 participants) n $3 for schools in Prince George’s or Montgomery Counties n $4 for schools in all other jurisdictions
2 | social studies & science Programs
Saturday, April 25, Cleanup 9 am–12 noon, Celebration 12 noon–2 pm Sponsored by Anacostia Watershed Society; Join 2000+ volunteers to help clean up at sites along the Anacostia River. Then celebrate at Bladensburg Waterfront Park with an afternoon of food, live music, celebration speakers and Earth Day exhibits and activities. For more information or to register, visit www.anacostiaws.org/earthday2015; FREE
Open House on the Waterfront Saturday, May 2, 9 am–1 pm (last free rental at 1pm) Help us kick off our Spring season! Enjoy a free, fun day in the park with free canoe, kayak, bicycle, fishing rod, and boat rentals. All necessary rental equipment and materials provided. ID required for rentals; Rentals available while supplies last; Rental age restrictions still apply; FREE
A-May-Zing Animal Fest Saturday, May 16, 12 noon–4 pm Come see the animal kingdom on display! Bring the entire family to enjoy this exciting event featuring birds of prey, reptiles, farm animals, a puppet show, food, arts & crafts, and much more! All ages; FREE
Arts on the Waterfront Select Sundays throughout the Summer, 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. All ages; FREE
Port Towns Day Saturday, September 19, 12 noon–9 pm Rain Date: October 3 Enjoy music, prizes, food, crafts, vendors and other activities. Co-sponsored by M-NCPPC and the Towns of Bladensburg, Colmar Manor, Edmonston and Cottage City. All ages; FREE
Teens & Jeans for the Homeless Walk-a-Thon Saturday, November 21, 10 am–2 pm Walk the Anacostia River Trail 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
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Community Events
Earth Day Clean Up and Celebration
Nature/Fitness Programs
A-MAY-ZING ANIMAL FEST Saturday, May 16, 12 noon–4 pm Come see the animal kingdom on display! Bring the entire family to enjoy this exciting event featuring birds of prey, reptiles, farm animals, a puppet show, food, arts & crafts, and much more! All ages; FREE
FISHING CLINIC 101 Sundays, April 19, May 24 & June 28, 10 am–1 pm Learn basic fishing techniques such as casting, handling fish, and fish safety. Children 12 & under must be accompanied by an adult. Ages 6 & up Fee: Resident $5; Non-Resident $6
YOGA IN THE PARKS Wednesdays, May 27-September 2, 7-8 pm (weather permitting) 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. Sponsored by Prince George’s Parks and Recreation, Sports, Health, and Wellness Division. 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. Registration is required for all programs.
To register, visit www.pgparks.com and click on the SMARTlink logo.
4 | nature programs
Join us for a pontoon boat ride with an environmental or historical tour of the scenic Anacostia River. Weekday and Evening Boat Tours are free to the public (individuals, families, and groups under 10 people) on a first come, first served basis. n
Weekday Boat Tours Tuesdays–Fridays, from April to October, 12 noon* Groups of 10 or more people, businesses, and other organizations must schedule a private environmental or historical boat tour. Additional fees may apply.
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Groups of 10 or more people, businesses, and other organizations must schedule a private environmental or historical boat tour. Additional fees may apply.
Evening Boat Tours Saturdays & Sundays, May to October, 5 pm*
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Fishing Boat Tours Participants age 16 and up must have a valid Maryland fishing license. You may bring your own rod or rent one for $5 (R)/$6 (NR).
* Boat season start and end dates are subject to change based on weather conditions and temperatures.
River Clean-ups n
Earth Day Clean Up and Celebration
Saturday, April 25, Cleanup 9 am–12 noon, Celebration 12 noon–2 pm Sponsored by Anacostia Watershed Society; Join 2000+ volunteers to help clean up at sites along the Anacostia River. Then celebrate at Bladensburg Waterfront Park with an afternoon of food, live music, celebration speakers and Earth Day exhibits and activities. For more information or to register, visit www.anacostiaws.org/earthday2015; FREE
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Anacostia River Cleanup Events
Come help us clean the Anacostia River and beautify the park! All materials will be provided, as well as snacks and water. To register, visit www.pgparks.com and click on Things to Do, Volunteer Opportunities. Saturday, August 15, 9:30 am–12 noon Saturday, October 10, 9:30 am–12 noon
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Anacostia River Boat Tours & River Clean-ups
Anacostia River Boat Tours
History Programs & Events
All programs are free and open to all ages. Advanced group reservations are encouraged. February
July
Fighting for Freedom: African American Participation in the War of 1812 11 Wednesday, 1 pm
A Sailor’s Life: The War of 1812 9 Thursday, 1 pm 18 Saturday, 1 pm
21 Saturday, 1 pm
August
March The War of 1812: Causes and Outcomes 7 Saturday, 1 pm 19 Thursday, 1 pm
April The Audacious Joshua Barney: From the American Revolution to The War of 1812 9 Thursday, 1 pm 18 Saturday, 1 pm
May The Battle of Bladensburg: Events, Participants, and Outcome 7 Thursday, 1 pm 23 Saturday, 1 pm
June A Soldier’s Life: The War of 1812 11 Thursday, 1 pm 20 Saturday, 1 pm
6 | history programs & events
The Battle of Bladensburg: Events, Participants, and Outcome 13 Thursday, 1 pm 22 Saturday, 1 pm
September Fighting for Freedom: African American Participation in The War of 1812 10 Thursday, 1 pm 26 Saturday, 1 pm
October 18th Century Quill Writing 8 Thursday, 1 pm 17 Saturday, 1 pm
November Pirates of the Chesapeake 5 Thursday, 1 pm 14 Saturday, 1 pm
Please call for seasonal hours. 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. n
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
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Battle of Bladensburg Visitors Center
BATTLE OF BLADENSBURG VISITORS CENTER
Boat Programs
MARYLAND BOATING SAFETY CLASS Saturday & Sunday, March 28 & 29 or April 25 & 26, 8:30 am–1 pm The Maryland Boating Safety Course is required for all power boat operators. Earn your Certificate of Boating Safety Education. Ages 12 & up Fee: $25/person
KAYAK & CANOE LESSONS Learn paddling skills from a certified instructor. Children 16 & under must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration suggested. To register, visit www.pgparks.com and click on the SMARTlink logo. Ages 11 & up FEE: Resident $25; Non-Resident $30 n Kayak Lessons: Saturdays, May 23, June 27, July 25, August 22, September 26 & October 24, 1-5 pm n
Canoe Lessons: Saturdays, June 6, July 11, August 8, September 12 & October 10, 1-5 pm
PADDLE SPORT TOURS Saturdays, June 20 & September 5, 10 am–2 pm Join a guide for a paddling excursion in a kayak or canoe to the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. Children 16 & under must be accompanied by an adult. FEE: Resident $10; Non-Resident $12 Fee Structure: Residents are persons living within Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties. Non-Residents are persons living in all other jurisdictions. Registration is required for all programs. To register, visit www.pgparks.com and click on the SMARTlink logo.
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 www.pgparks.com and click on Things to Do, Volunteer Opportunities.
8 | Boat Programs
Sundays, June 21 & 28; July 5, 12, 19 & 26; Join us on select Sunday evenings throughout the summer as the Waterfront springs to life with music and entertainment. Throughout the season, performances can cover a wide range of styles, from jazz to rock, R&B to blues, Latin to island music, and even a special children’s performance. Please call or visit the park for updated performance schedule. All shows start at 6 pm and run about 1-1 ½ hours. All ages; FREE
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Summer Concert Series
ARTS ON THE WATERFRONT
CMYK / .ai
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PPC PR PA 2/15
Produced by The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County, Natural and Historical Resources Division.
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.
BATTLE OF BLADENSBURG VISITOR CENTER: Seasonal Hours. Please call for information.
OFFICE HOURS: Open Daily, 9 am–5 pm
PARK HOURS: Open daily from sunrise to sunset.
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.
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4601 Annapolis Road, Bladensburg, Maryland 20710 Information: 301-779-0371; TTY 301-699-2544 www.pgparks.com
BLADENSBURG WATERFRONT PARK Riverdale, MD Permit #1083
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