The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County, MD
BLADENSBURG Waterfront Park
2018 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
2018: The Year of the Anacostia The Prince George’s County Council and DC Council have both declared 2018 as The Year of the Anacostia, and Bladensburg Waterfront Park is excited to be a part of the celebration! This year is a significant one for the river, including the 100th anniversary of Anacostia Park in Washington, D.C., the bicentennial of Frederick Douglas’s birth, the completion of the Anacostia River Tunnel that will help alleviate storm water pollution, and the festivities surrounding Major League Baseball’s 2018 All Star Game at Nationals Park this upcoming season. In addition to these milestones, Bladensburg Waterfront Park will be hosting plenty of fun programs, events, festivals, and tours up and down the Anacostia to celebrate the rich historic and exciting future for our treasured and important waterway. Please explore our 2018 Calendar of Events to see how you can join in with The Year of the Anacostia!
Visitor Information
On social media tag us #BladensburgWaterfrontPark #YearoftheAnacostia #MakeWaves
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 October 2016, the Anacostia River Trail opened for hikers and bikers, connecting the park and points north to Washington, D.C.
Rent single or tandem kayaks, canoes, rowboats, bicycles, tricycles or paddle boats. Rentals are available from April–October. Age restrictions apply. Please call for more information. Weekday rentals: 9 am–3 pm, with equipment returned by 4 pm Weekend rentals: 9 am – 4 pm, with equipment returned by 5 pm
Resident rates are for Prince George’s and Montgomery County Residents only. n
Canoe & Kayak: Resident $20/day; Non-Resident $26/day
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Paddleboat & Rowboat: Resident $10/hour, $25/day; Non-Resident $13/hour, $33/day
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Bicycle (helmet included): Resident $10/hour; Non-Resident $13/hour
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Tricycle (helmet included): Resident $10/hour; Non-Resident $13/hour
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Fishing Rod: Resident $8/day; Non-Resident $11/day (Bait not included)
Facility Rentals The Ropewalk Pavilion is available for rentals with 24 picnic tables and a maximum seated capacity of 150 people. All renters must have a ParksDirect account and complete a rental contract. Organized groups, 20 or more persons, or specialized functions (festivals and community events) must have permission or a reservation to use the pavilion. Alcoholic beverages and smoking are not permitted. All M-NCPPC park rules apply. Please 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 (all festivals and community events included)—Resident $800; Non-Resident $1,040 Security Deposit: $200 (Security deposit and rental balance are due at time of reservation.)
The Classroom is 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 $80/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
Equipment Rentals
Social Studies & Science Programs
School Curriculum Programs Bladensburg Waterfront Park offers science and social studies/history curriculum programs to grades PK–12 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 & Adaptations Cycles of Plants & Animals n Natural Resources: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle & Conservation n Nature & the Five Senses n Water & You n Weather & the Water Cycle n Wetlands & the Chesapeake Bay 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
Outdoor Exploration n Discovery
Hikes & Scavenger Hunts Wetland Classroom n Ecological Systems & Field Sampling n Outdoor
Pricing At Bladensburg Waterfront Park (year-round; minimum $50 program fee) n $3 for schools/groups in Prince George’s or Montgomery County Add $2/person to include a standard boat tour to your field trip n $4 for schools/groups in all other counties Add $3/person to include a standard boat tour to your field trip At Your Location (November–March; minimum $65 program fee) n $4 for schools/groups in Prince George’s or Montgomery County n $6 for schools/groups in all other counties
2 | social studies & science programs
Saturday, April 21, Cleanup 9 am–12 noon Sponsored by Anacostia Watershed Society Join 2000+ volunteers to help clean up at sites along the Anacostia River. For more information or to register, visit anacostiaws.org/ earthday2018/; FREE
Waterfront Art Festival Saturday, May 19, 12 noon–6 pm (Rain date: Sunday, May 20) Sponsored by Collective Grounds (sounds and production) Amid the scenic atmosphere of an urban waterfront park, enjoy an afternoon of art and imagination! This outdoor gallery and market will have extraordinary art from local artists: paintings, sculptures, jewelry, ceramics, photography, and a fun Kids Creative Zone! Live music from The Kim Reynolds Quartet (jazz) and The Crawdaddies (blues rock/zydeco) plus art workshops and demonstrations, free boat tours, tasty food, and more! All ages; FREE (fees for food and some activities)
Summer Concert Series: Arts at the Waterfront Sunday Evenings in July, 6 pm Sponsored by the Port Towns Shopping Center at Colmar Manor Bring your dinner and family to boogie with us on Sunday evenings in July, as the waterfront springs to life with music and entertainment! All ages; FREE July 1 Brian Cunningham Project Jazz, R&B July 8 Grupo Quimbao Latin Band Latin, Salsa July 15 Fast Eddie & the Slowpokes Rock & Roll, Blues July 22 Eclipse International Band Reggae, Caribbean July 29 The Exclusives Motown, Dance Cover
Port Towns Day Saturday, September 15, 12 noon– 7 pm Co-sponsored by M-NCPPC and the Towns of Bladensburg, Colmar Manor, Edmonston and Cottage City Our biggest event of the year and an annual favorite! Enjoy music, prizes, food, crafts, vendors and other activities. All ages; FREE
Teens & Jeans Walk-a-Thon for the Homeless Saturday, November 17, 10 am Bring clean, gently worn jeans of all sizes for those in need. Walk the Anacostia Tributary Trail System and help bring awareness to hunger and homelessness. Enjoy live entertainment and refreshments. All ages; FREE
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Community Events
Earth Day Clean Up
Camp/ Fitness Programs
Explorer Summer Camps Two 1-Week Sessions: June 18–22 (ages 8–10) & June 25–29 (ages 11–13) Monday–Friday, 9 am–4:30 pm with optional AM and PM care Explore the best of Bladensburg Waterfront Park and the river! From biking to boating, hiking to paddling, engage with nature in a fun and exciting way. Camp 1-Week $170 (R); $220 (NR)
AM/PM Care $14 (R); $18 (NR)
June 18–22
Explorers Camp (ages 8-10), Activity Code # 16225-308A AM Care: 11204-308A PM Care: 11204-308B
June 25–29
Explorers Camp (ages 11-13), Activity Code # 16625-308A AM Care: 11603-308A PM Care: 11603-308B
Fitness in the Parks: Bootcamp Tuesdays, March 20– May 22, 6:30–7:30 pm Come and join us for a high intensity, personal training style workout specifically designed to build strength and increase endurance. Program meets near the playground. Ages 13 & up; FREE
Senior Mondays Mondays, May through September, 9 am–12 noon Are you Prince George’s/Montgomery County Resident who is 60 years old or better? Come enjoy a single free rental of your choice. 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 residency and age. Ages 60 & up; FREE
Bike to Work Day Friday, May 18, 7–9 am Bike to work and swing by the trails at Bladensburg Waterfront Park for giveaways, snacks, and trail information. Sponsored by Commuter Connections and the Washington Area Bicyclist Association. All ages; FREE
Yoga in
the
Parks
Wednesdays, May 30–August 29, 7–8 pm 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. Bring your water bottle and yoga mat/towel. Program meets near the playground. 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 ParksDirect logo. 4 | camp/fitness programs
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
ACTIVITY #
May 5, 10–11 am
Kids Rocking Boat Ride
$5 (R)/$7 (NR)
22643-208A
May 25, 7–8:30 pm
Live Jazz
$10 (R)/$13 (NR)
22636-208B
Jun 10, 11 am–2 pm
Arboretum Trip (Self-guided)
$5 (R)/$7 (NR)
22643-408A
Jul 20, 7–8:30pm
Relaxing Rhythms on the River
$10 (R)/$13 (NR)
22643-408B
Aug 25, 10–11am
Battle of Bladensburg/1812
$5 (R)/$7 (NR)
22643-408C
Sept 9, 11 am–2 pm
Arboretum Trip (Self-guided)
$5 (R)/$7 (NR)
22643-508A
Oct 26, 6–8 pm
Ghosts of Dueling Creek
$7 (R)/$10 (NR)
22643-508B
Oct 27, 1–2 pm
Spooky River Tour
$5 (R)/$7 (NR)
22643-508B
Standard Interpretive Boat Tours Come aboard our pontoon boat for an interpretive river boat tour of the scenic Anacostia River! Tours are open to the public (individuals, families, and friends). Groups must call to schedule a private boat tour. Boat tour tickets are sold at the park office the day of the tour. Limited seating is available for pre-purchase by calling the park office during the week of the scheduled tour. All ages welcome. Persons 16 & under must be accompanied by an adult. All passengers must wear a life vest, which is issued before boarding. Boat tours may be canceled due to inclement weather or other park programming. WEEKDAY BOAT TOURS
Thursdays & Fridays, from April to October, 12 noon* Fee: $2 (R); $3 (NR) EVENING BOAT TOURS
Saturdays & Sundays, April to October, 5 pm* Fee: $2 (R); $3 (NR) GROUPS OF 10 OR MORE people, businesses, and other organizations must schedule a private boat tour. Additional fees may apply.
* Boat season start and end dates are subject to change based on weather conditions and temperatures.
Fishing Trip Select Sundays, 9:30 am–11:30 am Come experience a morning of fishing off our pontoon boat down the Anacostia River. Fishing rods, bait, and basic instruction provided. You may also bring your own rod. Participants age 16 and up must have a valid Maryland fishing license. Ages 8 & up Fee: $10 (R); $13 (NR) DATE April 29 May 27 June 24
ACTIVITY # 22626-208A 22626-208B 22626-408A
DATE July 29 August 26 September 30
ACTIVITY # 22626-408B 22626-408C 22626-508A
anacostia river boat tours | 5
Anacostia River Boat Tours
Anacostia River Excursions
Family & Senior Events
Family & Senior Events From bikes to hikes, puzzles to puppets, campfires to cooking, there is something for everyone to do at the park throughout the year! Bring your family, young and old, for some of the fun programs below. For all biking events, bikes, helmets, and other supplies are provided, or you may choose to bring your own bike to enjoy the tour. Some programs have age restrictions, so check pgparks.com or call us at 301-779-0371 for more information. DATE & TIME
THEME
PRICE
ACTIVITY #
Mar 23, 6:30–8 pm
Family Campfire
$3 (R)/$4 (NR)
22615-208C
Mar 31, 12–3 pm
Prehistoric Party: Dino Day
$3 (R)/$4 (NR)
20601-208B
Apr 6, 5–7 pm
Pizza & Puzzles
$5 (R)/$7 (NR)
26608-208C
Apr 13, 7:30–8:30 pm
Night Vision Hike
$5 (R)/$7 (NR)
22636-208A
Apr 14, 11 am–1 pm
Cooks & Books
$5 (R)/$7 (NR)
20212-208D
Apr 22, 1–3 pm
Senior Bike & Trike
$5 (R)/$7 (NR)
22502-208A
May 13, 1–3 pm
Kids Bike Tour
$5 (R)/$7 (NR)
22211-208C
Jun 4, 9:30–11 am
Senior Trike the Trails
FREE
Call to Register
Jun 16, 10–11 am
Native Plant Walk
$3 (R)/$4 (NR)
22651-408A
Jul 14, 10 am–1 pm
Bike to Lily & Lotus Fest
$5 (R)/$7 (NR)
22652-408A
Aug 11, 10–11 am
Native Plant Walk
$3 (R)/$4 (NR)
22651-408B
Aug 24, 7:30–8:30 pm
Bat/Beaver Night Vision Walk
$5 (R)/$7 (NR)
22641-408A
Sept 7, 6:30–8 pm
Back to School Family Biking
$5 (R)/$7 (NR)
22652-508A
Sept 10, 9:30–11 am
Senior Trike the Trails
FREE
Call to Register
Sept 22, 11 am–1 pm
Cooks & Books
$5 (R)/$7 (NR)
20212-508A
Sept 28, 7–8:30 pm
Campfire/Puppet Show
$5 (R)/$7 (NR)
22615-508A
Oct 6, 11–12 pm
Native Plant Walk
$3 (R)/$4 (NR)
22651-508A
Oct 12, 6:30–7:30 pm
Bat/Beaver Night Vision Walk
$5 (R)/$7 (NR)
22641-508A
Nov 9, 6:30–7:30 pm
Family Campfire
$3 (R)/$4 (NR)
22615-508B
6 | family & senior events
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Bladensburg Visitors Center
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 or to schedule a program, call 301-779-0371 or 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
Sign up for the Battle of Bladensburg/War of 1812 Boat Tour on Saturday, August 25 at 10 am! For more information, check out the Anacostia River Excursions on page 5.
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Battle of Bladensburg Visitors Center
Battle
Boat Programs
Kayak & Canoe Lessons Learn paddling skills from a certified instructor. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration suggested by the Thursday before the lesson. Minimum 4 participants for classes to run. Please bring a snack/lunch and water bottle. Hat and sunscreen are also highly recommended. To register, visit pgparks.com and click on the PARKS DIRECT logo. Ages 11 & up Kayak Lessons / Saturdays, 10 am–1 pm FEE: Resident $25/person; Non-Resident $33/person DATE ACTIVITY # April 28 22628-208A May 26 22628-208B June 23 22628-408A July 28 22628-408B August 25 22628-408C September 29 22628-508A Canoe Lessons / Saturdays, 10 am–1 pm FEE: Resident $25/person; Non-Resident $33/person DATE May 12 July 7 September 8
ACTIVITY # 22619-208A 22619-408A 22619-508A
River Paddle 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, Dueling Creek, Bladensburg Wetlands, and more. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. DATE
PRICE PER PERSON
ACTIVITY#
June 8, 7–8:30 pm August 3, 7–8:30 pm
$10 (R)/$13 (NR) $10 (R)/$13 (NR)
22640-408A 22640-408B
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 PARKS DIRECT logo.
8 | boat programs
There are many opportunities to volunteer at Bladensburg Waterfront Park. Adult volunteers can assist with a number of projects and programs, while teen volunteers can lend a hand and earn service-learning hours toward graduation. 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, scroll to the bottom, and click on the gray “Volunteers� button on the right.
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Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer Opportunities
BLADENSBURG WATERFRONT PARK 4601 Annapolis Road, Bladensburg, MD 20710 Information: 301-779-0371; TTY 301-699-2544 pgparks.com outdoors.pgparks.com 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. Find us on Facebook Badge
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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.
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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. PC PR PA 3/18