Bladensburg Waterfront Park 2020 Calendar

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County, MD

BLADENSBURG Waterfront Park

2020 Calendar of Events

2020 Vision

VISITOR INFORMATION

Bladensburg Waterfront Park (BWP) is very excited as we look at our upcoming 2020 season!

This year, we embark on a multiyear project to make BWP a “signature sustainability site.” What that means is that we are looking at every facet of how we operate to see how we can lower our carbon footprint, zero out our energy, waste, and water use, and engage the public in the process! You may see a lot of construction, renovation, and installations happening to meet these goals. For example, we will soon have solar panels on our buildings to power the park, waste auditing to reduce what we collectively throw away, expanding our compost system for park-wide participation, and increasing our recycling of clean materials. You may also see native landscaping expand into our multitude of gardens and swale spaces, to better suit local wildlife and drain storm water underground and to the river. We also have plans to install a large storm water cistern to capture rain to help keep our gardens growing and wash our boat fleets. It is an exciting season of innovation and growth, and we are happy to have you join us! See you at the park!

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. 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. Weekday rentals are from 9 am-3 pm, with equipment return by 4 pm. Weekend rentals are from 9 am-4 pm, with equipment return by 5 pm. 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.

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Single Kayak: Resident $20/day;

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Non-Resident $26/day ■

Double Kayak & Canoe: Resident

$10/hour; Non-Resident $13/hour ■

$25/day; Non-Resident $33/day ■

Paddleboat & Rowboat: Resident $10/hour, $25/day; Non-Resident $13/hour, $33/day

Bicycle (helmet included): Resident Tricycle (helmet included): Resident $10/hour; Non-Resident $13/hour

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Fishing Rod: Resident $8/day; Non-Resident $11/day

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. Large groups 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.

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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 (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 mingling. Tables and chairs are provided. Public restrooms are available. Kitchen facilities are not available.

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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 Waterfront Studio is our newly renovated indoor rental space, available for parties, events, exhibits, and more formal gatherings. The capacity is 50 people with table and chairs and 60 people mingling. Tables and chairs are provided. Public restrooms are available. Kitchen facilities are not available.

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FEE: Resident $90/hour; Non-Resident $117/hour; As addon to existing pavilion rental: starting at $75/hour. Security Deposit: $100 (Security deposit is due at time of reservation.

Remaining balance is due 60 days prior to rental.)

RENTAL S

Equipment Rentals

SO CIAL S TUD IE S & S CIENCE PRO GR AMS

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.

Life & Earth Science

Social Studies

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Animal Characteristics & Adaptations

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Battle of Bladensburg & The War of 1812

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Earth Systems & Geology

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Native American Life

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Go Green with Rock the Bike

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Investigation Transportation

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Natural Resources: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle & Conservation

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Patterns of the Galaxy

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Water & You

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Outdoor Classroom ■

Guided Discovery Hikes & Scavenger Hunts

Weather & The Climate

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Outdoor Wetland Classroom

Wetlands & the Chesapeake Bay

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Ecological Systems & Field Sampling

Pricing At Bladensburg Waterfront Park (year-round; minimum $50 program fee) ■

$3 for schools/groups in Prince George’s or Montgomery County

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Add $2/person to include a standard boat tour to your field trip

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$4 for schools/groups in all other counties

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Add $3/person to include a standard boat tour to your field trip

At Your Location (November–March; minimum $65 program fee) ■

$4 for schools/groups in Prince George’s or Montgomery County

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$6 for schools/groups in all other counties

Saturday, July 4, 6-9:30 pm (Rain Date: Sunday, July 5, 6 pm) Celebrate Independence Day at the park, with music, food, face painting, and of course, a dazzling fireworks display! Organized and sponsored by the Town of Bladensburg.

All ages; FREE

Summer Concert Series: Arts at the Waterfront Sunday Evenings, 6 pm Bring your dinner and family to boogie with us on select Sunday evenings, as the waterfront springs to life with music and entertainment! All ages; FREE July 5

Eclipse International Band

Reggae, Soca

July 12 Grupo Quimbao Latin Band

Latin, Salsa

July 19 The Exclusives

Motown, Dance Cover

July 26 The Gayle Harrod Band

Blues, Soul

Aug 2

Jazz, R&B

Brian Cunningham Project

Waterfront Art Festival Saturday, September 12, 12 noon-6 pm Enjoy an afternoon of art and imagination amid the scenic atmosphere of an urban waterfront park!

This outdoor gallery and market will have extraordinary art from local artists: paintings, sculptures, jewelry, ceramics, photography, and a fun creative area for young and old alike! Live music from Ron Hicks Project (blues, rock) and The Wild Anacostias (Cajun, zydeco, blues) plus art workshops and demonstrations, free boat tours, tasty food and cold treats, and more!

All ages; FREE (fees for food and some activities)

Celebrate Africa Festival Sunday, September 27, time TBD Revel in the rich sights, sounds, food, art, fashion, music, and culture of Africa! Watch as the park transforms into an African marketplace with musicians, artists, and cuisine from throughout the continent, from Senegal to Somalia!

All ages; FREE (fees for food and some activities)

Earth Day Clean Up & Celebration Saturday, October 3, 9 am–12 noon Sponsored by Anacostia Watershed Society Join over 2,000 volunteers to help clean up at sites along the Anacostia River. For more information or to register, visit anacostiaws.org/ All ages; FREE

Festival del RĂ­o Anacostia Saturday, October 10, 11 am-4 pm Come celebrate the Anacostia River watershed and the ways in which the Hispanic communities of metropolitan Washington enjoy and protect the Anacostia and surrounding ecosystems. The Festival offers family-friendly recreation and educational activities about the environment and sustainability.

All ages; FREE (fees for food and some activities)

COMMUNIT Y E VENT S

Bladensburg Fireworks Celebration

C AMP/ FITNE S S PRO GR AMS

Adventure Days: Kids’ Day Out Drop off your kids for a full day of 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. All program dates run 9 am-4:30 pm. Participants can be dropped off between 8-9:30 am. Program ends at 4:30 pm, and participants can be picked up between 4:30-6 pm.

DATE & TIME

AGES

PRICE

June 24

Ages 8-10

$40 (R)/$52 (NR)

19204-408A

July 8

Ages 11-13

$40 (R)/$52 (NR)

19601-408A

July 22

Ages 8-10

$40 (R)/$52 (NR)

19204-408B

August 5

Ages 11-13

$40 (R)/$52 (NR)

19204-408B

ACTIVITY #

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, paddle boats 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

Yoga in the Parks Wednesdays, May 27 - September 2, 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 PARKS DIRECT logo.

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 #

Jun 20, 10-11 am

Kids’ Rocking Boat Ride

$5 (R)/$7 (NR)

22643-408D

Jul 12, 11 am-2 pm

Arboretum Trip (Self-guided)

$5 (R)/$7 (NR)

22643-408A

Aug 22, 10-11 am

Battle of Bladensburg/1812

$5 (R)/$7 (NR)

22643-408C

Oct 4, 11 am-2 pm

Arboretum Trip (Self-guided)

$5 (R)/$7 (NR)

22643-508A

Oct 23, 6-8 pm

Ghosts of Dueling Creek

$7 (R)/$10 (NR)

22643-508B

Oct 24, 1-2 pm

Spooky River Tour

$5 (R)/$7 (NR)

22643-508C

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. Persons 16 & under must be accompanied by a registered adult.

Fee: Resident $10; Non-Resident $13

DATE

ACTIVITY #

DATE

ACTIVITY #

May 31

22626-208B

Aug. 30

22626-408C

June 28

22626-408A

Sept. 20

22626-508A

July 26

22626-408B

Oct. 18

22626-508C

ANACOS TIA RIVER B OAT TO UR S

Anacostia River Excursions

FAMILY & SENIOR E VENT S

Family & Senior Events From bikes to hikes, 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

May 16, 8:30-9:30 pm

Night Vision Hike

$5 (R)/$7 (NR)

22636-208A

Jun. 14, 10 am-12 pm

Bike to the Aquatic Gardens

$5 (R)/$7 (NR)

22652-408A

Jul. 17, 7-9 pm

Riverfront Paint & Sip (21+)

$20 (R)/$26 (NR)

30409-408A

Aug. 1, 10-11am

Native Plant Walk

FREE

22651-408B

Aug. 21, 8-9:30 pm

Night Vision Hike

$5 (R)/$7 (NR)

22636-408A

Sept. 21, 10-11:30 am

Senior Bike & Trike

$3 (R)/$4 (NR)

22502-508A

Oct. 2, 7-8 pm

Family Campfire

$3 (R)/$4 (NR)

22615-508A

Oct. 23, 6-8 pm

Ghosts of Dueling Creek

$7 (R)/$10 (NR)

22643-508B

Oct. 24, 1-2 pm

Spooky River Tour

$5 (R)/$7 (NR)

22643-508C

Nov. 7, 6:30-7:30 pm

Family Campfire

$3 (R)/$4 (NR)

22615-508B

ACTIVITY #

At Bladensburg Waterfront Park, we are always thinking of fun ways to help you have fun and enjoy the outdoors! Please check out the events below, and sign up if you see something exciting that piques your interest!

Single and Mingle Are you single and ready to mingle in the great outdoors? Explore nature and connect with new friends in this series of exciting, fresh air adventures.

Improve your mood and increase your physical activity level while having fun socializing with others. Don’t miss these unique experiences!

DATE & TIME

THEME

AGES

Jun. 19, 7-8:30 pm

Kayaking

18-30

$10 (R)/$13 (NR)

20607-408A

Jul. 10, 7-8 pm

Evening River Cruise

18-30

$5 (R)/$7 (NR)

20607-408B

Jul. 31, 7-8:30 pm

Kayaking

30+

$10 (R)/$13 (NR)

20607-408C

Aug. 14, 7-8 pm

Evening River Cruise

30+

$5 (R)/$7 (NR)

20607-408D

PRICE

ACTIVITY CODE

Learn Your Local History Take a step back in time with this twice-a-month series to see what life was like as a soldier in The Battle of Bladensburg or a sailor in the 19th century!

Try your hand at quill writing and write a letter to take with you! Find out why it is called Dueling Creek and why it was so… deadly. All programs are FREE and begin at 10 am. We encourage you to register online early!

DATE & TIME

THEME

May 20

1812: The Battle of Baltimore

18601-208G

Jun. 11

A Sailor’s Life in the 19th Century

18601-408A

Jun. 25

A Soldier’s Life in the 18th Century

18601-408B

Jul. 9

Quill Writing: Hands-On Letter Writing

18601-408C

Jul. 23

Dueling: From Disagreements to Death

18601-408D

Aug. 13

Joshua Barney: An American Hero Pt 1

18601-408E

Aug. 27

Joshua Barney: An American Hero Pt 2

18601-408F

ACTIVITY CODE

Riverfront Sunset Paint and Sip Friday, July 17, 7-9 pm Experience a paint and sip like never before! Mix your colors and blend your palette to paint the gorgeous sunset landscape of the Anacostia River. Bring your friends and creativity, and enjoy light refreshments and drinks at the waterfront. All instruction, paints, and supplies provided.

Please bring your own smock/apron as needed. Ages 21 & up.

Fee: Resident $20; Non-Resident $26 Activity Code: 30409-408A

PRO GR AM HIGHLIGHT S

Program Highlights

B OAT PRO GR AMS

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 #

May 23

22628-208B

Jun. 27

22628-408A

Jul. 25

22628-408B

Aug. 29

22628-408C

Sept. 26

22628-508A

Canoe Lessons / Saturdays, 10 am–1 pm FEE: Resident $25/person; Non-Resident $33/person DATE

ACTIVITY #

Jul. 11

22619-408A

Sept. 19

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, including the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, National Arboretum, and more.

Children under 16 must be accompanied by a registered adult.

DATE

TIME

PRICE

ACTIVITY #

Jun. 13

10 am-12 noon

$10 (R)/$13 (NR)

22640-408A

Aug. 15

10 am-12 noon

$10 (R)/$13 (NR)

22640-408B

Oct. 17

10 am-12 noon

$10 (R)/$13 (NR)

22640-508A

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.

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, scroll to the bottom, and click on the gray “Volunteers� button on the right.

2020 Anacostia River Clean-up Dates DATE

TIME

AGES

Sun, Jun. 21

9-11 am

18 & up

Thurs., July 2,

9-11 am

Ages 15 & up

Sat., Oct. 3

9 am-12 noon

All ages

VOLUNTEER OPP OR TUNITIE S

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.

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FOLLOW US ON: @pgparks @naturepgparks @pgparks @pgparksandrecreation @pgparksandrec @pgparksandrec

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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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For more information, please email Customer Service at customerservice@pgparks.com or call 301-699-2255; TTY 301-699-2544 for customers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability.

Our front desk staff has access to an over-the-phone interpretation service and can help in over 150 languages. Please ask for assistance when you call or visit us.

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.

PAMD 4/20