Spring 11 Masthead
Week of May 9, 2011
Fun in Your Community This Week!
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IN THIS ISSUE
Water safety
FREE, fun fitness programs for everyone
Fresh fruit, vegetables & more
Big Bubba's Fishing Rodeo
Pirate Fest
Folk and blues music
The Festival of Nations
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Envision Prince George's
Parks and Recreation live more, play more logoGreetings!

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission has lots for everyone to enjoy here in Prince George's County. Attend FREE water safety and fitness programs!  Shop at a farmers market. Go fish! Experience the life of a pirate. Purchase tickets to great concerts. Mark your calendars for the Festival of Nations or sign up to volunteer at the event. Explore the park system and enjoy the social, healthy, fun recreation programs and activities.


The Department of Parks and Recreation Marketing Team
Focus on fun, safe aquatics activities
inside pool swimming lessons In observance of National Water Safety Month, the Department of Parks & Recreation is hosting several FREE water safety events this month. These FREE programs include an interactive, aquatics education session, water safety programs, introductory swim lessons, a shallow water aerobics program, a learn-to-swim workshop and more. These programs will be offered at aquatics facilities throughout the county. For detailed information, read more here.
Try some FREE fitness programs
jump ropeIt's also National Fitness Month! Prince George's County families are encouraged to take part in FREE fitness activities throughout May at M-NCPPC parks and recreation venues throughout the County. Activities offered include FREE programs in aquatics, scenic walks, a Double-Dutch clinic, strength training, ZUMBA, kayaking, and health screenings. Flip through our online brochure and find new ways to get fit, manage stress, or learn a new sport! Click here, look for the entry that says National Fitness Month Free Fitness Program Booklet, and you can read through the list of events.
Shop and exercise
applesWhat a great time to attend a farmers market and spring yard sale! On Saturday, May 14, stop by Herbert Wells Ice Rink (College Park) between 7 am and 12 noon to purchase fresh vegetables, fruits and spring flowers. You just may find some hidden treasures at the yard sale. From 10-11 am enjoy a drop-in Zumba class for only $5; this popular, Latin-inspired, calorie-burning fitness program is great fun!  For more information call 301-277-3717.
Get the catch of the day
youths fishingFishing is a great way to get children outdoors to learn about nature and have fun. Let 'Big Bubba' and his friends teach your little anglers how to hook the 'big one' at Governor Bridge Natural Area (7600 Governor Bridge Road, Bowie). Big Bubba's Fishing Rodeo, for youth ages 5-10, will be held rain or shine on Saturday, May 14 from 9 am-12 noon. Enjoy fishing demonstrations, prizes & giveaways, and fun. Participants will receive a FREE fishing rod. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Fees are $5/resident and $6/non-resident. Register through the SMARTlink system for course # 457914. For more information, call 301-627-6074.
Yo ho, yo ho, is a pirate's life for you?
pirate festAhoy, matey! Ever dreamed about life on the high seas in the 18th century? Why did sailors swab the deck? Did they really walk the plank? Come to Pirate Fest at Darnall's Chance House Museum (Upper Marlboro) on Saturday, May 14 from 11 am-4 pm to find out. Pirate Fest features swashbuckling reenactors, hands-on children's activities, live music, a concessions stand, a children's pirate costume contest, a treasure hunt and more for wannabe pirates and landlubbers alike! The fee is $5/person and people of all ages will enjoy this program. For more information call 301-952-8010.
Attend great, live concerts
Phil WigginsThere's still time to purchase tickets for several upcoming concerts in Montpelier Arts Center's Folk and Blues Series. Phil Wiggins, a master of the blues harmonica and the Piedmont blues will perform on Friday, May 20 at 8 pm. Guitarist and folk and blues singer-songwriter Lea Morris will perform on Friday, May 27 at 8 pm. Pavilion 3 will blend a cultural crossroads of European Belgian, Celtic and French with world beat percussion at a concert on Friday, June 3 at 8 pm. Tickets are $20/person; $18/person for seniors and Montpelier members. Call 301-377-7800 for tickets and information. For those who didn't get tickets to Buckwheat Zydeco for Friday, May 13, there are still tickets for the Saturday, May 14 concert at Harmony Hall. Call 301-203-6070 for tickets.
The Festival of Nations - a cultural celebration
Festival of Nations LogoJoin us for the 2011 Festival of Nations to celebrate the cultural diversity of Prince George's County! Stop by Tucker Road Athletic Complex (1771 Tucker Road, Fort Washington) on Sunday, May 22 between 12 noon and 5 pm (rain or shine) for this terrific event. International food, crafts, customs and traditions will be featured. Enjoy performances, visual and performing arts, games, vendors, displays, exhibits, craft sales, and an exciting interactive children's area with character artists drawing, moon bounces and more. Admission is FREE; nominal fees charged for some activities and for concessions. Individuals (ages 15 & up) can volunteer at this event. Click here to register yourself or your group to volunteer. For information call 301-203-6000.
There's always something good going on in Prince George's County. Browse www.pgparks.com to find out what's happening and where. Sign up for classes and activities using the SMARTlink system. Or check out information on parks and trails, community centers, nature centers, sports and arts facilities, and more.
 
Questions? Contact our Customer Service Help Desk at 301-699-CALL(2255) or e-mail [email protected].
 
Have a great week!
The M-NCPPC Department of Parks and Recreation