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1. How are all those parks and recreation facilities developed?

Professional staff of Maryland-National Capital Parks and Planning Commissions' (M-NCPPC) Department of Parks and Recreation manage the planning, capital funding, land acquisition, engineering, design, and construction management functions involved in bringing new parks and recreation facilities to the public. Park land is acquired through the M-NCPPC capital improvement, grants, mandatory dedication, and surplus property programs.

2. What is the difference between the Planning Department and the Park Planning and Development Division of the Department of Parks and Recreation?

The Planning Department preserves and protects the county's resources by providing land planning services and reviewing proposals for private land development. Their mission includes planning for public facilities (roads, schools, libraries, police stations), and protecting the physical environment.

The Park Planning and Development Division of the Department of Parks and Recreation is involved with the planning to manage and develop the county’s public parkland. Our mission includes determining parkland acreage and recreational facility needs, where parks and facilities should be located, and how parks should be developed or protected. The division acquires property and develops it for recreational or conservation purposes.

3. Is there a park in my community?

Prince George's County has more than 27,000 acres of parkland. Approximately one third has been developed to provide active and passive recreation opportunities. It is very likely that there is a park facility in or near you. The Department of Parks and Recreation publishes hiker/biker trail maps and guides to the many historic, arts and cultural sites that are part of the park system. You can call us at 301-699-2255 or 301-699-2544 (for Teletypewriter) to tell us where you live and what your interests are. We'll help you find a park or recreation facility near you.

4. How do you decide where to put new parks?

When plans are developed for an area of the county, future needs for public facilities such as parks, libraries, and fire stations are identified during the process to formulate land use plans or functional master plans. When suitable properties are offered for sale or proposed for development, the Department of Parks and Recreation tries to acquire land as recommended in the master plans.

The Department has its own acquisition staff that specializes in acquiring parkland. In recommending park sites to purchase, park planning staff is guided by guidelines and recommendations in the Formula 2040, Prince George’s County Land Preservation, Parks and Recreation Plan and the master plans.

When land is not available for purchase, the Department will work with other local public agencies to use their facilities or lands. Partnerships have been formed with the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, the county school system, and state agencies to provide recreational opportunities where the Department does not own land.

5. As a Prince George's County resident, how do I request funding for a new park or for the renovation of facilities in an existing park?

Learn how to request funding for a park or facility by visiting the Capital Improvement Program page.

6. How long does it take to design and construct a new park or recreation facility?

Learn about parks and facilities' average project timeline.

7. Are all recreation buildings in the park and recreation system in Prince George's County required to provide access to and be usable by people with disabilities?

As of January 1999, all new recreational facilities are "ADA compliant." This means the facilities that are designed and constructed by the Department of Parks and Recreation must comply with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). ADA compliance is mandatory and a building permit for new construction will only be approved if the plan meets ADA requirements. If the drawings do not meet ADA standards, it's "back to the drawing board!" During construction, inspectors will take measurements to insure compliance. If something is not built to compliance, the contractor will be required to re-do the work.

The Department has been going through its older facilities with the goal of making all of the facilities compliant with the new ADA regulations. A major survey of Maryland-National Capital Parks and Planning Commission buildings was undertaken by consultants and funding to make the buildings code-compliant was placed in the Capital Improvement Program.

8. As an interested contractor or bidder, how do I learn about the Department's design and development projects?

Maryland-National Capital Parks and Planning Commission provides information about how to do business with the Commission. For projects whose value is greater than $25,000, notice and invitations to bid are published in the Washington Post, Afro-American, The Examiner, and Dodge Report.

Bid opportunities also are listed online, and summary information for projects may be listed on this website. If you would like information on the status of a project, call 301-699-2481, 301-699-2517, or visit the Bid Opportunites page.