2019 Bladensburg Waterfront Park Calendar of Events

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

BLADENSBURG Waterfront Park

2019 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Remembering Captain John If you have been on a boat tour at Bladensburg Waterfront Park sometime in the past decade, it is likely you went out with boat operator John Reis. “Captain John” (as he was affectionately called around the park) dutifully ran the pontoon boat tours up and down the Anacostia River, educating countless schoolchildren and adults alike on the history, wildlife, and challenges/ improvements to our local waterway. If he was not behind the wheel of a boat, you could often find him in his toolshed, fixing canoes or kayaks, rigging rods and reels for his next fishing program, updating park signs, or tinkering on any number of other projects.

Visitor Information

This past December, Captain John sadly passed away, leaving behind a huge legacy and a void on our staff that will be impossible to fill. He was one of the hardest working people on our team, a personable and valuable colleague to all of us. He could fix anything, kept the office atmosphere bustling and fun, and the impact that he made on Bladensburg Waterfront Park will not be forgotten. If you have any stories about Captain John, please share them with our staff on your next visit to 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. 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, tricycles, or paddle boats. Rentals are available from April–October. Weekday rentals are from 9am-3pm, with equipment return by 4pm. Weekend rentals are from 9am-4pm , with equipment return by 5pm. 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

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.. 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.

Life & Earth Science n Animal

Characteristics & Adaptations Systems & Geology n Go Green with Rock the Bike n Natural Resources: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle & Conservation n Patterns of the Galaxy n Water & You n Weather & The Climate n Wetlands & the Chesapeake Bay n Earth

Social Studies n Battle

of Bladensburg & The War of 1812 American Life n Investigation Transportation n Native

Outdoor Classroom n Guided

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, July 6, 6-9:30 pm (Rain Date: Sunday, July 7, 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 Sponsored by the Port Towns Shopping Center at Colmar Manor 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 7 Spanglish Latin American Band Latin, Salsa July 14 Ron Hicks Project Blues, Rock, Jazz July 21 Sharon Thomas & Da Juke Joint Jazz, Funk, R&B July 28 Brent & Co. Rock, Country Aug 4 The Players Band Ska, Rock, Reggae

Waterfront Art Festival Saturday, September 7, 12 noon-6 pm 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 Children’s Imagination Station! Live music from Fast Eddie & the Slowpokes (rock & roll) and The Exclusives (Motown, dance cover) plus art workshops and demonstrations, free boat tours, tasty food, and more! All ages; FREE (fees for food and some activities)

Celebrate Africa Festival Sunday, September 8, 12 noon-6 pm Revel in the rich sights, sounds, food, art, fashion, music and culture of Africa, as the park transforms into an African marketplace with musicians, artists and cuisine from Senegal to Somalia! All ages; FREE (fees for food and some activities)

Port Towns Day Saturday, September 21, 12 noon–7 pm (Rain Date: Saturday, October 5) Our biggest event of the year, and an annual favorite! 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: 5K Walk for the Homeless Saturday, November 17, 10 am–1 pm 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

community events | 3

Community Events

Bladensburg Fireworks Celebration

Camp/ Fitness Programs

Nature Summer Camps Two 1-Week Sessions: August 12-16 (ages 8-10) & August 19-23 (ages 11-12) 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. Camps run from Monday to Friday, 9 am-4:30 pm with optional AM and PM care.

Camp 1-Week: $170 (R); $220 (NR)

AM/PM Care:

$14 (R); $18 (NR)

Aug 12-16: Wetland Wanderers (ages 8-10), Activity #16237-308A

AM Care: 11204-308A PM Care: 11204-308B Aug 19-23: Outdoor Explorers (ages 11-12), Activity #16235-308B

AM Care: 11204-308C PM Care: 11204-308D

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

Bike to Work Day Friday, May 17, 7-9 am Bike to work and swing by the trails at Bladensburg Waterfront Park for giveaways, snacks, and trail information. Our pit stop will be located near the red caboose, at the start of the Anacostia River Trail. Sponsored by Commuter Connections and the Washington Area Bicyclist Association.

All ages; FREE

Yoga in

the

Parks

Wednesdays, May 29-August 28, 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.

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 #

Jun 22, 10-11 am

Kids’ Rocking Boat Ride

$5 (R)/$7 (NR)

22643-408D

Jul 21, 11 am-2 pm

Arboretum Trip (Self-guided)

$5 (R)/$7 (NR)

22643-408A

Aug 24, 10-11 am

Battle of Bladensburg/1812

$5 (R)/$7 (NR)

22643-408C

Oct 6, 11 am-2 pm

Arboretum Trip (Self-guided)

$5 (R)/$7 (NR)

22643-508A

Oct 25, 6-8 pm

Ghosts of Dueling Creek

$7 (R)/$10 (NR)

22643-508B

Oct 26, 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 Apr 28 May 26 Jun 30 Jul 28

ACTIVITY # 22626-208A 22626-208B 22626-408A 22626-408B

DATE Aug 25 Sept 29 Oct 20

ACTIVITY # 22626-408C 22626-508A 22626-508B

anacostia river boat tours | 5

Anacostia River Boat Tours

Anacostia River Excursions

Family & Senior Events

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

ACTIVITY #

Apr 15, 10-11:30 am

Senior Bike & Trike

$3 (R)/$4 (NR)

22502-208A

Apr 15, 7-8:30 pm

Earth & Climate Change event

Free to Register

20601-208D

Apr 26, 6:30-8 pm

Family Campfire

$3 (R)/$4 (NR)

22615-208C

May 17, 8-9 pm

Night Vision Hike

$5 (R)/$7 (NR)

22636-208A

Jun 8, 10-11 am

Native Plant Walk

Free to Register

22651-408A

Jun 9, 10 am-12 noon

Bike to the Aquatic Gardens

$5 (R)/$7 (NR)

22652-408A

Jun 15, 10 am-4 pm

River Paddle Hunt

$25 (R)/$33 (NR)

22655-408A

Jul 19, 7-9 pm

Riverfront Paint & Sip

$20 (R)/$26 (NR)

30409-408A

Aug 2, 8-9:30 pm

Night Vision Hike

$5 (R)/$7 (NR)

22636-408A

Aug 3, 10-11 am

Native Plant Walk

Free to Register

22651-408B

Sept 16, 10-11:30 am

Senior Bike & Trike

$3 (R)/$4 (NR)

22502-508A

Sept 28, 11 am-1p m

Cooks & Books

$7 (R)/$10 (NR)

20212-508A

Oct 4, 7-8:30 pm

Campfire/Puppet Show

$5 (R)/$7 (NR)

22615-508A

Nov 8, 6:30-7:30 pm

Family Campfire

$3 (R)/$4 (NR)

22615-508B

6 | family & senior events

At Bladensburg Waterfront Park, we are always thinking of new and fun ways to help you have fun and enjoy the outdoors! This year, we are excited to bring a few new programs to our community! Please check out the events below, and sign up if you see something exciting that piques your interest!

Single

and

Mingle

Select Sundays, 9:30 am-11:30 am 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. Enjoy paddling, boat tours, biking, and more. Improve your mood and increase your physical activity level while having fun socializing with others. Don’t miss these unique experiences! Ages 21 and up.

DATE & TIME

THEME

PRICE

ACTIVITY #

Jun 7, 7-8:30 pm

Kayaking

$10 (R)/$13 (NR)

20607-408A

Aug 2, 7-8 pm

Evening River Cruise

$5 (R)/$7 (NR)

20607-408B

Sept 13, 6:30-7:30 pm

Biking the Anacostia Trails

$5 (R)/$7 (NR)

20607-508B

Oct 19, 10 am-12 noon

Kayaking/Canoeing

$10 (R)/$13 (NR)

20607-508B

The Amazing Bladensburg Race: River Paddle Hunt Saturday, Jun 15, 10 am-4 pm (Start and finish at your own pace.)

Ready for riddles on the river? Find clues and solve puzzles as you paddle up and down the river. Enjoy being outdoors with your family in a canoe or a kayak and sharpen your mental fitness through this unique adventure in the fresh air. Sign up today to exercise, explore, learn, and win together. Preregister 48 hours in advance of the event to ensure your spot! Ages 4 and up. Fee includes boat rental.

Fee: Resident $25; Non-Resident $33 Activity #: 22655-408A

Sunset Paint and Sip Friday, July 19, 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 and up.

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

battle of bladensburg visitors center | 7

New Program Highlights

New Program Highlights

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 Apr 27 May 25 Jun 29 Jul 27 Aug 24 Sept 28

ACTIVITY #

22628-208A 22628-208B 22628-408A 22628-408B 22628-408C 22628-508A

Canoe Lessons / Saturdays, 10 am–1 pm FEE: Resident $25/person; Non-Resident $33/person Date May 11 Jul 13 Sept 14

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, National Arboretum, and more. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

DATE Jun 26, 7-8:30 pm Jul 24, 7-8:30 pm Sept 18, 7-8:30 pm

PRICE PER PERSON $10 (R)/$13 (NR) $10 (R)/$13 (NR) $10 (R)/$13 (NR)

ACTIVITY # 22640-408A 22640-408B 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.

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.

volunteer opportunities | 9

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.

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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 4/19