places to go dinosaur park
regional parks Cosca Regional Park 11000 Thrift Rd., Clinton, MD 20735 301-868-1397; TTY 301-203-6030 Picnic shelter/pavilion reservations: 301-699-2400; TTY 301-699-2544 Field permits: 301-446-6800; TTY 301-446-6802 Clearwater Nature Center: 301-297-4575 Tennis Bubble: 301-868-6462; TTY 301-446-6802 Boat House (summer only): 301-868-7561
13201 block of Mid-Atlantic Blvd., Laurel, MD 20708 Hours: daily, dawn to dusk Public programs the 1st & 3rd Saturdays of every month 301-627-7755; TTY 301-699-2544 Dinosaur Park is the site of fossil deposits from the Cretaceous Period (144 to 65 million years ago). Fossil bones of dinosaurs and plants can be found here under the direction of knowledgeable paleontologists. Interpretive signs tell the story of dinosaurs and early flowering plants and of the industrial history of the area. Educational programs available upon request. Call for more information.
dog parks
More than 690 acres. Developed facilities include: picnic areas/shelters, picnic pavilion, tram train, lighted & unlighted outdoor tennis courts, lake (for boating and fishing), boathouse, playgrounds, equestrian trail network, nature trail network, campsites, comfort stations, lighted softball fields, unlighted softball field, lighted baseball fields, Cosca Tennis Bubble (See page 19), and Clearwater Nature Center (See page 10). Athletic fields available by permit; picnic pavilion & some shelters also reserved by permit. The boathouse is located on the lake and houses a snack bar and paddleboat rentals. The boathouse is open Memorial Day weekend through mid-October. Thursday-Sunday, weekends only after Labor Day (weather permitting).
Walker Mill Regional Park 8840 Walker Mill Rd., District Heights, MD 20747 301-699-2400; TTY 301-699-2544 Field permits: 301-446-6800; TTY 301-446-6802 More than 470 acres. Facilities accessible from Walker Mill Road include: lighted baseball field, lighted softball field, lighted soccer/football field, tennis courts, basketball courts, play equipment, picnic area, open shelter, comfort station, and trail. Outdoor art sculpture on-site. Facilities accessible from Berry Lane include half basketball court, play equipment areas, and open shelter/picnic area.
Watkins Regional Park 301 Watkins Park Dr., Upper Marlboro, MD 20774 301-218-6700; TTY 301-218-6768 Picnic area reservations: 301-699-2400 Field & light permits: 301-446-6800 Campground permits: 301-218-6870 Old Maryland Farm: 301-218-6770 Seasonal historic Chesapeake carousel, train, mini-golf, refreshment depot: 301-218-6757 Tennis bubble & outdoor tennis: 301-218-6870 Watkins Nature Center: 301-218-6702 Regular summer hours will begin May 26, 2012. Reminder: rides may be closed during inclement weather. For more information, please call the number listed above.
Fairland Regional Park 13820 & 13950 Old Gunpowder Rd., Laurel, MD 20707 301-362-6060; TTY 301-362-6090 Tennis Bubble: 301-362-6060; TTY 301-362-6090 The Gardens Ice House: 301-953-0100; 410-792-4947; TTY 301-699-2544 Lighted field permits: 301-446-6800; TTY 301-446-6802
College Park Dog Park at Acredale Community Park 4300 Metzerott Rd., College Park Hours: dawn to dusk Membership required; $40/first dog; $30/second dog
More than 850 acres. Facilities include: Watkins Nature Center (See page 10), the Chesapeake Carousel (seasonal), Old Maryland Farm, miniature train (seasonal), snack vending (seasonal) miniature golf course (seasonal), lighted softball fields (permit required), practice softball field, lighted football/soccer field (permit required), outdoor basketball courts, lighted outdoor tennis courts, Watkins Tennis Bubble (See page 19), campsites, picnic areas with shelters, playgrounds, comfort stations, a paved, 1.7-mile circuitous hiker/biker trail, as well as miles of trail through deciduous forest.
College Park Dog Park is open for new members who would like to exercise and socialize their dogs. The half-acre area of the park is fenced for dogs to romp. For more information, or to join, write to the College Park Dog Park Association at P.O. Box 764, College Park, MD 20740 or visit www.cpdogpark.org.
Heurich Dog Park Corner of Nicholson and Ager Roads, Hyattsville, MD 20782 Hours: dawn to dusk Heurich Dog Park is a one-acre, fenced area for dogs to play off-leash with fellow canines. The park includes separate areas for large and small dogs. Future improvements will include a pavilion for shade, agility obstacles, and a drinking fountain. No membership required.
More than 150 acres in Prince George’s County. Developed facilities include: Fairland Sports and Aquatics Complex (gymnastics center, racquetball court, fitness center, Fairland Tennis Bubble, sand volleyball court, and 50meter indoor swimming pool), The Gardens Ice House (year round), lighted softball fields (reserved through the Sports, Health & Wellness Div. see p. 20), stormwater management demonstration project area, trails and play equipment.
12/ M-NCPPC, Summer 2012 Guide to Parks and Recreation
Skate Park Mount Rainier Skate Park 3700 Block 37th St. and Wells Ave. Mount Rainier, MD 20712 Hours: dawn to dusk Located within Mount Rainier Park, the skate park features a plaza design for beginner and intermediate skaters, as well as two raised plaza areas connected to steps, rails and ramps. Picnic tables and benches are next to the skate park. Visitors are encouraged to wear personal safety equipment at all times. Use of the facilities is at your own risk.