**PRESS ADVISORY**
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 5, 2022
Contact: Calista Black, 301-952-3038
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY PLANNING DEPARTMENT, BETTER BLOCK FOUNDATION, AND CREATIVE SUITLAND PARTNER ON CREATIVE PLACEMAKING SUITLAND INITIATIVE
UPPER MARLBORO, MD – The Prince George’s County Planning Department of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, the Dallas-based Better Block Foundation, and Creative Suitland, an arts and placemaking nonprofit, are partnering to bring to life the Suitland Regional Transit District and community vision for vibrant outdoor community spaces through a two-day placemaking demonstration called Placemaking Suitland. Scheduled for Friday, April 8 and Saturday, April 9, 2022, at the Creative Suitland headquarters, volunteers will transform a parking lot into an arts-filled plaza with vibrant sidewalk life. The pop-up event will feature arts, live music, performances, local vendors, community workshops, farmer’s market and more.
“Our department is proud of our collaboration with communities and government agencies to rethink and rebuild public spaces in Prince George’s County,” said Andree Green Checkley, Esq., Planning Director. “Guided by the County’s General Plan, Plan 2035, we are thrilled to support local center activation and to create vibrant spaces through community involvement.”
“We are so excited to be working with the Prince George’s County Planning Department, Creative Suitland, and the Suitland community,” says Kristin Leiber, Senior Project Manager of the Better Block Foundation. “This neighborhood has so many treasures, and many of them will be featured right here at Creative Suitland! A few adjustments to the sidewalk experience are going to change the perception of the outdoor space at Creative Suitland in a significant way: public art, outdoor furniture, spaces for vendors, opportunities to bring live music and performance outdoors to the community. We feel these changes will ignite a spark of creativity for iterations in the public realm that can continue long after the event is over.”
Participants will join in volunteer workshops involving mural painting, furniture assembly, and setup. Residents and members of the community are encouraged to sign up to volunteer through online registration: tinyurl.com/placemakingsuitland. The workshops will culminate in public events on Friday, April 8 from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, April 9 from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. All ages are welcome.
To learn more about Placemaking Suitland and other Prince George’s County Planning Department initiatives, visit https://www.mncppc.org/4927/Placemaking-Pilot-Projects. For more information, contact Calista Black at calista.black@mncppc.org or 301-952-3038.
About the Prince George’s County Planning Department
The Prince George’s County Planning Department of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is responsible for preserving, protecting, and managing the county’s resources through high-quality planning services and growth management guidance. Visit www.pgplanning.org to learn how you can become engaged in shaping the future of your community.
About the Better Block Foundation
Better Block Foundation is an urban design nonprofit that educates, equips, and empowers communities and their leaders to reshape and reactivate built environments to promote the growth of healthy and vibrant neighborhoods. Find out more by visiting www.betterblock.org.
About Creative Suitland
Creative Suitland, a partnership with the Revenue Authority of Prince George’s County, Maryland
and Joe’s Movement Emporium, is an arts-based, community development strategy to include
existing residents and businesses in defining the cultural and creative spirit of greater Suitland
area. Visit https://creativesuitland.org/ for more information.
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