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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 19, 2022

Media Contact: Angel Waldron, 301-446-3311

Program contact: Megan Merchant, 301-277-0015

Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County, Announces Historical Film Drama

“The Bell Affair” at Publick Playhouse

Riverdale, MD – The Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County, part of The M-NCPPC, is proud to announce the Premiere of The Bell Affair at The Publick Playhouse. An animated documentary, the historical film drama tells the true story about the legal fight for freedom from enslavement by the Bell family. It will premiere on Thursday, June 2, 2002, at 7pm at The Publick Playhouse, 5445 Landover Rd, Cheverly, MD 20784.

The Bell Family was enslaved in Prince George’s County and Washington, DC during the early 19^th century. Their story is just one example of the courage displayed by thousands of enslaved Black individuals who fought for emancipation. The story is brought to life by a cast and crew across the U.S. as a response to the national reckoning with race and the need for stories of truth. The film is based on a true story from the book A Question of Freedom: The Families Who Challenged Slavery from the Nation’s Founding to the Civil War by William G. Thomas, III, which is the 2021-2022 Prince George’s County Reads featured book.

In the summer of 1835, a strike at the Washington Navy Yard fueled a citywide race riot. The U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Francis Scott Key, set out to prosecute abolitionist Reuben Crandall for libelous sedition and the intent to incite a slave revolt. Amid this political turmoil, Daniel Bell convinced Mary’s dying slaveholder, Robert Armstead, to emancipate Mary and the children. Two days later, Armstead died. His widow Susan Armstead refused to honor the Bells’ freedom, leading them to seize their own freedom on the Pearl.

This event is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council. The premiere is free, but a reservation is required. For tickets, visit www.joesmovement.org/the-bell-affair.

About the Department

The M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation delivers an award-winning park system through progressive, innovative leadership and a commitment to the community and the environment in Prince George’s County. For more on the Department of Parks and Recreation, visit www.pgparks.com and stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, PhotoShelter, and Instagram. The Department of Parks and Recreation encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities in all programs and services. Register at least a minimum of two weeks in advance of the program start date to request and receive a disability accommodation. 

About The Publick Playhouse

Known for its comfortable, inviting space and great acoustics, the Publick Playhouse is one of the best performing arts venues in the greater Washington, DC area. Since 1947, the richly historic Playhouse continues to serve as a popular venue for music and modern dance, musical theater, historical drama, educational programs, and monthly events for seniors. With its ornate sky scene and plush seating for 494, the theatre is one of the two surviving Art Deco theatres in Prince George’s County. https://pgparks.com/facilities/prince-georges-publick-playhouse.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 17, 2022

Media Contact: Angel Waldron, 301-446-3311

Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County Announces

Bermuda Grass Upgrade to Enterprise Golf Course

Riverdale, MD – The M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County is proud to announce its upcoming renovation to Enterprise Golf Course in Mitchellville, MD. From Memorial Day weekend to the end of July, the course will undergo an extensive upgrade to continue the Department’s commitment to improve playing conditions.

Growing Bermuda Grass and ensuring proper soil adhesion is necessary during the hottest months to enable the grass to spread and grow quickly. Benefits of the renovation include:

• More sustainable, environmentally friendly golf turf

• Less pesticide and fertilizer applications

• Latest and greatest golfing turf in the Mid-Atlantic region

• Improved course conditions and playing surface during peak times

• Fewer resources such as water, gas, electricity needed to maintain the course

Enterprise Golf Course and all short game practice facilities will be closed for renovation starting Friday, May 27.  However, the driving range and golf shop will be open every day during renovation from 9am-7pm. The tentative Grand Reopening for the course is Saturday, July 30. For more information and updates, visit  https://pgparks.com/5197/Course-Renovation-Updates.

About the Department

The M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation delivers an award-winning park system through progressive, innovative leadership and a commitment to the community and the environment in Prince George’s County. For more on the Department of Parks and Recreation, visit www.pgparks.com and stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The Department of Parks and Recreation encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities in all programs and services. Register at least a minimum of two weeks in advance of the program start date to request and receive a disability accommodation. 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 11, 2022

Media Contact: Angel Waldron, 301-446-3311

Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County Announces Pesticide-Free Parks

Riverdale, MD – The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County announces it has completed steps to make all 249 playgrounds, dog parks, and 132 of its parks now pesticide-free as a part of its mission to conserve and protect natural spaces and species.

The Department of Parks and Recreation is reducing its environmental impact by implementing more sustainable efforts and initiatives. After careful review of best practices, the Department has decreased the use of pesticides in its overall parks and increased the use of manual, mechanical and organic means to control pests. It will also reduce the number of ornamental landscape beds that can significantly decrease the need for pesticides.

In addition, the Department has launched a 48-hour pesticide pre-notification requirement for all pesticide applications on parkland that will be available on the new Integrated Pest Management & Sustainability website. The site will also have the list of parks that are pesticide free. Visit Integrated Pest Management Program and Pesticide Use (pgparks.com) for more details.

The Department reviews best practices for land management, along with effective organic options to implement pesticide reduction efforts in support of its Sustainability Plan. It recently launched Mission Zero – a long-term sustainability initiative that aims to reduce environmental footprint as close to zero as possible by 2040.

About the Department

The M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation delivers an award-winning park system through progressive, innovative leadership and a commitment to the community and the environment in Prince George’s County. For more on the Department of Parks and Recreation, visit www.pgparks.com and stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The Department of Parks and Recreation encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities in all programs and services. Register at least a minimum of two weeks in advance of the program start date to request and receive a disability accommodation. 

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