Bladensburg Waterfront Park4601 Annapolis Road, Bladensburg, MD 20710

DIRECTIONS: From the Capital Beltway, take Kenilworth Avenue (Rt. 201) south, and exit at Route 450 west/Bladensburg. Turnleft 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.

PARK HOURS: Open daily from sunrise to sunset.

OFFICE HOURS: Monday–Friday, 8:30 am–5 pm

BATTLE OF BLADENSBURG VISITOR CENTER: Daily, 10 am–4 pm

PHONE: 301-779-0371; TTY 301-699-2544

The Department of Parks and Recreation encourages and supports the participationof individuals with disabilities. Register at least a minimum of two weeks in advanceof the program start date to request and receive a disability accommodation.

Produced by The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, De-partment of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County, Natural and HistoricalResources Division. PPC PR PA 3/13 2013 Calendar of Events

www.pgparks.com

BladensburgWaterfront Park

Bladensburg Waterfront Park

Visitors to the Bladensburg Waterfront Park will find a picturesque park in an urban setting. The park

is open daily from sunrise to sunset. It is nestled among the Port Towns of Bladensburg, Colmar

Manor, Edmonston and Cottage City, Maryland. It provides a unique recreational, natural and

historical resource for visitors and residents. The park, formerly known as the Bladensburg Marina, is located

on the Anacostia River, east of the Peace Cross Memorial. This Waterfront Park features a paved riverside

walk, picnic pavilion, public fishing pier, free boat ramp, free pontoon boat tours, community boat storage,

and canoe, kayak, paddleboat, and rowboat rentals. Visit the Battle of Bladensburg Visitor Center or take a

walk on the Anacostia River Trail.

History of Bladensburg Waterfront Park

In 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 com-

mercial 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 walk-

way, 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 pedes-

trian bridge linking Bladensburg and Colmar Manor was completed, connecting

hiker-biker trails on both sides of the river.

George Washington House (top) and Market Master’s House (bottom)

Battle of Bladensburg Visitor CenterHours: Daily, 10 am– 4 pm

The Visitors Center is located along the

Anacostia River near the site of the Battle of

Bladensburg in the War of 1812. This

devastating American loss allowed the British to

proceed into Washington, D.C. where many govern-

ment buildings were burned

including the U.S Capitol and

The White House. The Center

uses photos, artifacts and other

media and a film to tell the

fascinating story of the people,

places and events of the battle in Prince George’s

County. Historical and archeological artifacts from

the British troop encampments of Nottingham are

displayed along with narrative historical accounts.

The Battle of Bladensburg Visitor Center offers

programs and activities for all ages.

� Discussions and Lectures

� Historical and Living History

Demonstrations

� Scheduled Interpretive

Historical Pontoon Boat Tours

� School Curriculum Programs

� Special Guest Speakers

� Young Historians Club

For more information, please

call 301-927-8819 or visit

www.pgparks.com

CommunityEvents/ProgramsA-May-Zing Animal FestSaturday, May 18, 12 noon–4 pmBring the entire family to enjoy this exciting event featuringbirds of prey, reptiles, farm animals, a puppet show, foodvendors, arts & crafts and much more! All ages; FREE

Open House on the WaterfrontSaturday, May 25, 9 am–3 pmCo-sponsored by M-NCPPC and Ladders-N-Things,enjoy a free, fun day in the park. Enjoy free refresh-ments and learn basic fishing and canoe paddlingtechniques. All necessary materials provided. FREE� Canoeing: 9–11 am� Fishing: 9–11 am� Pontoon Boat Tour: 12 noon� Canoe Races: 1–3 pm

Caribbean Heritage FestivalSaturday, June 1, 12 noon–8 pmHosted by the Caribbean Council of Prince George’sCounty, experience “A Taste of the Caribbean.” Enjoy liveperformances, delicious food, craft vendors, free boat rides,“pon de river” and more. All ages; FREE

Arts on the Waterfront Sundays, June 16–August 4, 6–7:30 pmJoin us when the Waterfront springs to life with music andentertainment—jazz, R&B, reggae, dance, blues, rock and apuppet show. Refreshments available for purchase. FREE

Arts on the Waterfront Grand Finale Sunday, August 4, 2–8 pmEnjoy live Zouk/Island music, entertainment, food vendors, crafts and more. All ages; FREE

Port Towns DaySaturday, September 21, 12 noon–9 pmRain Date: October 5Co-sponsored by M-NCPPC and the Towns ofBladensburg, Colmar Manor, Edmonston andCottage City. Enjoy music, prizes, food, crafts,vendors and other activities. FREE

Teens & Jeans for the Homeless Walk-a-ThonSaturday, November 23, 10 am–2 pmWalk the Anacostia River Trail and help bring awareness tohomelessness. Enjoy a marching band, live entertainmentand refreshments. Bring clean, gently worn jeans of all sizesfor those in need. All ages; FREE

FEE STRUCTURE: Residents are persons living withinPrince George’s and Montgomery Counties. Non-residentsare persons living outside Prince George’s and Mont-gomery Counties. Life vests are provided. Reservationsare required for all boating programs and lessons.To register, visit www.pgparks.com and click on theSMARTlink logo.

MARYLAND BOATING SAFETY CLASSSaturday & Sunday, March 9 & 10 or April 13 & 14, 8:30 am–1 pmAges 12 & up. FEE: $25/person Earn your Certificate of Boating Safety Education.

KAYAK & CANOE LESSONSLearn paddling skills from a certified instructor. Persons 16 & under must be accompanied by an adult.Ages 11 & up. FEE: Resident $25; Non-Resident $30

� Kayak Lessons: Saturdays, April 27, June 8, July 27, September 28 & October 26, 10 am–2 pm

� Canoe Lessons: Saturdays, May 11, July 13 & September 14, 10 am–2 pm

PADDLE SPORT TOURS Saturdays, June 22, July 20 & August 10, 10 am–2 pmJoin a naturalist for a paddling excursion in a kayak or canoe to the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. Persons 16 & under must be accompanied by an adult. FEE: Resident $10; Non-Resident $12

FREE FAMILY SUNDAYS Sundays, June 23, July 28, August 25, September 22 & Oc-tober 27 Enjoy a FREE, one-hour canoe, kayak or paddle boatrental. An M-NCPPC Health &Wellness Initiative

Boating Programs

BladensburgWaterfront Park2013 Calendar of Events

Boat RentalsBOAT RENTAL HOURS & RATESOur fleet of small crafts is available daily May–October. Rentsingle or tandem kayaks, canoes, rowboats or paddle boats. Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 am–3 pm; Saturday & Sunday, 10 am–5 pm

� Canoe & Kayak Rates: Resident $16/day; Non-Resident $20/day

� Paddleboats & Rowboat Rates: Resident $8/hour, $20/day; Non-Resident $9/hour, $26/day

� Fishing Rods: Resident $5; Non-Resident $6

RENTAL FACILITIESTHE ROPEWALK PAVILION is available for rentals. It has 18 picnic tables and a capacity for a maximum of 100people. All renters must have a SMARTlink account and complete a contract. Full payment plus the deposit is duewith the reservation. Large groups or specialized functionsmust have permission or a reservation to use the pavilion. Al-coholic beverages, and outside grilling are not permitted. M-NCPPC park rules apply. Call for more information. FEE: Resident $200; Non-Resident $250; 9 am–6 pm, Daily;Security deposit: $100. Additional fees may apply.

CLASSROOM RENTALS are available for meetings, birthday parties and other small functions. The capacity is40 people with table and chairs; and 50 people auditorium-style seating. Kitchen facilities are not available. FEE: Resident $60/hour; Non-Resident $78/hour; plus $100 security deposit

WATERFRONT BIRTHDAY PARTY PACKAGEAvailable Tuesday–Sunday, 12 noon–3 pmThe package includes a 3-hour classroom rental and a pontoon boat ride. FEE: Resident $120; Non-Resident $155; plus $100 security deposit

THE COMMUNITY BOATHOUSE rents storage spaces forcanoes, kayaks and rowing shells to individuals and teams.Monthly rates are based on boat length: $1.60/foot (in-doors); $1.40/foot (outdoors)

FEE STRUCTURE: Residents are persons living withinPrince George’s and Montgomery Counties. Non-residentsare persons living anywhere outside Prince George’s andMontgomery Counties. Reservations are required for allprograms. To register, visit www.pgparks.com and click on the SMARTlink logo.

� Nature OutingTuesday, April 2, 9 am–4:30 pmExplore the outdoors, boating, fishing, hiking and more. Earn service learning hours. Materials provided. Ages 11–16. FEE: Resident $5; Non-Resident $6SMARTlink #1098415

� Riverside CampfireFriday, April 12, 7– 9 pmEnjoy a riverside campfire and roast marshmallows.Ages 2 & up; FEE: Resident $2; Non-Resident $3SMARTlink #1036543

� Nature Scavenger HuntSaturday, April 27, 1–2:30 pmJoin a naturalist on a fun, adventurous scavenger hunt.Ages 5 & up. FEE: Resident $2; Non-Resident $3SMARTlink #1036490

� Fishing 101Sundays, April 28, June 9 & September 22, 10 am–1 pm

Learn basic fishing techniques such as casting, handling fish and fish safety. Persons 12 & under must be accompaniedby an adult. Ages 6 & up FEE: Resident $5; Non-Resident $6

� Wildflower WalkSaturday, May 11, 1–3 pmTake a walk to look for beautiful wildflowers. Persons 12 & under must be accompanied by an adult. Ages 7 & up. FEE: Resident $2; Non-Resident $3SMARTlink #1036765

Nature Programs

� Butterfly HikeSaturday, September 14, 11 am–2 pm

Join a naturalist in search of butter-flies. Wear comfortable shoes andbring a lunch. Materials provided. Persons 11 & under must be accompanied by an adult. FEE: Resident $2; Non-Resident $3

2013 SummerConcert Series

ARTS AT THE WATERFRONTJoin us when the Waterfrontsprings to life with music and en-tertainment—jazz, R&B, reggae,dance, blues, rock and a puppetshow. All ages.

Sundays, June 16 – August 4 6 – 7:30 pm, FREERefreshments available for purchase.

ARTS ON THE WATERFRONT GRAND FINALEEnjoy live Zouk/Islandmusic, entertainment, food vendors, crafts andmore.

Sunday, August 4, 2 – 8 pmAll ages; FREE

Anacostia RiverBoat ToursJoin a Park Naturalist on a pontoon boat for an environmental or historical tour of the scenic Anacostia River. Pre-registration is not required. Sign up the day of the tour. FREE

� Weekday Boat Tours Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays April 16 – October 31, 12 noon –12:45 pm

� Evening Boat Tours Saturdays & Sundays May 4 –October 27, 5 – 5:45 pm

� Historical Tours: April 24 & May 22, 2–3 pm

� Bird Watching Tours:May 19, 1–3 pm & September 8, 11 am –1 pm

Groups of 12 or more people must schedule their own en-vironmental or historical tours.

River Clean-UpsEARTH DAY CLEAN-UP & CELEBRATION 2013Sponsored by Anacostia Watershed SocietySaturday, April 208:30 am – 3 pmAt 1 pm, celebrate the clean-up atBladensburg Waterfront Park. Enjoy a free lunch, live entertainment and environmental displays.

ANACOSTIA RIVER CLEAN-UPSGo to www.pgparks.com click on Volunteers and sign up online.Saturdays, June 15, September 7 & October 5 9:30 am–12 noon

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer at the Bladensburg Waterfront Park! Students can earn service learning hours. Go to www.pgparks.com click on Volunteers and sign up online.

Social StudiesCurriculum Pro-grams� Native American Life

� 19th century Prince George’s County

� Battle of Bladensburg and The War of 1812

Science CurriculumPrograms

� Animal Characteristics

� Natural Resources & Other Programs

� Nature Senses

� Water & You

� Weather

� Wetland Ecology