July 2023

Spring 2013 Volunteer Campaign - Where Are They Now?

This year marks the ten-year anniversary of our Spring 2013 Volunteer Campaign. To celebrate this milestone, we highlight a few volunteers from the campaign who have selflessly given their time and energy to various opportunities that help our organization thrive. These spotlights serve as a testament to the power of volunteering and the difference each volunteer can make.

Carlos Alvarez volunteered as a docent at the Battle of Bladensburg Visitors Center located at Bladensburg Waterfront Park for over a decade. As a docent, Carlos provided presentations on exhibits, answered visitors' questions and assisted with special programs. "Volunteering is the best thing I ever did. It helped me make good decisions for my future. And I'll never stop helping parks and recreation," said Carlos. The Visitors Center has closed. However, Carlos has continued his work at Bladensburg Waterfront Park as a seasonal employee with the Department. Carlos is an example of an exemplary volunteer who has gone above and beyond within our organization and has been able to grow into a paid employee.

Lawrence Williams sparked his love for baseball with the Department. He participated in t-ball lessons and a variety of summer sports day camps while growing up in the county. In our Spring 2013 edition of The GUIDE, Lawrence was shown as a program participant. From here his baseball career continued to thrive! He went on to play baseball with the Prince George's County Boys and Girls Club as well as at his local Prince George's County Public Schools. He was recruited to play baseball at Penn State York and is now in his third year at the university where he is involved in a number of volunteer opportunities and campus organizations, including Future Business Leaders of America.

"Giving back to my community both in Prince George's County and York is very important to me because both places feel like home,'' said Lawrence. Before attending Penn State, he completed numerous service projects in the county on his quest to become a BSA Eagle Scout. Lawrence hopes to return to the area post-graduation and utilize his skills learned in York to provide leadership and mentoring to up and coming student-athletes from the County.

Photo Credit: Barbara Dennis, Director of Strategic Communications at Penn State University, York

The Prince George's County Planning Department invite you to volunteer with the Placemaking Riverdale Initiative, a two-day event celebrating local arts and culture of the Greater Riverdale area.

The transformation will take place on July 14 and 15, 2023 at Plaza del Alamo parking lot, 5550 Kenilworth Avenue, Riverdale Park, MD. Your help is needed with building, painting, unboxing and putting together the community event. Through these volunteer workshops, we will be exploring placemaking and learning how quality public space can affect a community! All ages are welcome.

To view details on the shifts and sign up for a time slot, visit https://signup.com/go/jcetRaS

The Department of Parks & Recreation is building a new sports court in partnership with KABOOM!, and you are invited! Join us Saturday, July 29, 2023, at the Jesse J. Warr Jr. Recreation Building as we come together to bring this new play space to life!

No experience is necessary. Sign up today at pgparks.com/RSVP

Are you ready to experience an extraordinary summer filled with incredible music, memorable performances, and a lively atmosphere? Come out and jam with us at the Fairwood Community Park Summer Performance Series! We are excited to bring you an exciting lineup of talented artists that will leave you wanting more! Bring a lawn chair or blanket and join us for some fun in the sun!

Volunteer opportunities are available! Sign up today at pgparks.com/volunteer

Join us for a celebration of Hispanic culture filled with live music, dance, art, food vendors and more! Come with your friends and family to enjoy a day full of excitement and create lasting memories. Admission is free! Mark your calendars and spread the word!

Volunteer opportunities are available! Prince George's County Public Schools student service-learning hours are approved for this opportunity. Click here to sign up today!

Explore the new pgparks.com website! We are thrilled to unveil our revamped website that allows residents and visitors to find information quickly and effortlessly. Discover new tools from the accessibility menu and interactive map to the park and trail finder. Visit our website today and discover how you can Live More, Play More!

Work Where You Play with The Department of Parks & Recreation! Discover our exciting job opportunities, from health & wellness to park maintenance, aquatics, information technology and more! We have a position for you, so apply today! Visit our website to explore current openings here.

Stay connected with the latest happenings at the Department of Parks & Recreation! Our Live More, Play More weekly newsletter is packed with updates on upcoming community events, classes, workshops, and more! Subscribe here today!

If you have questions about volunteering or

student-service learning hours, or ideas for upcoming newsletter features, contact

courtney.harvey@pgparks.com.