New Bladensburg Playground Officially Opens! |
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There’s a brand new playground at The Bladensburg Community Center! The former playground was decades old and in need of a real facelift. This summer local children were asked to draw pictures of a “dream playground.” As part of this "Design Day”, the kids shared their vision with Washington Capitals player Garnet Hathaway. The children's vision was brought to life by M-NCPPC volunteers and staff in partnership with Monumental Sports and Entertainment Foundation affiliates and staff from KABOOM! An original mural, created by a local artist, was added to the side of the community center adjacent to the playground. |
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Many youth volunteered also, including members of the Bladensburg High School Boys’ Basketball Team. “At the end of the day, it’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished, it’s about who you’ve lifted up, who you’ve made better, it’s about what you’ve given back,” said Rashaun Henderson, a basketball team member. These young men say volunteering to build something for the community is an honor. “It was a fun and interesting experience, it helped me realize the impact and importance of giving back to your community,” said fellow team member Darquis Gray. M-NCPPC is hoping the new play area will unite the community, since the impact of COVID-19 kept most of us indoors. The Bladensburg Playground is now open to the public.
A new Suitland playground is still under construction and currently in its “Build Week” phase. Be sure to check out the new playground at the Bladensburg Community Center.
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COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate for Volunteers |
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The following letter was emailed to each registered volunteer. If you did not receive this email, please contact the Volunteer Services Office at 301-446-3321.
M-NCPPC Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George's County is working to ensure that the communities we serve are safe when they come to our facilities, programs, and activities. With that goal in mind, M-NCPPC has mandated the COVID-19 vaccine for its employees and volunteers.
The policy requires that all volunteers are either fully vaccinated or have a received an exemption by October 31, 2021. Only the Office of Human Resources will receive and manage your vaccine or exemption information.
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Please complete the attached Maryland-National Capital Park And Planning Commission COVID-19 Vaccination Status Disclosure form.
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Return the completed form to brenda.miller@pgparks.com in the Human Resources Office. This is the “designated departmental email address” mentioned at the bottom of the first page of the attachment.
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Follow all instructions provided in the form regarding submitting verification of vaccination or requesting medical or religious exemption. Please do not provide vaccination or exemption information directly to this email, to staff at the facility or program where you volunteer or to the Volunteer Services Office.
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Return the completed form and direct all questions about the form to Brenda Miller in the Department’s Human Resources Office at brenda.miller@pgparks.com. This is the “designated departmental email address” mentioned at the bottom of the first page of the attachment.
The Human Resources Office will notify the Volunteer Services Office which individuals are in compliance with this mandate. No information about your vaccine or exemption status will be shared with the Volunteer Services Office. Volunteer Services will only be notified by HR that the office has determined that you are in compliance with the vaccine mandate. Individuals who are not in compliance with this vaccine mandate will not be allowed to volunteer after October 31, 2021. Thank you for your continued support of the Department’s facilities and programs and for working with us to keep the community safe. Volunteer Services Office 301-446-3321
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Honoring Our Senior Veterans: Grab and Go |
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We are honoring senior veterans of Prince George’s County with the Senior Veteran Grab and Go Celebration. This is a special social distance event for veterans, ages 60 and older. This will be a drive-through gathering for those who put their lives on the line. It features a grab and go hot catered meal for two and a small gift of appreciation. Veterans will be greeted with cheers from staff, patriotic music and flags to honor their time spent in the service. The special event will be held November 5 at Martins Crosswinds in Greenbelt 11am-1pm. In order to participate, you must register using your PARKS DIRECT account by October 25. If you have any questions call 301-206-3375; Maryland Relay 7-1-1 or email seniors@pgparks.com. Register here! |
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Do you want to be a part of something big? Are you interested in giving back to the environment and making it count? The Jug Bay Run for Wildlife may be just what you’re looking for! It’s an annual benefit race that helps support conservation projects and research needed to preserve the Patuxent River’s natural wildlife. With more than 3,500 acres along the banks of the Patuxent River, its home to a variety of wildlife. You choose your pace. Whether you decide to walk or run all proceeds directly support projects, research, conservation, and education in the Patuxent River watershed. The race goes down November 6 at 9am. Sounds like something you might be interested in? Click here for more information.
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Tour and Tasting Show Place Arena Open House |
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Thinking about renting a space for your next big event, party or celebration? We invite you to see the great amenities we have to offer at The Show Place Arena at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center. It’s a first of its kind! M-NCPPC presents the Tour and Tasting Open House. Take a self-guided tour to see our beautiful banquet rooms, arena floor, outdoor equestrian facilities and our newly renovated suites. As you are touring the facility, you will also have a chance to taste a combination of delicious cuisine prepared by our talented Food & Beverage Staff. We’d like help make your next event unforgettable! The Tour and Tasting Open House is October 21, 6-8pm. Register for the free event here.
If you book between December and February you can take advantage of one of the following discounts.
- $200 off weekday banquet room rental, half a day or full day
- Free coffee/water service with catered lunch
- Free a/v set up (screen, projector, wireless mic) with full day banquet room rental
- Free platter/tray with suite rental
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In 1992, Maryland became the first state in the nation to institute a requirement for all students to participate in service-learning before graduating from high school. It's not too soon to start earning hours. Sign up for student-service learning opportunities and record your hours here!
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If you have questions about volunteering or student-service learning hours, contact jo-ann.martinez@pgparks.com.
If you have any ideas for upcoming newsletter features, contact andrea.braswell@pgparks.com.
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