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Fivesquares Development, Maurice Walters Architects, Inc., and LandDesign win awards honoring the best in architecture, urban design, and housing in Montgomery County.

BETHESDA, Md. – The Montgomery County Planning Department, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), announced the winners of the seventh biennial Design Excellence Awards competition at Celebrate Design 2025 held October 16 at Marriott International Headquarters in Bethesda. An independent jury of accomplished design and development professionals honored two developments with Design Excellence Awards and one development with a Merit Award that exemplify Montgomery County’s best architecture, urban design, and housing. The Celebrate Design event is a partnership with Montgomery Planning’s Design Excellence Awards program and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Potomac Valley Chapter to recognize excellent design in the county and region.

WHEATON, Md. – Calling all witches (and their familiars)! Montgomery Parks invites you to Witchy Paddle and Acoustics and Ales, on Saturday, October 25, at Black Hill Regional Park, 4 to 7:30 p.m. This Halloween, two beloved fan-favorites are joining for one magical evening.

RIVERDALE, Md. – In support of the community impacted by the federal government shutdown, The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County announced today that admission fees to all Department museums and rental fees for bikes and kayaks at waterfront parks will be waived. This initiative provides residents and visitors with access to affordable recreational and educational opportunities just minutes from the nation’s capital.

RIVERDALE, Md. – The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County is supporting the community during the federal government shutdown by offering free and low-cost recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.

WHEATON, Md. – Story Tapestries, in partnership with Montgomery Parks will launch the Community Roots: History and Belonging Mural Project on September 20, 2025. This creative initiative invites community members to come together via a series of community meetings to explore their heritage and help co-create a vibrant mural that celebrates the evolving legacy of Agricultural History Farm Park. The mural will be created by local artist Luis Del Valle.

WHEATON, Md. – Raise a glass and lace up your hiking boots for Montgomery Parks popular Oktoberfest celebration, Parks Ale Trail on Saturday, September 20, from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. at Lake Needwood in Rock Creek Regional Park. This free, family-friendly festival blends live music, local craft beer, tasty food, and a scenic two-and-a half-mile round-trip hike along Lake Needwood.

LARGO, MD – The Prince George’s County Planning Board of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) announced today during its meeting the retirements of Vice Chair Dorothy F. Bailey, effective August 30, 2025, and Commissioner A. Shuanise Washington, effective October 1, 2025.

Read more about the Retirements…

LARGO, MD – The Prince George’s County Planning Board of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) announces its appointment of Darius A. Stanton as the new Director of the M-NCPPC Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County. Effective Monday, July 21, 2025, Stanton will assume leadership of the Department comprised of more than 5,000 full and part-time employees, an unionized park police force, and a $492 million operating budget – all supporting 200+ miles of trails, 300+ athletic fields, four regional parks, four golf courses, an equestrian center, the oldest continuously operating airport in the world, a minor league baseball stadium, community and senior activity centers, ice skating rinks, and more.

LARGO, MD – The Prince George’s County Planning Board of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) announces its appointment of Gwen McCall-Winston as the new Deputy Planning Director of Administration of the M-NCPPC Prince George’s County Planning Department. Effective Monday, July 21, 2025, McCall-Winston will provide high-level administrative oversight of the Planning Department’s Human Resources team and the Information Management, Intake and Regulatory Review, and Management Services Divisions.

LARGO, MD – The Prince George’s County Planning Board of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) welcomes The Honorable Darryl Barnes as Chairman of the five-member Planning Board. Appointed by Prince George’s County Executive Aisha N. Braveboy and confirmed by the Prince George’s County Council following a public hearing, Barnes was sworn in on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. Barnes will serve a four-year term expiring on June 14, 2029.