Watkins Regional Park grew organically over the past 40 years; where infrastructure, activities, and programs were developed as opportunities presented themselves. This evolution established Watkins as a natural, cultural, and recreational jewel of the county. Today, the park serves over one million visitors annually by providing a diverse collection of programs, activities, and options for passive recreation.

The Department of Parks and Recreation recognizes the changing demand for facilities within the park and used the master plan process to identify the limitations of the parks' assets while continually enhancing the role of Watkins Regional Park in the county.

The master planning process established a comprehensive vision for the future of Watkins Regional Park through the development of a blueprint that balances competing demands on the park’s resources and responsibly guides development through the next 20-25 years. The blueprint was shaped by recommendations generated from an analysis of existing conditions, an evaluation of the park's natural resources, community input collected through multiple civic engagement tools, and a robust level of service assessment.

Guiding Principles

The following principles were developed with community members and key stakeholders to guide the planning effort. They provided a framework for decision making and influenced the recommendations for future development:

• Create a Sense of Place: A compelling mix of destinations and experiences will enhance the comfort, ambiance, and choice of activities at the park
• Education and Environmental Learning: Celebrate the park's natural resources through a more focused lens on environmental discovery and understanding. Special habitat and wildlife features will be protected and explained.
• Infrastructure Expansion: Improvements that prioritize aging infrastructure and stronger internal and external connections to the park will achieve better connectivity, safety, and function.
• Family Fun: New park facilities and programming, will open up opportunities for new audiences and age groups to visit and enjoy the park. The park will offer spaces, activities, and events that support family togetherness and fun for a whole day in the park.
• Personal Health and Fitness: Trails for recreational use will be expanded to improve fitness and health programming.
• Habitat and Wildlife: The preservation of the landscape, stewardship, and sustainability, and incorporation of cultural elements that express Prince Georges County’s character and identity are some of the plan's priorities.

Sonja M. Ewing, AICP 
Assistant Division Chief, Park Planning and Development
Sonja.Ewinge@pgparks.com
(301)699-2586