Prince George’s County dedication to development of youth sports runs deep and is an important part of its prolific history. The strategic planning process considers this as one of the foundations of planning. We will ensure that we demonstrate a strong presence in the areas of youth development through sports in the County (for both participants and non-participants), and commit to creating a plan that weaves a thread of equity of access for families. Connecting recreational sports to school sports, collegiate and professional sports is part of our work. Team consultant Guy Troupe of Troupe 21 & Associates, is providing subject matter expertise through workshops and meetings with stakeholders and community members to provide the Department with a set of recommendations that will be implemented as part of the final plan.

The Department coordinates facility bookings and permitting of nearly 350 rectangle and diamond outdoor athletic fields, and tennis courts throughout the County for recreation, training and local, regional, and state outdoor athletic events. We also partner with Prince George’s County Board of Education on the shared use locations at designated public school locations. Additional facilities managed by the Department include the Sugar Ray Leonard Boxing Center and the Prince George’s County Stadium, home of the Bowie Baysox. 

We are proud of our sports facilities and want to continually strive for world-class facilities for youth sports. Through the Game On planning process, we want to hear your ideas for how our fields and facilities can be improved. 

Internationally renowned for their work in facility assessment, planning, design and development, Stantec Inc. is conducting an analysis of the properties that are currently in use for youth sports programming, and will provide information about gaps in facility needs to drive conversation about expansion and development of sports and recreational spaces.

Registration for programming for Spring, Summer, Fall, and/or Winter seasons is available 24 hours a day via Parks Direct. Residents and non-residents may sign up for classes, activities, trips and ticketed events, book rentals, make a payment, and more. An interactive online Guide features a comprehensive listing of classes, programs and activities coming up for the next seasonal session. Through the Game On planning process, we want you to tell us how the process to find out about programming and to register could be more efficient and user-friendly.

The Department recruits, evaluates, and provides training to volunteer coaches throughout the year. In addition, we have our own certified career and seasonal instructors who deliver sports programming at an exceptional level. Coaching youth sports is one of the most important ways adults influence the positive development of young people. Our youth coaches are committed and qualified, making participants' experiences enjoyable while ensuring safety and quality. Through increased partnerships with national and state governing bodies of sports in which coaches training is a benefit, this commitment and qualification will only be furthered.

The Department is committed to ensuring all residents of Prince George’s County are aware of our programming, including our youth sports offerings. Currently, we share information via our website, social media, email newsletters, and Your Guide to Parks and Recreation which is published four times per year. Please follow us on social media (links at the bottom of this page) and sign up for the Game On newsletter. We are also developing partnerships with media outlets to increase awareness. Through the Game On planning process, we want to hear your suggestions for further improving the marketing of our youth sports opportunities in Prince George’s County.