FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Friday, September 11, 2020
MEDIA CONTACT: KIRA CALM LEWIS, 301-446-3327 - Kira.CalmLewis@pgparks.com 

M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation
Issues Post Flooding Closures and Precautions 

RIVERDALE, MD – The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Department of Parks and Recreation closes trails and some amenities today, September 11, 2020, due to yesterday’s rainstorm and the resulting flooding. Park and maintenance staff have already begun assessing flooded and damaged areas.

“Following several days of heavy rain and regional flooding the Department’s park and maintenance personnel are diligently inspecting our parks and trail systems,” says Bill Tyler, Director of the M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation. “Due to the expansive size of our park system throughout the County and the duration and saturation of the rain and flooding, the inspections may take some time. We ask for the community’s patience as we move forward in the interest of public safety.”

The Anacostia River Trails, which include NW Branch, NE Branch, Paint Branch, Sligo Creek, Indian Creek, and Bladensburg heading into Washington D.C., are closed while park staff are inspecting those areas.

Bladensburg Waterfront Park remains closed and there are no boat rentals at this time, due to park clean up from flooding.

Residents should avoid or use extreme caution near any area covered in silt, mud, and/or debris left behind by storm floodwaters. Do not cross any roped, taped off or barricaded areas. Do not drive through any standing water, even on routes that are familiar to you.

To report downed trees please email Customer.Service@pgparks.com or visit www.pgparks.com. For additional details on closures, please sign-up for PG Parks Alerts and connect with us on social media via, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.