College Park Post – April 2025

The City of College Park urges its residents to act in support of local pollinators by participating in “No-Mow April.” This initiative, spearheaded by the Bee City USA Committee and endorsed by the Mayor and Council, aims to foster the growth and prosperity of native pollinators during a crucial period in their life cycle. Throughout March and April, pollinators emerge from winter dormancy and begin foraging in lawns and yards for sustenance. Many of the plants within our lawns serve as vital food and habitat sources for these early-emerging pollinators. By minimizing or halting lawn mowing activities, residents can play a significant role in bolstering pollinator populations.

While bees take center stage as primary pollinators, a diverse array of creatures including birds, butterflies, bats, beetles, and small mammals aid in pollen transport as they traverse from one spot to another.

Beyond the immediate benefits to pollinators, refraining from mowing covers an array of advantages for both residents and the environment. Improved air quality, reduced noise pollution, and increased biodiversity of birds and beneficial insects are just a few of the rewards.

Allowing lawn plants to nourish and power enhances the aesthetic appeal of our surroundings, covering a more vibrant and diverse landscape while facilitating the observation of various pollinator species within our local ecosystem. There is no registration for No Mow April — the College Park City Council passed Resolution 22-R-13 to permanently designate April as No Mow Month and waive the tall grass enforcement for College Park residents during April.

Signage, denoting participation in No Mow April, is optional, and the City has a limited number of these colorful yard signs available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Residents who want to display support or help spread awareness of No Mow April may pick up a yard sign at Davis Hall, 9217 51st Ave, during business hours. Signs do not need to be returned at the end of the No Mow Month.

Interested in learning more ways to support native pollinators? Visit www.collegeparkmd.gov/pollinators for valuable insights, including tips, lists of pollinator- friendly plants and local nurseries, and additional resources. No Mow April wraps up at the end of the month – be sure to tidy up your lawn and keep grass under 12 inches high by May 1 to  avoid citations and nes.

Ray Ranker elected as District 3 Councilmember

e Certified Results of the March 11, 2025 Special Election for District 3 Council Member have been posted.   Raymond “Ray” D. Ranker has been elected as District 3 representative with 344 votes. A total of 512 votes were cast in this special election to replace Stuart Adams, who resigned in January 2025.  ree candidates ran in this election for the seat vacated by Mr. Adams: Ray Ranker, Michael Meadow and Gannon Sprinkle.

Mr. Ranker was inaugurated during the March 18 Council Meeting and will serve in this role until the November 2025 City General Election.

For more information about City elections, please visit www.collegeparkmd.gov/elections

Celebrating National Volunteer Month

Our community is home to a variety of organizations that provide valuable services, resources, and programs for residents of all ages and interests. These organizations depend on volunteers to meet their missions.

Helping those in need has been shown to reduce stress, increase happiness and improve mental and physical health. Local organizations to explore are:

NEIGHBORS HELPING

NEIGHBORS

NHN is a volunteer-led organization that helps seniors age in place. They assist with transportation, household and yard chores, small house repairs, friendly visits, and phone check-ins. To learn more, visit  www.nhn-cp.org

MEALS ON WHEELS COLLEGE PARK

Meals on Wheels College Park delivers meals to seniors who are unable to prepare food on their own. Visit  mealsonwheelsofcollegepark.org to learn more.

AGE-FRIENDLY COLLEGE PARK

e City has adopted an Age-Friendly Action Plan that includes goals and strategies for addressing livability in:

Housing
Transportation
Social Participation
Communication
Health Services/Community

Support

If you have interest/expertise in any of these areas, please contact: livablecommunity@collegeparkmd.gov, or call 240.487.3550.

For more information visit collegeparkmd.gov/325/age-friendly-cp

CITY VOLUNTEERS

e City of College Park hosts multiple events throughout the year for all ages and volunteers are a vital part of each event’s success. Opportunities are posted frequently. To learn more, visit collegeparkmd.gov/volunteers.

Friday Night LIVE is College Park’s favorite summer concert series!

On select Fridays, live bands will take the stage with bold beats from diverse musical genres, from May through August.

From funky grooves to rock anthems, we’ve got the soundtrack for your Friday night. Come for the music, stay for the memories.

Kids can enjoy hands-on activities and games while adults indulge in delicious food and beer pairings for purchase.

Parking will be available for free at the Downtown Parking Garage at the corner of Yale Avenue and Knox Road.

PUBLIC SAFETY MEETING

Please join City Elected Officials, Police, Department of Public Services sta, and your neighbors from all around the City, for an informative community meeting on Monday, May 5, 2025 from 7-8:30PM. is community meeting will discuss City-wide crime statistics, recent incidents of public interest, neighborhood watch tips, and special public safety-related topics. The meeting will be held in a hybrid format. Join us in-person at City Hall Community Room (7401 Baltimore Avenue) or online  at collegeparkmd.gov/publicsafetymeeting.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing meeting information.

2025 CONVO CLUB

alk about the things that matter to you! Welcome to Convo Club, a place where middle schoolers can speak their minds, hear new perspectives, and build condensed expressing themselves.

Group meets Wednesdays from 6-7PM from May 2 to June 25, 2025.

Space is limited – register by April 16, 2025 to save your spot and join the convo! Call Youth & Family Services at 240-487-3550.

City Announcements More information: www.collegeparkmd.gov COLLEGE PARK TEXT ALERT NOTIFICATIONS

Stay in the know with the latest updates from the City—directly on your phone.

e College Park Texts system is here to keep you connected with all the major news, events, alerts, and more!

FOR CITY NEWS & EVENTS:

Text “COLLEGEPARK” to 38276 for major announcements, event updates, and more!

FOR EMERGENCY ALERTS:

Text “CPALERTS” to 38276 for critical neighborhood and city-wide alerts.

Alerts are free, but standard text rates may apply. Frequency of messages may vary.

Want even more updates? Sign up for the City’s e-newsletters at www.collegeparkmd.gov/cpconnect and follow our social media channels for real-time info!

Visit www.collegeparkmd.gov/alerts to see all the ways you can connect with us!

And be sure to follow and subscribe to our social media channels for all the latest updates and fun moments!

PUPPET SHOW

APRIL 17 | 1PM | City Hall

(7401 Baltimore Avenue) School’s Out! Join us for an afternoon puppet show at City Hall! Black Cherry Puppet eater, from Baltimore, MD is bringing their Marionette Show, Billy Goats Gru’kin, to City Hall on Thursday, April 17th at 1pm in Council Chambers. (Show is recommended for children ages 5 and up). After the show participants can enjoy a photo opportunity with the puppeteers, and children under 12 will have the opportunity to make a puppet to take home! Two puppet-making workshop times will be offered at 2pm and 2:30pm, but space is limited so advanced reservations are highly encouraged. Admission is free, but registration is required.

Visit collegeparkmd.gov/puppets to register today!

REDEDICATION CEREMONY

MAY 1 | 6PM | Lakeland College

Park Community Center (5051 Pierce Ave.)

Please join us in celebrating the future of the Lakeland community and remembering its rich history.

The ceremony will feature brief remarks and the presentation of a plaque for the community center, followed by light refreshments. This event is rain or shine. Please RSVP by Wednesday, April 30 at pgparks.com/lakelandrsvp.

ARBOR DAY APRIL 25 | 6PM  | College Park Woods Clubhouse (3545 Marlbrough Way)

Join the City of College Park’s Tree and Landscape Board for our annual Arbor Day tree planting ceremony dedicated to creating a greener future for College Park!

FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE

MAY 9 | 6:30PM | City Hall (7401 Baltimore Avenue)

Friday Night LIVE is College Park’s favorite summer concert series! On select Fridays, live bands will take the stage with bold beats from diverse musical genres, from May till August. Kids can enjoy hands-on activities and games while adults indulge in delicious food and beer for purchase.

Parking will be available for free at the Downtown Parking Garage at the corner of Yale Avenue and Knox Road. Come for the music, stay for the memories! Learn more at collegeparkmd.gov/FNL.

SPRING STREET FAIR

MAY 18 | 1-4PM  | Davis Hall (9217 51st Avenue)

Help us celebrate Spring in College Park at our first ever Spring Street Fair! We’ll have arts and crafts vendors, demonstrations, kids activities, food trucks, live music and performers, and spring-time fun! Learn more at collegeparkmd.gov/springfair.