College Park Post

The College Park Here & Now has a contract with the City of College Park to publish an insert in our newspaper each month that is authored by the city’s communications department: that insert is the College Park Post!  A pdf of the current version is below. To the right, on this page, is an html version of this month’s College Park Post, which can be translated into Spanish by selecting Español at the top of our website banner.

THE COLLEGE PARK POST

Edition 47

APRIL 2024

THIS HOME IS PARTICIPATING IN

No Mow April
Participate in No Mow April this month to support pollinator populations and habitats in the City The City of College Park urges its residents to take action 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

Beyond the immediate benefits to pollinators, refraining from mowing offers 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.

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.

Allowing lawn plants to flourish and flower enhances the aesthetic appeal of our surroundings, offering a more vibrant and diverse landscape while facilitating the observation of various pollinator species within our local ecosystem.

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.

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.

Interested in learning more ways to support native pollinators?

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.

Visit www.collegeparkmd.gov/ pollinators for valuable insights, including tips, lists of pollinatorfriendly plants and local nurseries, and additional resources.
Join us in embracing No-Mow April and take a stand for our invaluable pollinator friends!

Parks & Play
Green spaces in the City Swing into Spring! The City of College Park’s local parks and playgrounds offer both tranquility and adventure. The tapestry of green spaces and recreational havens in College Park beckons residents and visitors to unwind and reconnect with nature. From lush parks to vibrant playgrounds, the City offers an array of outdoor spaces that cater to every age, event, and interest.
Whether you’re exploring the sprawling expanse of Paint Branch Park or enjoying the serene ambiance of Hollywood Gateway Park, nature’s oasis awaits you in College Park. But, it’s not all about
swings and slides – College Park’s parks and playgrounds serve as hubs for community engagement and social connection. Look out for spaces with picnic and grilling areas, basketball courts and soccer fields, exercise lots and more!
In recent years, College Park has embarked on an ambitious journey to revitalize community spaces. Since some parks within the City limits are maintained by the Maryland National Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), the City has collaborated with local partners to renovate playgrounds and park grounds. From well-maintained pathways to secure playground equipment, every effort is made to create a safe environment for all.
For families and young adventurers, College Park’s playgrounds offer endless opportunities for exploration and play. Newly renovated playgrounds in Old Town, Calvert Road, Hollywood, Muskogee, Catawba Mews, and Davis Playground offer children of all ages a place for exploration and imagination. Colorful play structures and interactive features inspire children to play and learn.
In addition to new playground equipment, there is also a new clubhouse coming to College Park Woods! This vibrant hub for recreation, socializing, and community engagement will provide indoor space for a variety of gatherings and events. Once completed, the clubhouse will feature two meeting rooms seperated by a noise-reducing, accordion-style divider that can open to combine the spaces.
To learn more about parks and playgrounds in the City, visit www.collegeparkmd.gov/parks.

1 Sunnyside Park
2 Sunnyside Playground
3 Cherry Hill Park
4 Hollywood Gateway Park
5 Muskogee Playground
6 Hollywood Park
7 Hollywood Playground
8 Paint Branch Golf Complex
9 Davis Field & Playground
10 Hollywood Dog Park

The Mews Playground

Duvall Field & Playground

Acredale Park
Branchville Playground

Berwyn Park

James Adams Park

Lakeland Park

Northgate Urban Park
College Park Community Center Field

Lake Artemesia Park

College Park Airport

Old Town Playground
Calvert Hills Playground

Calvert Park

College Park Woods Park

Crystal Springs Fit Lot
Paint Branch Parkway Park
Baseball

Fishing

Handball

Pickleball

Soccer

Basketball

Fitness

Horseshoes

Picnic Area

Tennis

Disc Golf

Golf

Multi-Use Field

Playground

Trail Access

Dog Park

Grills

Parking

Skate Park

Volleyball

Maintained by the City Maintained by M-NCPPC

Stories will be read, and a London Plane tree will be planted.

3rd Annual
College Park Parade Celebrate College Park on May 4th 2024 | 10AM

If you feel a disturbance in the Force, it’s just the excitement building for the 3rd annual City of College Park parade on May the 4th, 2024. College Park – get ready for a cosmic celebration of community that will transcend galaxies!
From seasoned Jedis to adorable baby Yodas, it’s time to gather for a Star Wars parade that will be out of this world! To participate in the parade, visit www.collegeparkmd.gov/cpforce2024 and fill out the form. This is your chance to be the star (wars) of the parade!
Use your Jedi mind tricks to convince your neighbors, friends, and reluctant stormtroopers to join in the fun. We welcome the participation of City-based organizations and groups such as marching bands, military units, classic and custom vehicles, dogs and animals, majorettes, fire and police vehicles, cheerleading squads, motorized floats, girl and boy scout troops, civic organizations, and more! Our parade is droid and animalfriendly, so bring your mechanical and furry friends to the intergalactic spectacle.
This year’s parade is about coming together as a community to embrace our diverse universe and revel in the joy that Star Wars has bought generations. So don your capes, polish your blasters, and may the parade be with you!

More information: www.collegeparkmd.gov
CITY OF COLLEGE PARK TUTORING PROGRAM
The City of College Park offers free online tutoring for all College Park students during the 2023-2024 school year!
This program is offered through Imagine Learning and offers support with GED, College Prep, reading, and math for residents of College Park.
Complete the interest form at www.collegeparkmd.gov/tutoring.

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND SUMMER READING CAMP
The Summer Reading Program provides reading instruction and tutoring to children who are experiencing difficulty with reading.
The program is for students in kindergarten through 7th grade in the 2023-2024 school year.
Children attend the program from 9AM to 12PM on Monday through Friday from July 8 to July 25, 2024.
The program is taught by certified teachers who are enrolled in or have recently completed the graduate program in reading and literacy in the College of Education at the University of Maryland, College Park.
Register by June 1, 2024 at www.collegeparkmd.gov/readingcamp24.

SUSTAINABILITY SURVEY
College Park is committed to going green to create a more livable city that has lower impacts on the Earth.
We’d like to hear from you about sustainable steps you are taking and green actions the City can take.

RESTORATIVE & REPARATIVE JUSTICE SERIES: LAKELAND AND ROOT SHOCK WITH DR. MINDY FULLILOVE
April 17, 2024 | 7:30PM |
Washington Brazilian SDA Church(8108 5th Ave.)
Residents of College Park and the wider community are invited to join the City of College Park’s Restorative Justice Commission for our spring series of events which will explore the past harms caused by public action and avenues for reparative action.
These events will set the foundation for the coming months when we will look at the actuarial harms committed in Lakeland so we may arrive at proposals for restorative actions.

ADVISORY BOARD
VOLUNTEERS WANTED

9803 Rhode

Shop at the market using your SNAP and WIC benefits to double your money!

Utilice sus beneficios de SNAP y WIC para duplicar su dinero!

Are you interested in serving on a City advisory board? Serve your community, lend your talents, and meet your neighbors by serving on a City advisory board:
• Advisory Planning Commission
• Airport Authority
• Bee City USA
• Board of Election Supervisors
(2-year term)
• Committee for a Better
Environment
• Education Advisory
Committee
• Ethics Commission
• Noise Control Board
• City Events Advisory Board
• Seniors Committee

• Tree and Landscape Board
Interested in volunteering?

Please take a few minutes to tell us about your activities and views on sustainability before April 19th at collegeparkmd.gov/sustainabilitysurvey24.

Please complete and submit an application at collegeparkmd.gov/advisoryboardapplication by Thursday, May 23, 2024.

LAWN CARE EQUIPMENT REBATE

The Mayor and Council will make appointments in June 2024 for three-year terms that will begin on July 1.

Lessen your carbon footprint by purchasing electric or manual powered lwn care equipment! City of College Park residents can aply for rebates for new lawn care equipment at www.collegeparkmd.gov/lawncarerebate.

Every Saturday

If you currently serve on an advisory board and your term expires on June 30, 2024, you will need to complete and submit a new application.

April 20, 2024
1PM-4PM
Old Parish House
47 Knox Road

This Kentucky Derby style party celebrates the start of spring… with a rubber duck race!
The event is free to attend and open to the public, but you must donate a canned good to
receieve a rubber duck racer. All goods collected will support the College Park Community
Food Bank. Strut in your finest Derby attire while cheering your racer onto the finish line!
Prizes will be awarded for fastest duck, “Best Derby Hat,” and “Best Derby Tie.”
There will be live music from a Dixieland jazz band and food and beer for purchase.

register at www.collegeparkmd.gov/duckderby24