Kevin Durant Does More Than Step Up His Game To Support The County, He Demonstrates What Can Happen When The County Comes Together

By Raoul Dennis

In Prince George’s County, greatness has always been described as something “in the water.” It is a phrase immortalized by hometown hero Kevin Durant in his storytelling about the region—a place that has produced an outsized share of basketball talent, resilience, and ambition. Now, that same ethos is shaping a new chapter for the county, as Durant continues his philanthropy and investment off the court and now into one of the most significant redevelopment efforts in local history.

The former Six Flags America site—515 acres of land once filled with laughter, roller coasters, and seasonal crowds—has been sold to an investment group that includes Durant and his firm, 35 Ventures. What once generated approximately $3 million annually in revenue for the county will now be reimagined into a year-round destination designed to elevate economic opportunity and community pride.

But this is not just a business deal. It is, in many ways, a homecoming.

A Son of the County Gets Comfortable In The Driver’s Seat

Durant’s story is inseparable from Prince George’s County. Long before he became a two-time NBA champion and global icon, he was a young player shaped by the county’s courts, coaches, and competitive culture. That journey—and the deep emotional connection to his roots—has defined his off-court decisions as much as his dominance on it.

Through his media company, Thirty Five Ventures, Durant captured that story in Basketball County: Something’s In the Water, a documentary that chronicled the region’s unique ability to produce elite athletes. The film highlighted more than 25 NBA players who emerged from the county, offering a powerful testament to the community’s influence.

Now, Durant is helping to write the next chapter of that story—not with a basketball, but with a blueprint.

County Executive Aisha N. Braveboy described the redevelopment as “a new chapter for Prince George’s County… guided by a son of the county.” Her remarks reflected a broader sentiment: that Durant’s involvement brings not only credibility, but trust.

Because here, he is not just an investor. He is family.

This is why the Durant family effort with the former Six Flags site is so meaningful: The Durants are not just passing through Prince George’s. For them, the county isn’t a steppingstone or a portfolio boost to be dropped later or sold to the next highest bidder. It’s home. And its home with great potential if we dare to believe in and invest in ourselves.

Reimagining a Landmark

The closure of Six Flags America in November marked the end of an era. For decades, the park served as a regional attraction, drawing families and visitors from across Maryland and beyond. Yet its seasonal nature and limited economic yield left county leaders envisioning something more expansive.

The new ownership team—including Durant’s 35 Ventures and the TPA Group—has signaled a shift toward a mixed-use development that could include entertainment venues, upscale dining, and possibly sports-centered attractions.

What exactly will rise from the land remains to be determined. But one thing is clear: the process will be shaped by the community.

There will be community discussions to get input into those decisions over the next 45 -60 days.

County leaders have committed to hosting engagement sessions, inviting residents to help define the future of the site. That collaborative approach mirrors Durant’s own philosophy—one rooted in listening, inclusion, and long-term impact.

It also reflects the stakes.

Following the departure of the Washington Commanders to Washington, D.C., concerns about economic loss and underutilized land loomed large. The Six Flags redevelopment represents not just replacement, but reinvention—a chance to create a destination that operates year-round and generates sustained economic growth.

Beyond Basketball: A Legacy of Giving

Durant’s investment in the Six Flags property is only the latest example of his enduring commitment to Prince George’s County. Over the years, he has quietly—and sometimes boldly—channeled his success into initiatives that uplift the next generation.

Among the most significant is his $10 million commitment to establish College Track at The Durant Center in Seat Pleasant. The program provides free, comprehensive academic support, mentoring, and scholarships to first-generation, low-income students.

It is a transformative investment—not just in education, but in possibility.

Durant has also contributed $500,000 through the Durant Family Foundation to renovate facilities at Bowie State University and support athletic scholarships. These efforts underscore a consistent theme: a belief that talent exists everywhere, but opportunity must be built.

And in Prince George’s County, Durant is helping to build it.

The Heart Behind the Mission: Wanda Durant

At the center of that mission is another powerful figure: Wanda Durant.

Known affectionately as “The Real MVP,” Wanda Durant has been a driving force behind the family’s philanthropic work. Her hands-on approach to community engagement—whether through mentoring, outreach, food giveaways, educational or direct support—has shaped the values that define the Durant brand.

She is not a distant figurehead: She is present. Engaged. Invested.

County leaders have emphasized her role in the redevelopment effort, noting that her perspective will help ensure the project reflects the needs and aspirations of local residents.

Together, Kevin and Wanda Durant represent a rare combination: global influence grounded in local understanding, commitment and action.

Community First, Always

For residents, the possibilities for the Six Flags site are as diverse as the community itself. Some envision high-end entertainment and dining experiences that rival neighboring jurisdictions. Others see opportunities for senior housing, green space, or cultural venues.

What unites these perspectives is a shared desire: to create something meaningful.

Durant’s involvement offers reassurance that the outcome will not be dictated solely by profit margins, but by purpose. His track record suggests a commitment to balance—between economic development and community benefit, between innovation and inclusion.

That balance will be critical as the project moves forward.

A Future Rooted in Pride

In many ways, the redevelopment of the Six Flags property is symbolic. It represents the evolution of Prince George’s County—from a place often defined by its proximity to Washington, D.C., to a destination in its own right.

With projects like the planned entertainment developments at National Harbor and the continued growth of local industries, the county is positioning itself as a hub of culture, commerce, and creativity.

Durant’s investment adds a powerful layer to that vision.

It is a reminder that success does not have to mean leaving home behind. That greatness can return, reinvest, and rebuild. That the same water that produces champions can also produce change.

Full Circle

Years ago, a parade in Seat Pleasant celebrated Kevin Durant’s rise to NBA stardom. It was a moment of pride for a community that had watched one of its own reach the pinnacle of his sport.

Today, that pride has come full circle.

Because Durant is no longer just a symbol of what Prince George’s County can produce. He is an architect of what it can become.

And on the land where roller coasters once soared, a new kind of elevation is beginning—one built not just on steel and concrete, but on vision, legacy, and love for home.