Celebrating The Upgrade
Marlow Heights Community Center Reopens with Big Energy and Bigger Smiles
PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO BY KIM JOHNSON // PRINCE GEORGE’S SUITE MAGAZINE & MEDIA
On Saturday, April 19, the Marlow Heights Community Center officially made its triumphant return – and it did not disappoint. The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County, threw open the doors to a newly rebuilt and reimagined facility that wowed the community from the moment the ribbon was cut.
From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., residents gathered at 2800 St. Clair Drive to celebrate the grand reopening of what is now a sparkling 21,000-square-foot hub of activity, wellness, and togetherness. The event had it all – speeches from community leaders, live demonstrations, tours of the revamped space, and plenty of good vibes.
Dignitaries in attendance included Peter A. Shapiro, Chair of the M-NCPPC Prince George’s County Planning Board; Bill Tyler, Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation; Maryland State Senator Nick Charles; Maryland State Delegate Karen Toles; Prince George’s County Council Vice Chair Krystal Oriadha; and Division Chief Angela Anglin. Each took a moment to share their enthusiasm about the center’s return and its role in shaping the future of the community.
“This is what the Department of Parks and Recreation is all about, we want to make sure the community has the resources and facilities to Live More, Play More,” said Bill Tyler, Director of M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County, “Marlow Heights Community Center is a result of the community and the Department working together to create a beautiful space where all can come and enjoy.”
“This wasn’t just a renovation,” said Tyler during his remarks. “This was about building a space that feels like home to everyone in Marlow Heights.”
And it certainly delivered. The new center boasted a massive fitness room, a group exercise space, three multipurpose rooms, and a regulation-size gym that easily transformed into volleyball or pickleball courts – complete with spectator seating. The design emphasized inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that every corner of the center welcomed residents of all ages and abilities.
Outdoors, the fun continued with a 5,000-square-foot inclusive playground, a 1,500-square-foot splash pad (perfect for sunny spring days), resurfaced tennis and pickleball courts, walking trails, and ample parking. Public art installations and green spaces added charm and calm to an already inviting landscape.
The transformation wasn’t just physical – it was deeply rooted in community input. Residents helped shape the vision for the new center, and their fingerprints were all over the final result. From the versatile gym to the welcoming lobby, the Marlow Heights Community Center reopened as a vibrant, modern space designed to bring people together.
Tours of the facility showed off every nook and cranny, while class demonstrations gave attendees a taste of what they could expect in upcoming programming – everything from fitness boot camps to arts and crafts. Kids darted through the playground, families strolled the trails, and old friends caught up in the sunshine.
Marlow Heights officially got its heart back – and by the looks of things, it’s beating stronger than ever.
