FAIRLAND REGIONAL PARK
MASTER PLAN PROJECT
The Master Planning Process
The Fairland Regional Park Master Plan will build upon the vision established in Formula 2040, advancing priorities centered on sustainability, health and wellness, and regional connectivity. Within Formula 2040, these priorities are not treated as standalone initiatives; rather, they are integrated throughout the County’s growth framework and implementation strategies, reinforcing broader goals related to long-term resilience, competitiveness, and quality of life. The plan also recognizes recreation and sports infrastructure as important economic multipliers that support both community well-being and economic development.
Key facilities at the park, including The Gardens Ice House and Fairland Sports and Aquatics Complex, serve as employment generators, tourism catalysts, and community anchors. Together with other park amenities, these facilities contribute to regional competitiveness, fiscal sustainability, and the long-term economic resilience of Prince George’s County. As the fourth and final regional park in the County to receive a comprehensive master plan, this planning effort over the next two years will play a critical role in guiding future investments, programming, and policy decisions that shape the park’s role in the regional recreation system.
Project Goals
The goals for the project are outlined below and are intended to serve as an initial direction. They will continue to evolve as the park assessment process progresses and additional stakeholders and community input is gathered.
Sports Excellence & Regional Destination
Complete Multi-generational Programming
Seamless Integration With Konterra Parcel
Thorough Assessment of Existing Conditions of the Park
Identify Future Park Needs
Capitalize on the Park’s Setting
Protect Sensitive Environmental Areas
Identify Opportunities in Konterra Parcel
Strengthen Connections to Surrounding Areas
Balance Activity and Repose in the Park
Do You Know … ?
Formula 2040 recommends transforming Fairland Sports/Aquatic Center into a Multigenerational Center.
The facility currently contains
most of the amenities required of a Multigenerational Center.
With a larger footprint and variety of spaces, multigenerational centers typically provide an array of programs that serve the recreational and leisure needs of the entire family, not just one age group!
Potential additions could include indoor courts with an elevated jogging track.
Typically, a multigenerational center includes the following amenities: fitness spaces, multipurpose rooms, outdoor spaces, indoor courts, indoor jogging track, and indoor aquatics.
To satisfy programming requirements, a new 14,000 square feet of outdoor aquatic space by the Fairland Sports/Aquatic Center and multipurpose rooms are recommended.
Study Area
Straddling the boundary between Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties, Fairland Regional Park is the only bi-county park operated by The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). The entire park is approximately 472 acres, with 150 acres in Prince George’s County and 322 acres in Montgomery County (named Fairland Recreational Park). The Master Plan will focus on the Prince George’s County side of the park and shall be developed in coordination with Montgomery County Parks, M-NCPPC, to make sure any bi-county regional issues and needs are addressed.
The park serves a combined regional population of more than 1.2 million residents, according to the most recent census. On the Prince George’s County side, the park includes the Fairland Sports and Aquatic Complex, the Gardens Ice House, a portion of the Gunpowder Golf Course, the Northern Region Parks Division (NRPD) Maintenance Facility, and several outdoor recreational amenities. The remaining parkland is largely preserved in its natural state and features approximately 1.5 miles of hard-surface trails and more than 3 miles of natural-surface trails for hiking, mountain biking, and exploring the park’s wooded landscape.
While the majority of Fairland Regional Park is owned and managed by M-NCPPC, both the Gunpowder Golf Course and The Gardens Ice House operate under lease agreements with independent operators. The 18-hole Gunpowder Golf Course predates the park’s acquisition and has continued to function under its original lease. Uniquely, the course spans both Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties. The total golf course area is approximately 96.6 acres, of which 15.04 acres are located in Prince George’s County, including the clubhouse, main garage, equipment shed, and associated storage facilities.
Use the links below to learn more about the project, its leadership, and ways to stay engaged. The website will be updated regularly with upcoming events and updates for Fairland Regional Park. We welcome your participation in upcoming community meetings and Pop-up in the Park and invite you to share your ideas, priorities, and concerns.
Your input will help shape the park’s future!