Site Overview & History
Site Overview
Encompassing more than 150 acres of parkland, the Fairland Regional Park currently features a variety of sports fields and facilities as well as miles of paved and natural trails. It plays an important role in supporting the recreational needs of the surrounding region. A diverse mix of athletic and fitness activities, multi-generational programming, special events, and opportunities for nature exploration attracts visitors from across the broader region, including residents of both Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties, each year.
A Unique Bi-County Park System
The Fairland Regional Park is part of the larger “Fairland Park”, a unique bi-county park spanning between Prince George’s County and Montgomery County. 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 Fairland Park was originally conceived to serve the growing populations of the Beltsville–Laurel–Fairland region, particularly young families in these rapidly developing suburban communities.
Do You Know … ?
Acquisition of land for the
Park in Montgomery County, now called Fairland Recreational Park, began in 1967.
Park acquisition on Prince George's County’s side began in the late 1960's.
In 1991, when the first bi-county master plan was completed, it was envisioned to add another 38 acres north of the entrance to the golf course.
In Montgomery County, much of the parkland was once in some form of agriculture, old hedgerows, building foundations, and early successional fields. Land in the Prince George's County portion, including the Konterra site, was formerly mined for sand and gravel.
When Fairland Park was purchased, a portion of the site included the 18-hole Gunpowder Golf Course.
The current Fairland Recreational Park was designed to include multiple playgrounds, soccer and softball fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, and multi-use courts, Picnic areas, a visitor center for education and community use, and a maintenance yard.
In 1985 the ballfields in the park were opened and dedicated to local recreation activist Pierce Wilson.
This 100-acre golf course
began operation in 1956 and still operates today independently under a lease with the original owner.
The Prince George's County side of the park was proposed with a ballfield plaza, reforested area, "har-tru" tennis courts, lighted football/soccer field, picnic/playground area, arboretum/garden park, outdoor performing arts area, stormwater demonstration area and an 18-station exercise trail.
History
Meet the athletes who trained and excelled at Fairland Regional Park.
Deana Parris
Gymnastics