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Westphalia Central Park FAQ

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1. Where is Westphalia Central Park located, and where can the park be accessed?

Westphalia Central Park is located just north of Rt. 4 Pennsylvania Ave and East of 1-495 Capital Beltway in Upper Marlboro, MD. Westphalia Central Park Phase 1 core will include two vehicular entrances - one off at the intersection of Central Park Dr. and Parkstone Drive, and the other off the future east bound Rock Spring Dr. There will also be various trail access points along the perimeter of the park that will connect to the adjacent neighborhoods.

2. How large will Westphalia Central Park Phase 1 be?

Westphalia Central Park Phase 1 (PDF)

Westphalia Central Park Phase 1 totals fifty (50) acres, which includes the Phase 1 core (~20acres) - PDF that will be built by Smith Home Farms.

3. Who is responsible for the design and construction of Phase 1, and how were the amenities designed selected?

Smith Home Farms is responsible for completing the design and construction of the Phase 1 core (PDF). The amenities to be built in the core were approved with the Comprehensive Design Plan (CDP) for the area, and construction drawings were completed. Amenities outside of the core (PDF) are conceptual and is the M-NCPPC Department of Parks and Recreation's responsibility to complete the design and construction of those elements. 

The Department of Parks and Recreation will work with the Advisory Committee to develop an engagement strategy to collect input from the public on the design throughout the process. Any additional comments and ideas for programs and amenities outside of the core can be submitted to the M-NCPPC Department of Parks and Recreation Westphalia Central Park project team.

4. Can the amenities chosen for the Phase 1 core be changed?

No, the amenities to be built in the Phase 1 core were approved with the Conceptual Design Plan (CDP) for the area, and construction drawings were completed.

5. How is the construction of the Phase 1 core construction being funded?

The design and construction of the Phase 1 core is funded through the Park Club Fund (PDF).

6. When will construction of the Phase 1 core begin?

The goal is to begin the permitting process later this Spring and for construction to begin in Summer 2023.

7. Who will the advisory committee be comprised of?

The advisory committee will consist of:

• The M-NCPPC Department of Parks and Recreation Director
• The Prince George's County Planning Department Director
• DPIE Director
• DOE Director 
• DPW&T Director
• One (1) representative each from Smith Home Farm, Town Center, and Toll Brothers
• Two (2) Westphalia community representatives

8. Are the advisory committee members on the committee to see the park to completion, or are they term limited?

Serving on the Advisory Committee is not term limited.

9. Who will represent Councilman Davis once his term in office ends?

The newly elected Councilperson for District 6 will serve on the Parks Advisory Committee once Councilman Davis' term ends. During the transition, the advisory committee will continue to work to implement the vision of Westphalia Central Park.

10. When will the M-NCPPC Department of Parks and Recreation begin the final phase of design of the amenities outside of the Phase 1 core?

The M-NCPPC Department of Parks and Recreation will begin the design process after the Advisory Committee has been formed and key decisions regarding the implementation of the Phase 1 core are addressed.

11. Can residents submit input on the amenities outside of the core?

Amenities envisioned outside of the Phase 1 core are conceptual. The M-NCPPC Department of Parks and Recreation will work with the Advisory Committee to develop an engagement strategy to collect input from the public on the amenities outside of the core. Any additional comments and ideas for programs and amenities outside of the core can be submitted to the Department of Parks and Recreation Westphalia Central Park project team.

12. Who will be responsible for operating and maintain Westphalia Central Park?

Westphalia Central Park will be managed and maintained by the M-NCPPC Department of Parks and Recreation, like Watkins Regional Park.

13. Once the park is open to the public, will there be park police presence? Will the park be equipped with innovative safety technology (cameras and emergency call buttons) for visitors?

The park will be monitored by both the M-NCPPC Park Police and the Prince George’s County Police Departments. There are no security cameras or emergency call buttons in the plans currently. The department uses innovative technology to monitor park use, including after hour activity. In addition, there will be unique location markers to help emergency vehicle locate patrons, if necessary.

14. Is the "Cloud" structure still a feature of the park?

The "cloud" structure is currently included in the construction drawings and was envisioned to serve as a grand entry feature for the park. However, the "cloud" structure was designed in 2015, and the design involved technologies that have since been updated. The M-NCPPC Department of Parks and Recreation is working to re-envision a grand entrance for the park and will work with the Advisory Committee to finalize any changes to the design. This grand entry feature (PDF) is planned for later stages of park implementation.

15. Will there be a good coverage of tree canopy? How mature will newly planted be?

Yes, there will be tree canopies along trails, seating, and playground areas to provide ample of shade for users. The newly planted trees caliper will be determined at the time of construction bidding.

16. Will there be areas with shade, especially for large public gatherings?

Currently, there are no other large shade structures in the Phase 1 core. However, the Department of Parks and Recreation can install more shade structures as needed after construction of the core is complete.

17. Will the park have any specialty themed amenities?

The two playground areas (PDF) in Phase 1 are themed with nature and floral features.  The rest of Westphalia Central Park was designed to complement the character of Westphalia.

18. Will pets be allowed at the park?

Yes, pets on leashes will be allowed at Westphalia Central Park. There will also be dog stations throughout the park. A dog park is also envisioned outside of the Phase 1 core.

19. Is the park sustainably designed?

Yes, the design considers the natural features and environmental functions of the land and area. Future planning and construction will also consider the materials and installation methods that are environmentally sensitive.

20. Are tennis courts part of the Phase 1 core?

The Phase 1 core does not include tennis courts. The Department of Parks and Recreation will work with the Advisory Committee and community stakeholders to explore what amenities are desired outside of the core.

21. How many miles of walking trail will be constructed in Phase 1, and are they multi-use?

The Phase 1 fifty (50) acre core will contain approximately two (2) miles of trails. There are no shared-use or multi-use paths designed for both bike and pedestrian use in the Phase 1 core. However, Future phases will include an extensive variety of trails, including multi-use and equestrian trails.

22. Will there be any sitting areas along the pond or trails?

Yes, there will be sitting areas with benches along both the trails and pond.

23. Will the park be free to enter and use?

Yes, all parks owned by the M-NCPPC are free to use.

24. What will be the park hours?

All M-NCPPC parks are open from dawn to dusk.