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Contact: Michael Donato
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, Md.– Join us as we celebrate the reopening of the Oxon Cove Trail with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 26 at 11:30 a.m.! The National Park Service, the Town of Forest Heights and Potomac Riverkeeper invite you to gather at the bridge along the Oxon Cove Trail — designed to connect the community of Forest Heights to the trail and provide a smoother, more scenic experience for all. “This ribbon cutting celebrates more than a bridge—we are strengthening connectivity through the power of human-focused transportation networks. Thanks to our partnership with the National Park Service, the Potomac Riverkeeper, and Congressman Glenn Ivey’s office, Forest Heights residents once again have access to some of the most breathtaking views in the capital region. This project strengthens our community, enhances mobility, and reflects our commitment to a more connected future," said Mayor Troy Barrington Lilly of Forest Heights.
As part of this rehabilitation, the trail has been repaved, a brand-new bridge now links Oxon Cove Trail to Forest Heights, and new stormwater runoff features help protect the environment. The event will feature inspiring remarks from government and National Park Service leaders and a special performance by the Forest Heights Elementary School choir. “We are eager to celebrate not only reopening the Oxon Cove Trail, but also the renewed connection between the community of Forest Heights and Oxon Cove Park. The enhancements to the trail reflect the National Park Service’s efforts to preserve the nation’s public lands while also providing a serene space for recreation,” said Tara D. Morrison, Superintendent of National Capital Parks ― East.
After the ceremony, you can continue the celebration by giving back to nature! Potomac Riverkeeper is hosting an Earth Day clean-up at Oxon Cove Park that same day. Want to volunteer? Sign up at Volunteer.gov. “Potomac Riverkeeper is grateful for the opportunity to celebrate the reopening of the greenway with the National Park Service, our partners and Mayor Lilly’s Green Team during our Earth Day river cleanup at Oxon Cove! We welcome people to join us,” said Dean Naujoks, Executive Director of Potomac Riverkeeper.
Nestled in Prince George’s County, Maryland, Oxon Cove Park is home to Oxon Hill Farm, where visitors can meet farm animals and enjoy hands-on programs. The Oxon Cove Trail offers a beautiful space for walking, biking, and fishing, all while connecting the community to Washington, D.C. and beyond.
Come be part of this exciting moment and enjoy the great outdoors!
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ABOUT THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s more than 430 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.
Last updated: April 4, 2025