Greenbelt Park ⓘ

After the stock market crash of 1929 and into the early 1930’s, the status of the United States was a time of social and economic chaos. 10.5 million people were out of work. In 1933, under the presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt many agencies were instituted to rescue the country and rebuild it to better conditions. The one that affected the Greenbelt area was the Resettlement Administration. Rex Tugwell knew many beautiful gardens and cities in England and wished to develop the same atmosphere in the United States. In 1934, he drove President Roosevelt to the area of Greenbelt. His idea was to build low to moderate income family homes, “a garden city surrounded by a greenbelt of trees and open spaces.” This would increase employment for skilled and unskilled laborers as well as a relief to the housing shortage. Mr. Tugwell chose three sites: Greenbelt, Maryland; Green Hills, Ohio; and Greendale, Wisconsin. Greenbelt, Maryland was the first site to be developed. In 1934, 3500 workers began clearing of a site for a lake and town. The projected cost was $5.5 million dollars. The actual cost in the end was $11 million dollars, twice the projected amount. Many people were very upset over the project. Concerns ranged from the government involvement in real estate and the number of people and type of people who would be building and working in the area and their effect on the neighbors. Angus MacGregor was brought from England to be the chief landscaper. He was employed by the British Royal Family. MacGregor's efforts saved trees, added winding walkways, Trees were saved, walkways winded throughout the project, underpasses were built to enhance the roadways, businesses were developed in the center of town, and the school and community center were one unit with easy access for all the town residents. As Tugwell Town neared completion in 1937, 5700 applications were received for housing. The government had strict regulations on who could live in the dwellings. Residents had to be married and the wife had to stay home with the children. The government selected families in good character that would take part in community affairs. A cross section of religious affiliations was chosen from the Washington, D.C.area: 63% Protestant 30% Catholic and 7% Jewish. In 1937, the first families moved in. Rent was $31 for a couple with one child. President Roosevelt came to visit and remarked” I have seen the blueprints of this project but the site exceeds my every dream!” By 1938, over thirty organizations had been formed in the town. The community was the center of family life. In 1952, the government sold the town and much of Greenbelt. All the original homes were bought by the cooperative group of Greenbelt Homes, Inc. formed for this purpose. This included 1000 war time dwellings built in 1941. Greenbelt was the first municipality in Maryland and had the first council manager in the state. Greenbelt is on the National Historic Register. In 1987, it was honored as the first planned community to celebrate its fiftieth anniversary. The Greenbelt Museum was dedicated on October 10, 1987. The museum is a restored original house with original furnishings. The museum is located at 10B Crescent Road. Many of the traditions remain today. The community works hard to maintain the cooperative atmosphere that was developed in the 1930’s. All of the homes look alike but there are twenty different floor plans. Take a walk through history with a walk around the original city and visit the Greenbelt Coop, the Greenbelt Theater or the former Elementary school now the Greenbelt Community Center. To learn more, visit the Greenbelt Library. The Library has room dedicated to the history of Greenbelt.

Dogwood Trail (2023) NPS / Kelsey Graczyk Trails Have accessibility concerns? See our accessibility page for detailed information to prepare for your park experience! Perimeter Trail- 5.3 miles The trail begins at the entrance of the park. There are different access points throughout the park. Parking available at the Sweetgum Picnic Area. There are two detours on the Perimeter Trail due to washout on Still Creek and erosion near the beginning of the Perimeter trail- Please follow signs. Azalea Trail- 1.2 miles Park in the Sweetgum Picnic Area. The Azalea Trail begins and ends in the Sweetgum Picnic Area. Dogwood Trail- 1.5 miles Parking lot available along Park Central Road. Blueberry Trail- 0.8 miles Campground users can enjoy a walk through the forest. Blueberry trailhead is along the road in the campground.

Blueberry Nature Trail NPS / Kelsey Graczyk Hiking regulations Pets must be leashed. Owners must collect and dispose of pet waste in a receptacle Bikes prohibited Horses prohibited Park closes at dusk Safety Brochures with trail maps are available in the park at the trailhead and the Park Ranger Station. Prepare for your hike. Bring water, cell phone, and a trail map. Use tick and insect repellent. Be alert to changing climate conditions. Check the weather before hiking or walking on the trails. Do not hike under severe weather conditions such as thunderstorms, blizzards, or expected high wind conditions. Call U.S. Park Police at 202-610-7500 for any emergency, need of ambulance or criminal activity. To report maintenance issues, call our park headquarters at 301-344-3948.

Campground Information The campground offers 174 campground sites with hot showers and bathroom facilities. Park rangers and campground hosts are available. You must reserve your campsite online . Walk-in sites and the cash/check drop box are no longer available. There are no electrical or water hookups available. There are hot showers, bathroom facilities and a dump station available to registered campers. There is a three tent, six person and two vehicle maximum per site. If you need to occupy two sites because of the length of your RV and towed vehicle, you will need to pay for two sites. How fees are used Your camping fees fund projects that directly benefit the park, including campground improvement projects. Planned projects include campsite refurbishment, replacing worn out picnic tables and grills, visitor center upgrades and the addition of new campfire circles. Firewood Prevent the spread of pests and disease! Bring in store-bought firewood. Campers cannot bring non-store bought firewood into the park or campground because of the Emerald Ash borer threat . More camping resources Want to learn more about camping, or discover a new place to camp? Visit the NPS camping website for inspiration and information.