At next Tuesday’s March 10 City Council Worksession, the Mayor and Council will receive a presentation from Meagan Baco, Executive Director of the Anacostia Trails Heritage Area (ATHA). The presentation will provide an overview of the organization’s work across Prince George’s County and explore opportunities for collaboration with the City of College Park.
The Anacostia Trails Heritage Area is a nonprofit organization established in 1998 that works to promote heritage tourism, public history, cultural programs, and trail connectivity throughout the region. Through partnerships with local governments, nonprofits, and community groups, the organization supports projects that highlight the rich history, culture, and natural resources of communities along the Anacostia River and surrounding areas.
During the presentation, Council will learn about the different types of programs and initiatives ATHA supports. These include public history projects that highlight important moments such as the Civil Rights Movement, women’s suffrage, and the War of 1812, as well as community-based tourism efforts designed to help residents and visitors better understand the region’s historical and cultural significance.
Another focus of the presentation will be trail connectivity and recreational infrastructure. The heritage area has supported projects such as the Trolley Trail extension, Bowie Heritage Trail, Dueling Creek Trail, and Greenbelt East Trail, which help connect communities and provide more opportunities for walking, biking, and outdoor recreation.
ATHA also works with communities on public art and placemaking projects, including murals, sculptures, monuments, and other creative initiatives that celebrate local history and identity. In addition, the organization supports historic preservation and redevelopment efforts, providing research assistance and helping communities access grants and partnerships for revitalization projects.
A key topic expected to be discussed is the upcoming U.S. Semiquincentennial celebration in 2026, marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. ATHA is helping coordinate regional programs and events related to this milestone, including genealogy workshops, historical discussions, cultural performances, and community celebrations. These events will provide opportunities for residents to engage with the region’s history and heritage.
The presentation will also highlight grant opportunities that communities can pursue. These include capital grants of up to $100,000 and smaller “Rocket Grants” of up to $5,000 that can help fund projects such as signage, murals, and other heritage-related initiatives. In the past, College Park has benefited from these types of grants for projects such as Lakeland signage and local public art efforts.
ATHA also invites municipalities to participate in its Municipal Advisory Committee, which helps strengthen coordination between local governments and the heritage area organization. This committee meets periodically to share resources, discuss project opportunities, and explore ways communities can collaborate on heritage and tourism initiatives.
This presentation will give the Mayor and Council an opportunity to learn more about the programs and resources available through the Anacostia Trails Heritage Area and consider how the City of College Park can continue to participate in regional efforts to celebrate our history, strengthen community identity, and promote cultural tourism.