Founded in 1927, The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission is a bi-county agency serving Prince George's and Montgomery counties in Maryland, located just to the north and east of Washington, DC. The original purpose of the Commission, or M-NCPPC, was to practice "long-range planning and park acquisition and development." Since its inception, however, the Commission's responsibilities have expanded to include administration of Prince George's County's public recreation program. A well-respected leader in the field, with an unprecedented SIX gold medals for excellence, the Prince George's County Department of Parks and Recreation provides quality recreation programs, facilities, and services for residents and visitors. The Commission operates and maintains more than 27,000 acres of parkland throughout the county, including land developed to provide parks, picnic areas, athletic fields, historic sites, community centers, and recreation facilities. In an effort to maintain the county's natural beauty, a large percentage of the land has been left undeveloped to serve as buffers and to provide natural open spaces. With cooperation and input from diverse communities throughout Prince George's County, the Department operates a comprehensive park and recreation system that offers programs and facilities designed to meet the needs and interests of patrons of all ages. Outdoor festivals, live performances, trips, self-improvement classes, teen and senior activities, summer camps, fitness and sports programs, art and nature programs, and more than 90 miles of hiker/biker/equestrian trails are just a few of the recreational amenities offered. A skilled and qualified workforce of community recreation specialists, park planners, naturalists, park police, support staff, and many others helps the Department provide quality services to the residents of Prince George's County.