On August 25, the University of Maryland School of Public Policy took part in upholding a 25-year tradition that holds special significance for College Park Scholars – Service Day. This annual event serves as an opportunity for students to not only contribute to their community but also forge new friendships along the way. Within the College Park Scholars program, students from diverse backgrounds engage in an array of community service projects. These projects cover a diverse range of activities, from lending a hand at local elementary schools and farms to participating in material distribution, to landscaping initiatives and beautification projects at a variety of locations.
Nestled along the scenic banks of the Anacostia River is Bladensburg Waterfront Park, one of the most historic waterways in America. Students supported the Public Leadership Service Day project, creating meaningful impact by taking an active role in a multitude of tasks to enhance the beauty of the park: working together to pick up trash, weeding plants from various locations and painting areas in need of maintenance.
As the day drew to a close, the sense of community remained and many students continued to explore and enjoy the park by kayaking, canoeing and making use of the newly beautified spaces at Bladensburg Waterfront Park they had meticulously restored. Through this experience, students were also able to foster new friendships and meet faculty who play an integral role in the program.