Beat the recession, and do something for a change this spring. Here are some ideas to give relief to your pocketbook. .
First of all consider Fort Washington Park . I have visited Fort Washington and the view of the Potomac River is stunning. You can view the Potomac River near the visitor center. In addition, you can have a ranger take you on a guided tour for 30 minutes.
The tour covers the Fort’s role in guarding Washington D.C. The park is free February through April. The entrance fee is only $3.00 other times.
Also at the park, there are small tables and grills for small groups of 14 people or less. If you want to picnic with a group of 15 or more, a picnic permit is required. For more information call (301) 763-4600 (you must be 18 years or older) or you can drop by the visitor center during the parks hours of operation. Refunds are not made regardless of weather conditions. The group picnic area is available for your use rain or shine. All damages made on the reserved area of the park are the responsibility of the permit holder.
For more information go to the web page www.nps.gov/fowa .
Also consider Greenbelt Park . This is a National Park that is located 23 miles from Baltimore MD and contains 1,100 acres of oak, maple and old pine trees. I did my Cooperative Education requirements for the University of Maryland , University College and enjoyed learning about the different shrubs and trees as well as animal life in the park. In addition, I enjoyed learning about the muscle tree, holly bushes and ferns at the park.
.
It is a great place to picnic too. There are three picnic areas at the park. The sweet gum picnic area is an unreserved site. It is located at the entrance of the park and is available as a first come first serve basis. Near the site, there are two sets of playground equipment, a baseball field with blacktop and large field. Also there are picnic tables and a restroom. The park states that “there is a limit of four people per group and four tables so that everyone should enjoy the park
Greenbelt Park is also a great place for biking, hiking and bird-watching. Spring is a great time to visit the park. The precipitation is low. More information on the park can be found at http://www.nps.gov/gree/index.htm . To contact the park call (301) 344-3944.
Next let’s talk about Clara Barton National Historic Site. This site honors the life of Clara Barton who founded the American Red Cross. The home was the headquarters of the American Red Cross and also a warehouse for disaster supplies. The house is located at 5801 Oxford Rd. in Glen Echo MD. You can also contact the site at (301) 492-6245.
I have visited the site myself and found it to be inspiring; Clara Barton was a woman that was ahead of her time.
Also near Clara Barton is Glen Echo Park . It has been under the National Park Service since 1971. The park also provides activities year around in dance, theater and the arts for the communities around Glen Echo and for visitors from all over the country. Visitors can see artists as work. because the park has an artist residence program. During Cautauga Summer season there are concerts, demonstration, workshops and festivals.
The Dentzel Carousal at the park is a great attraction to photograph or to ride. I have visited Glen Echo Park and photographed the carousel myself. Also the Spanish Ballroom is a great place to have a wonderful night of dancing. Guided tours are also available.
More information about the park can be found at http://www.nps.gov/glec and http://www.free-attractions.com
So visit one of these sites during the spring. You will be glad you did.
