Hyattsville · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Hyattsville public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Driskell Community Center renovation
Roof and HVAC repairs totaling up to $160,000 were proposed at the Driskell Park Recreation Center, which hosts community programs and recreation for Hyattsville residents.
Speaker series recreation events
The committee is lining up free community events: an October cooking demo, a virtual microplastics talk focused on children's health for January 2027, and fall outdoor events like forest bathing and bird watching.
Throne public restrooms and delayed Portland Loo installations
The city will go from three to four Throne portable restrooms, with a fourth planned at Hyatt Park until the Portland Loo is installed. Councilmembers Solomon and Strab pushed for more locations and better public input on where they should go, and asked for usage data.
Naming the new Youth Center on 40th Avenue
The city wants help from the Youth Advisory Council to name its new youth center. Residents will get to submit name ideas and vote on finalists in a community survey, similar to the snowplow naming contest.
Health and wellness fair and zombie run
The council announced dates and times for an upcoming health and wellness fair and a zombie run — fun, free community events for local families to check out.
Trail Safety and Maintenance
Helmets can't be handed out at Summer Jam without a certified bike helmet fitter present; the committee is reaching out to Arrow to arrange one.
Formula 2040 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan
Member Jocelyn Medallo briefed the group on Prince George's County's Formula 2040 plan for parks, trails and open space — a long-range visioning project the task force may weigh in on from an equity perspective.
Discretionary Fund Grants to Community Events
Sixteen small grants went out across all wards — funding 988 suicide-prevention signage, community events, a Pride celebration, bike helmets, World Cup watch parties, and a college food pantry.
Senior Services and Community Programs
The part-time Call-A-Bus driver position was converted to contract drivers to add flexibility. Councilmember Lee worried about coverage when drivers are out, but staff said two on-call contractors can fill gaps.
Portland Loo public restroom at Hyatt Park
The council approved up to $195,000 to build a public restroom at Hyatt Park, contingent on NZI Construction extending its contract with Prince George's County. Residents get new park restroom facilities, with annual costs and tree replacement at the site also discussed.
M-NCPPC Recreation Grant and Historic Preservation Grant
Two grant items were on the consent agenda: a $50,000 county recreation grant and a $6,850 historic preservation grant for an architectural schematic design package.
'Mayor for a Day' program
Councilmember Barnes proposed a 'Mayor for a Day' program; the Council discussed expanding it and may send the idea to the Youth Advisory Council for input.