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Recreation councils are made up entirely of volunteers but a member of M-NCPPPC is required to attend their meetings. The councils must have bylaws and a constitution approved by Park and Planning and in turn their activities are promoted in Park and Planning guides.

‘‘No two recreation councils are alike though their purpose is to work with Park and Planning to better serve their local community,” Brett said. ‘‘These people worked hard and a lot of them still live in the community. They do not get paid. The smiles of the children are their rewards.”

Recreation council programs for children ages 6 to 12 are run solely by volunteers from the council and held at the Glenn Dale Community Center, located at 11901 Glenn Dale Boulevard. Sports offered include softball, Tee Ball, baseball, basketball and, most recently, badminton. The community center offers other programs and sports for children and adults.

Council members said the council differs from a boys and girls club in one way: competition.

‘‘We are not as competitive,” said council member Peter Teuben. ‘‘We’re more recreational although some of the soccer teams have participated in some leagues.”

The council’s goal is to provide recreational opportunities for children regardless of skill level.

‘‘The badminton is not as organized as soccer yet. It’s just drop-in and we teach them some skills,” Teuben said. ‘‘We offer a lot but we’re just not that visible.”

Pam Wilson first heard about the program in 2002 when she moved to Glenn Dale from another parent and called it a ‘‘lifesaver.” Her son and daughter took part in soccer and Tee ball.

‘‘For me being a new parent and needing to find out what the community was all about was crucial for me. This program has been fantastic for us because it’s near our home and they offer a variety of sports,” Wilson said. ‘‘It was a great learning experience for the children and the parent volunteers do everything they can to make it beneficial for the children.”

On Tuesday, the council is hosting a badminton exhibition match featuring players from across the county. The exhibition will be held as part of Parents Night.

‘‘We want to showcase the sports we do,” Teuben said. ‘‘Our group gives a great opportunity for young people to recreate with their peers.”

Though council members differ on the exact year the council was formed, Brett said the council was instrumental in bringing the Glenn Dale Community Center to the community. The community center officially opened their doors in 1994.

Parents interested in signing up their children for a recreation activity are encouraged to attend Parent’s Night or volunteer their time to assist the council in their goal.

The council meets the second Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the community center.

Prices vary depending on the sport. For more information about the Glenn Dale Recreation Council visit eteamz.active.com⁄glenndale⁄.

E-mail Brooke N. Garner at bgarner@gazette.net.

About Glenn Dale Community Center

Address11901 Glenn Dale Blvd.Glenn Dale, MD 20769

Phone: 301-352-8983;TTY 301-218-6768

Hours of Operation

Monday-Thursday: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Monday-Friday: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Day Camp: June-August)

Friday: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. (Pre-Teens), 7 to 10 p.m. (Teens)

Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. (Pre-Teens), 7 to 10 p.m. (Teens)

Sunday: Noon to 5 p.m.