Ever since Maryland Kid, Riley, told us her favorite spot in Maryland was Cosca Regional Park, we had to check it out. It isn’t hard to see what she loves about this park, it is sprawling with almost 700 acres of trees and water for endless outdoor fun.
Cosca Park History
Cosca Park was built in the 1960’s, originally named Clinton Park, it was later named Cosca in honor of Louise F. Cosca, a member of the Maryland National Capital Park & Planning Commission, that was instrumental in the parks creation.
Things to Do at Cosca Park
This park is a nature preservation park and is full of nature trails to go hiking or biking on. There are 5 main trails, red, blue, purple, orange and green, ranging from 1 to 2 miles. All the trails are interconnected and you can keep going for many miles.
There are 6 tennis courts, basketball courts, baseball diamonds, two softball fields, two baseball fields, and a skate park. There are a few playgrounds at this park, the one closest to the lake is for younger kids. There is also a beautiful lake, Cosca Lake, where you can go fishing or rent a paddle boat.
There are 25 campgrounds with/without electricity hook ups that are available to rent. There are also covered pavilions that you can use to host an event and picnic tables and benches all over the park for picnics.
There are restrooms and ample parking at various parking lots.
About Clearwater Nature Center
Cosca Park in Clinton, Maryland is also home to the Clearwater Nature Center. This nature center encompasses environmental education through their exhibits, programs for all ages, guided tours, clubs, trips, volunteer opportunities, and special events hosted by park naturalists.
Inside there is a lapidary workshop, seasonal gardens, a pond and live animals, including a bald eagle who lives there! Walk-in on your own or visit the facility as part of a group to meet the live mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds of prey. Admission is free; nominal fees apply for programs.
Clearwater Nature Center is open Monday-Saturday, 8:30am-5:00pm and Sunday & Holidays, 11:00am-4:00pm.
Some of the specialized programs the nature center has to offer include:
Live Animal Shows
Come meet some of the nature center’s resident animals including reptiles, amphibians, and birds of prey.
Scout Badge Workshops
A park naturalist can assist your scout/youth group in completing some of the requirements needed for nature related merit badges.
Teen Volunteer Program
Clearwater Nature Center offers opportunities for teens, ages 13-17, who are interested in assisting staff with general animal care, interpretive programs, special events, and other projects.
Community Outreach Programs
Is your group unable to arrange transportation to come visit the nature center? Why not have them come to you! Clearwater Nature Center offers several curriculum-based nature programs for schools and/or community groups that can be presented at your location. They are able to customize many of their programs to fit your needs. Minimum is 25 people. Fee: Resident $4/person, Non-Resident $6/person. They also offer Live Animal Shows for large groups.
Children’s Birthday Parties
Surprise your child with a memorable experience at his or her next birthday party. Party package consists of three hour use of the auditorium (with tables and chairs provided) and a live animal show for your party guests. Maximum room capacity for both children and adults is 40 people. Rental Fee: Resident $200, Non-Resident $260.
Classes & Activities
The Nature Center provides a ton of classes and activities all year round. Currently you can sign up for Nature Predators Camp, Wilderness Survival With A Ranger, Creek Hikes Climate Heroes in Action Camp, and more. Click here to see their full, updated schedule and sign up for these activities.
The Future of Cosca Park
There is a team currently developing the vision for the future development of the park, check out this video on their presentation for what their expansions will include.
Other Prince George’s County Places to Visit
🚗 National Wildlife Research Refuge
🚗 Imagination Playground Tour
🚗 Watkins Regional Park
🚗 Allen Pond Park
🚗 National Harbor
🚗 Lake Artemesia Natural Area
🚗 @montpelier_farms
🚗 Merkle Natural Resources Management Area and Visitor Center
🚗 National Colonial Farm at Piscataway Park
🚗 College Park Aviation Museum
Let us know of any other PG County places we should know about on our social media or email us at artdirector@jecoannapolis.com. –Jenny Cardoza