The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release:

December 10, 2025

Prince George’s County Planning Board Announces Tara Eggleston Stewart as the New Deputy Director for M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County

LARGO, MD. – The Prince George’s County Planning Board of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) announces the appointment of Tara Eggleston Stewart as the new Deputy Director of Recreation and Leisure Services of M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County. Eggleston Stewart will provide high-level administrative oversight of the Department’s Aquatics & Athletic Facilities, Northern Recreation and Leisure Services, Southern Recreation & Leisure Services, Special Programs, and Youth & Countywide Sports Divisions.

“Tara Eggleston Stewart’s expertise, passion, and commitment to advancing inclusive recreation services are unmatched,” said Darryl Barnes, Chairman of the Prince George’s County Planning Board, “Her deep connection to the community and her proven leadership in parks and recreation make her an incredible asset for the Department.”

The Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County, a six-time National Gold Medal Award winner, is a national leader in innovation, service, and community impact. With more than 29,000 acres of parkland, including trails, cultural spaces, and historic sites, the Department remains dedicated to creating inclusive, accessible, and sustainable opportunities for all residents and visitors. With a guiding plan, Formula 2040, and the mission to help people “Live More, Play More,” the Department provides opportunities for active lifestyles, meaningful connections, and community pride through programs, classes, events, and accessible facilities.

“I am honored to return to the Department of Parks and Recreation, where my passion for service and community were born,” said Eggleston Stewart. “I look forward to working alongside our dedicated staff to expand access and strengthen our programs to ensure Prince George’s County residents have the opportunity to Live More, Play More.”

About Tara Eggleston Stewart

Tara Eggleston Stewart is a nationally recognized leader committed to serving the community. Returning to the Commission from the City of Rockville Recreation and Parks, she began her journey with M-NCPPC as a summer day camp participant, later working as a seasonal employee throughout high school and college. She went on to build a distinguished 21-year career with the Department, serving in key leadership roles including Division Chief for the Aquatics and Athletic Facilities Division and the Arts and Cultural Heritage Division.

Eggleston Stewart is a proud Howard University graduate and holds a master’s degree in Sports Business from New York University and is a current Doctoral student in Clemson University’s Park, Recreation, and Tourism Management Program.

Among her extensive list of achievements and affiliations, Eggleston Stewart has twice been named to the Aquatics International Magazine’s “Power 25” for her impactful work advancing community outreach and diversity in aquatics. She regularly shares her knowledge through presentations at state and national conferences and published contributions in Aquatics International and the National Recreation and Park Association’s Parks & Recreation Magazines. In 2024, she was inducted into the American Academy for Parks and Recreation Administration as a Professional Fellow and currently serves as a member of the American Park and Recreation Foundation Board of Directors.

About the Prince George’s County Planning Board

The Prince George’s County Planning Board, together with the Montgomery County Planning Board, make up The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission – a bi-county agency established by State law in 1927 to acquire, develop, maintain, and administer a regional system of parks and administer a general plan for the physical development of both counties. In Prince George’s County, the agency also administers the public recreation program. The Planning Board’s responsibilities include supervising preparation of land use plans and comprehensive zoning maps, advising the County Council on zoning map amendment and special exception applications, and reviewing and approving site plans and subdivisions. The Board also oversees the Commission’s work in the County, as carried out by the Parks and Recreation and Planning Departments. In Prince George’s County, the Planning Board’s full-time Chair and four part-time members are appointed by the Prince George’s County Executive and confirmed by the Prince George’s County Council, serving overlapping four-year terms.

Visit www.pgplanningboard.org for more information.

About M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County  

With over 29,000 acres of parkland, trails, athletic fields, playgrounds, and more, the M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County provides an award-winning park system through progressive, quality, innovative leadership and a commitment to its community and environment. The Department delivers first-class recreational activities and programs for people of all ages and ability levels. It strives to improve the quality of life for Prince George’s County residents and the communities in which they live, work, and raise families. The Department’s Formula 2040 Plan establishes a framework that will ensure the Department can meet future parks and recreation programmatic and facility needs, fulfilling its mission to determine the combination of land, facilities, and programs that will provide appropriate experiences for Prince Georgians in the future. To learn more, visit www.pgparks.com.

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