Palmer Park, Maryland


Palmer Park is an unincorporated community in Prince George's County, Maryland, United States, within the census-designated place of Landover. It was previously a CDP of its own until 2000.

History

Palmer Park was adjacent to Wilson Dairy Farm. FedEx Field is now located on what used to be the farm in the 1950s and 1960s. Palmer Park was an enclave of post-World War II triplex housing units designed as starter homes for young low-income families. It is surrounded by three parks.
It was predominantly white until segregation ended and blockbusting began in the 1960s. Within approximately two years, the community went from predominantly white to predominantly black. A lawsuit was filed for blockbusting and was won by the former residents in the late 1960s. Despite its colorful history, it has been home to successful politicians, athletes, and artists.
The former CDPs of Landover, Dodge Park, Kentland, and Palmer Park, defined as such by the U.S. Census Bureau in the 1990 U.S. Census, were consolidated into the Greater Landover CDP as of the 2000 U.S. Census. This amalgamated area was renamed the Landover CDP as of the 2010 U.S. Census.

Government and infrastructure

Palmer Park is home to the Palmer Park Senior Housing.
It is also home to Prince George's County Police Headquarters, which also serves as the District III station.
It is located right across from Prince George's Sports and Learning Complex and FedExField, home of the three-time Super Bowl champion Washington Football Team.
Right at the heart of Palmer Park are small stores that include a mini mart, gas station, hair salon, Boys and Girls Club offices, and a doctor's office. In addition to the stores, Palmer Park Community Center is located right across the street.

Education

operates area public schools.
William Paca and Highland Park elementary schools serve sections of the former 1990 CDP. Kenmoor and G. James Gholson middle schools serve sections of the former 1990 CDP. The neighborhood high schools serving sections of the CDP are DuVal, Flowers, and Fairmont Heights.

Transportation

Palmer Park is served by the Washington Metro Landover station, which is northwest of Palmer Park across Landover Road.

Notable people

Comedian Martin Lawrence once lived in Palmer Park while attending Eleanor Roosevelt High School in nearby Greenbelt. Palmer Park was the hometown of 1976 Olympics gold medal winning boxer Sugar Ray Leonard. Rapper Rico Nasty lived in Palmer Park as a child. Kev Brown is also amongst the notable people from Palmer Park.

Parks and recreation

The Prince George's County Department of Parks and Recreation operates the Palmer Park Community Center.
The community is home to the Palmer Park Tigers, and holds an annual Palmer Park day in order to promote community spirit.