LARGO, MD – The Prince George’s County Planning Board of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) announces its appointment of Darius A. Stanton as the new Director of the M-NCPPC Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County. Effective Monday, July 21, 2025, Stanton will assume leadership of the Department comprised of more than 5,000 full and part-time employees, an unionized park police force, and a $492 million operating budget – all supporting 200+ miles of trails, 300+ athletic fields, four regional parks, four golf courses, an equestrian center, the oldest continuously operating airport in the world, a minor league baseball stadium, community and senior activity centers, ice skating rinks, and more.
“Darius A. Stanton is a values-driven leader whose career reflects a deep commitment to results, innovation, and community engagement,” says Darryl Barnes Chairman of the Prince George’s County Planning Board. “His experience in public safety, youth development, and strategic operations makes him uniquely qualified to lead our department into its next era.”
The Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County – a six-time National Gold Medal Award winner and current 2025 finalist – 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 the 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 serve the residents of Prince George’s County in this capacity,” said Stanton. “Our parks and recreation facilities are not just amenities – they are destinations, engines of public health, safety, and family development. I look forward to building on the Department’s legacy and expanding access to transformative programs.”
About Darius A. Stanton
Darius A. Stanton brings more than three decades of executive leadership across government, nonprofit, and private sectors. His career began in the City of Annapolis, where he was appointed Drug Czar at age 22. He moved to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington and ultimately became Vice President of Operations overseeing facilities, staff – civilians and police officers, and award-winning youth programs. He later transitioned to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Baltimore. His leadership helped launch a program called the “Boys Club” at the Baltimore City Juvenile Justice Center, which has been credited with reducing violence in the facility. Mr. Stanton was the co-founder of The Stanton Group, Inc., a human development and strategic business consulting firm.
Mr. Stanton holds a master’s degree in human services from Lincoln University and has taught sociology at Anne Arundel Community College. He is the immediate past Board President of the Maryland Black Caucus Foundation and currently serves as a Commissioner on the Maryland Economic Development Commission. He resides in Prince George’s County with his wife of 29 years and their family.
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 the 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.
Assistance
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission encourages the participation of persons with disabilities in all its programs and services. Register at least a minimum of two weeks in advance of the program start date to request and receive a disability accommodation. Call the Public Affairs Office at 301-952-3038, email PublicAffairs@ppd.mncppc.org, or complete the online form.
Contact:
Calista Black
Chief Communications Officer
calista.black@mncppc.org | 301-952-3038
