By D. Kevin McNeir
Special to the AFRO
kmcneir@afro.com
It’s rare to find one man whose professional career spans leadership positions as a politician, entrepreneur, sports agent and veteran of both the U.S. Army and Navy. But that’s the impressive background of Darryl Barnes who was sworn in on July 8 as the new chairman of the five-member Prince George’s County Planning Board of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC).
Barnes, who formerly served as a state delegate in the Maryland General Assembly (2015 – 2023) and previously led the Maryland Legislative Black Caucus as the chairman, was chosen by Prince George’s County Executive Aisha N. Braveboy to take over his new role and has in short order displayed his unique style of leadership.
In a one-on-one interview with the AFRO, he expressed his excitement about being given the opportunity to serve the people of Prince George’s County, where he was born and raised, and shared his vision about making the county “a destination.”
AFRO: It’s been less than a month since you’ve taken on this new position, and it’s said that you’re already off and running. How does it feel to take over a department responsible for providing recreational activities and programs for residents and visitors in an area that encompasses more than 29,000 acres of park land, trails, athletic fields and playgrounds?
DB: I am extremely humbled by this opportunity and excited to have broader conversations on land use planning and zoning, park acquisition and development, recreation programs, stewardship of natural, cultural and historical assets. When you look at the two operating departments for planning and parks and recreation, there is nothing but opportunity for upward growth.
AFRO: Prince George’s County hosted a Community FUN Day “Holidays in July” celebration on Saturday, July 19 – a family-friendly event held at the Southern Regional Technology and Recreation Complex in Fort Washington, Md., that served as your introduction to the community. What are your thoughts about that festive afternoon?
DB: It was a great coming out party for me and I was especially pleased to have Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy show up and give her support. But the real stars of the day were the hundreds of children who came out with their families for a day of fun. The smiles on their faces as they ran up to accept free bicycles, dolls and other toys were priceless.
Some children even sent me videos to express their thanks which really touched my heart. Others were clearly excited to see rangers from the Park Police Department show up riding their beautiful horses. Because of our many sponsors, we were able to give families bags of groceries filled with frozen foods and meats. And there were tables with information about the services and programs we offer in the over 29,000 acres of park land, trails, athletic fields, and playgrounds that our department oversees.
I was also encouraged because things ran so smoothly. It’s clear that those who represent Maryland Park and Planning realize my vision and are prepared to execute it. And I’ve only been on board for just under a month.
AFRO: By state law, the commission is responsible for acquiring, developing, maintaining and administering a regional system of parks and to facilitate a general plan for the physical development of both Prince George’s and Montgomery counties. But what’s your vision and do you feel any pressure being only the third African American to serve as the chairman?
DB: To be clear, my vision is to make Prince George’s County a destination. We have some of the most impressive and award-winning recreation centers in the country located right here in our county. We have amazing programs for youth, seniors, and everyone in between. And we have an amazing team of employees, some who have been with Park and Planning for more than 30 years, and who remain committed to providing the best service possible to county residents and visitors.
We have an opportunity to rewrite our narrative and to work on some of the internal processes we need to improve what we already do for the betterment of our workers and our customers. I’m here to enhance what’s already in place. And as a destination, I want those who live in Prince George’s County to feel good about where they live – to walk with their heads up and shoulder out.
AFRO: What tasks stand at the top of your list of things that you want to accomplish?
DB: The county executive said she wants to transform Prince George’s and as I said earlier, to make it a destination. With Six Flags–500 acres of land– closing at the end of the season, we want to have a seat at the table to determine how to best utilize that property. Should the Commanders leave the county, that will make available another 200 acres of land.
Our master plan looks ahead 20 to 30 years. But with things like Six Flags or the Commanders, you must be prepared to “call an audible.” National Harbor, with 180 acres of land, has been transformed and became a flagship location in the county. Imagine what we can do with Six Flags and even more acreage?
AFRO: What’s one thing that people may not know about you?
DB: Sports is something I have enjoyed and whenever I can, I go to football or basketball games. I have season tickets for the Wizards which isn’t unusual for a person like me who was once a sports agent and represented both NBA and WNBA players. But I am a big football fan, too, especially the Washington Commanders. My sister shares similar passions, and after stints at Arizona State, Wake Forest and Georgetown, she’s currently the associate head coach for Syracuse University’s women’s basketball team. So, sports run in our family.
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