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Fort Washington National Park was filled with fun and games Saturday as southern Prince George's County residents gathered to celebrate the second annual District 26 Community Family Fun Day.

The event, organized by Del. Jay Walker (D-Dist. 26) of Fort Washington and the National Park Service, was a chance for state representatives to gain name recognition about two weeks before the Sept. 14 primary elections, as well as for residents to learn about local services and community resources.

During the day, more than 400 residents ate food, participated in fitness challenges and were treated to concert-style performances in the park by community dance groups. Neighboring communities in the district, including Oxon Hill, Fort Washington, Camp Springs and Temple Hills, sparred in tug-of-war challenges, with Oxon Hill taking the victory.

Walker said he wanted to use the day to help raise resident awareness of the importance of fitness and health, one of his key platform issues as he seeks a re-election bid in November. During the event, the Maryland-National Park and Planning Commission provided roller-skating, limbo and water-balloon tossing for children. Prince George's County police also allowed children to tour the department's helicopter.

"People [who] know me know that physical fitness for kids is part of my platform," Walker said. "I wasn't going to have bunch of kids come and stand around."

Del. Veronica Turner (D-Dist. 26) of Camp Springs, who also is seeking re-election, said the day also raises the profile of the district's delegation.

The district doesn't have civic associations in each community, she said, leaving portions of residents not knowing who their state representatives are.

"It's a good thing for the community to see that we're there," she said.

Residents echoed Turner in saying that the day provided a chance for politicians to meet their constituents. In addition to Turner, U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Dist. 5) and Sen. C. Anthony Muse (D-Dist. 26) of Fort Washington, who both are seeking re-election, attended the event.

"This is probably the biggest day of the year for politicians in District 26," said Petey Green of Clinton, who also is president of the Prince George's Black Chamber of Commerce.

Walker said that he also hoped the community day would highlight some of the district's natural resources, including Fort Washington National Park and the Harmony Hall mansion that dates to the 18th century.

"In the 26th district, we have a unique resource," he said. "A lot of people just see Fort Washington as an area [and not the park]."

jgarner@gazette.net