Kevin Durant’s 35V Creates Joint Venture and Enters Into Purchase Agreement to Acquire and Reimagine 515-Acre Former Six Flags Site in Prince George’s County, Md.
By PRESS OFFICER
35V
BOWIE, Md. (April 8, 2026)—A joint venture between 35V, the investment firm co-founded by Prince George’s County native and basketball superstar Kevin Durant and Rich Kleiman, and Atlanta-based TPA Group, has been selected by Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE: FUN) as the buyer and future steward of a 515-acre site in Prince George’s County.
This milestone marks a pivotal step forward for the property and the broader Prince George’s County community. The selection follows a comprehensive process to identify a development team with the experience, long-term vision, and commitment to community partnership necessary to guide the site’s next chapter.
The Joint Venture brings a shared focus on responsible, community-centered investment, and a proven track record of executing complex, large-scale projects. Together, they are committed to unlocking the massive potential of the site, while working collaboratively with local and state leaders, residents, and other community stakeholders to ensure the future of the site reflects the priorities and aspirations of Prince George’s County.
Durant Family Foundation President Wanda Durant, a Prince George’s County native, will serve as an advocate for community interests in the project, helping to ensure that community voices remain central as plans for the site come together.
Executive Commentary
Rich Kleiman, Co-Founder, 35V
“We have been invested in the Prince George’s County community for many years, and to be able to build something that combines scale with real impact was an opportunity we couldn’t pass up. We’re looking forward to working with our partners at TPA and the entire community to create positive economic opportunity for the region.”
Wanda Durant, President, Durant Family Foundation
“This land represents decades of memories for families across the region. As we look ahead, it’s essential that what comes next honors that legacy by creating new opportunities for residents—especially young people—and strengthens the community for years to come. We are excited to be part of the next chapter of Prince George’s County.”
John Reilly, President & Chief Executive Officer, Six Flags
“After a thorough selection process, we are pleased to name 35V and TPA Group as the future stewards of this significant property. Their combined vision for the site is compelling, and we are confident that their expertise will create lasting value for the region. This agreement reflects Six Flags’ disciplined approach to portfolio optimization and allows us to continue focusing on our core portfolio while ensuring this land remains a cornerstone of economic opportunity for the community."
Aisha Braveboy, Prince George’s County Executive
“We are thrilled to welcome 35V and TPA Group as partners in shaping the future of this site. Their emphasis on collaboration and community impact aligns with our goals for sustainable economic growth and community enrichment. We look forward to working together to ensure this redevelopment delivers meaningful benefits to our residents for generations to come."
35V is the family office co-founded by Kevin Durant and Rich Kleiman in 2016. The business encompasses a range of interests including investments, philanthropy, sports, and media.
TPA Group is an Atlanta-based private real estate investment and development firm. With a focus on delivering high-quality commercial projects, TPA has a proven track record of managing complex and large-scale developments across the United States.
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Rhiannon Evans/ Capital News Service
Democratic House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk speaks at a press conference with the bipartisan Rural Caucus in Annapolis March 31, 2026 in Annapolis.
House Speaker Peña-Melnyk Says She’s Aiming to “Meet the Moment”
Joseline Peña-Melnyk, who was elected House speaker late last year, making history in Maryland as the first Afro-Latina and second woman in that role, said there’s still more to accomplish this session.
By RHIANNON EVANS
Capital News Service
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (April 8, 2026)—The bells in the State House rang for a third time one recent morning, signaling it was time for the House floor session to start. Joseline Peña-Melnyk strode out of her office and onto the chamber floor.
At the lectern, Peña-Melnyk struck the gavel, calling for delegates to quiet down. She was about to lead the session.
It was the new norm for 59-year-old Peña-Melnyk, who was elected House speaker late last year, making history in Maryland as the first Afro-Latina and second woman in that role. The Democrat representing parts of Anne Arundel and Prince George’s counties said she’s looking to “meet the moment.”
With only days left in the session, Peña-Melnyk said she has a lot still to accomplish. Her agenda has focused on increasing government accountability and addressing affordability concerns.
“We’re trying to make sure that when we leave here and adjourn, the people are in a better place,” she said in a recent interview with Capital News Service. “And I believe we will do that.”
Early in the session, Peña-Melnyk helped push Democratic priorities, including fighting against increased federal immigration enforcement.
She championed a bill that bans local law enforcement officials from having agreements with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The emergency bill was signed into law by Gov. Wes Moore on Feb. 17.
The speaker also co-sponsored a bill that would prohibit law enforcement officials from wearing masks and face coverings in Maryland. The bill is pending in the House. The Senate approved a companion bill.
“We have to fight to make sure that we have protection for all people, make sure that we fight for civil rights,” Peña-Melnyk said.
Pressing for health care bills
When redistricting, another priority for the speaker, stalled, Peña-Melnyk persisted.
“I’m on plan A,’’ she said at a recent press conference. “We passed the bill. The House made it a priority. It is in the Senate, and there’s still time for the bill to pass.”
Despite her push, Senate President Bill Ferguson, also a Democrat, wouldn’t budge, arguing a new map could be challenged in court.
Peña-Melnyk, former chair of the House Health Committee, also pressed for health care-related bills, one of her signature issues. She recently testified in support of a bill to better inform patients about mammogram results and another bill that would require more training and education on menopause. Both bills are awaiting action in the Senate.
She had pledged early in the session to work across the aisle. One of her first acts was establishing the Rural Caucus, a bipartisan group of delegates working to ensure rural Marylanders’ concerns are addressed.
“Regardless of personal ideologies or views on various issues, she really looks for consensus,” said Jeanette Ortiz, director of government affairs at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, and a longtime friend of the speaker.
Some House Republicans, however, have complained that GOP-backed proposals haven’t been supported under Democratic leadership.
Del. Lauren Arikan, R-Harford, said she was frustrated after her amendment, which would restore some funds to the Developmental Disability Administration, failed last week.
“It seemed to me like the Democratic leadership actually instructed their members not to do that,’’ she said on a podcast hosted by Del. Mark Fisher, R-Calvert, a member of the Maryland Freedom Caucus. “As you know, they often do.”
Calling for action
Peña-Melnyk said the transition to speaker has been a “transformative journey.”
She started as a lawyer and served on nonprofit boards while raising three children. She was elected to the College Park City Council from 2003 to 2006 before becoming a delegate.
“When Joseline was elected, I knew immediately that she was dynamic and was going to be a great partner to advance things in our community,” said Prince George’s County Council member Eric Olson, District 3, who served with Peña-Melnyk.
Olson recalled how Peña-Melnyk had called on the state to address safety concerns along U.S. Route 1.
“We tried the nice approach with the state,” said Olson, adding that when that didn’t work Peña-Melnyk staged a march down Route 1 to raise visibility.
Peña-Melnyk said something had to be done after 15 pedestrian deaths on the roadway. The march, she said, led to more funding for a safety project.
“Sometimes you have to be creative and leave it all out there to be heard,” she said. “It’s not just your mouth or your words, it’s your actions.”
‘I don’t take it for granted’
Peña-Melnyk said her upbringing has shaped her legislative priorities. She said she grew up in a tiny home in the Dominican Republic with a cement floor and a metal roof that would leak into pots and pans when it rained.
“There’s just no way that I can separate myself, divorce myself from that upbringing, which keeps you grounded and keeps you humble,” she said. “You know what it’s like not to have it, so every policy that I fight for, every bill I introduce, I ask, ‘What is the bill trying to fix here?’”
Heidi Gonzalez Ramirez, a first-generation student at the University of Maryland, called it “very impactful’’ to see Peña-Melnyk leading the House.
“We’re just really thankful to hear people speaking up there in Spanish and how it really affects us,” said Gonzalez Ramirez, who attended the legislature’s opening day in January. “It hits home, seeing somebody that was able to overcome so many obstacles, being a woman, being Latina.”
The Legislative Black Caucus saluted Peña-Melnyk Thursday, noting her historic role as the second woman to serve as speaker. The first was her predecessor, Adrienne Jones, D–Baltimore County.
“In every decision I make, I have you in mind and our people to make sure that we leave doors open for people that look like us because we are very capable,” Peña-Melnyk, who received flowers and an award, told the caucus. “We have to work twice as hard and the expectations are much higher. But I want you to know that I don’t take it for granted.”
Capital News Service reporters Alexander Taylor, Nolan Rogalski and Sam Gauntt contributed to this story.
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Council Member Ivey Partners With The Arc, Other Providers to Launch Autism Coalition
The alliance is actively recruiting service providers, advocates, and educators to strengthen support for residents with autism
By PRESS OFFICER
Prince George’s County Council Media
Council Member Jolene Ivey (At-Large) teamed up with The Arc of Prince George’s County, the Autism Society of Maryland, Spectrum of Hope, and other autism care providers to launch the Prince George’s County Autism Coalition (PGCAC) last month. Ahead of its first meeting, which will be held virtually on April 30, PGCAC is actively welcoming new members, including direct service providers, government agency representatives, educators, advocates, and non-profits. PGCAC’s diverse coalition of organizations aims to simplify how community members with autism access services, resources, and support throughout the region.
PGCAC’s meeting on April 30 will feature a presentation from the Maryland Equity Coalition for People with Disabilities on creating a more equitable disability services system. Registration is available here: https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/2ee26401-4e83-45a8-b963-f4d084df1e77@4146bdda-ddc1-4d2a-a1b2-1a64cc3c837b?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
The coalition’s core mission is threefold: to build a robust network and infrastructure that families can navigate with confidence, to streamline communication across the stakeholder landscape, and to amplify the reach of existing resources and community events.
“My commitment to advocating for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities spans nearly two decades, dating back to my time as a delegate in Annapolis,” said Council Member Ivey. “Real accessibility happens when communities and experts connect, and that is exactly what we are working to make possible.”
“Too many families are left to navigate a fragmented system on their own,” said Rob Malone, Executive Director of The Arc of Prince George’s County. “This coalition was built to change that, to create one connected community where no one falls through the cracks, and every resource is within reach.”
You can learn more about PGCAC at www.beacons.ai/PGCAutismCoalition
