Parks

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Blandair Regional Park - North 
5685 Oakland Mills Road Columbia, MD 21045

Blandair Regional Park - West
5750 Oakland Mills Road Columbia, MD 21045

Blandair Regional Park - East
5749 Oakland Mills Road Columbia, MD 21045

Inclement Weather/Program Status Information: 410-313-3673

Amenities

• Paved pathways
• Drinking fountains
• Benches
• Bike racks

West Area

• 3 lighted synthetic turf multipurpose fields with press boxes and bleachers
• Playground
• Restrooms
• Parking lot
• Pavilion

East Area

• 2 lighted synthetic baseball fields with bleachers
• 5 lighted tennis courts
• Restrooms
• Parking lot
• Pavilion
• A challenge course with synthetic turf and timers, for ages 13 years and up
• A central plaza with stone seating walls surrounding raised landscape beds

North Area

• Playground that is an inclusive, ADA-compliant “Play-for-all” playground consisting of six unique play areas with fencing, non-verbal communication boards, sun shades, picnic tables and benches
• 2 pavilions (pavilion by bocce and croquet have inlaid checkerboards and ping-pong tables)
• Restrooms
• Parking lot
• The Green, a 10,000-square foot synthetic lawn area
• Backyard games area with 3 bocce courts, 2 croquet courts, 2 horseshoe pitches
• Park maintenance building with offices and storage

Next Phase
The next phase of the park to be designed will include the following: outdoor basketball courts, skate park, pickleball courts, pathways, parking lot and shade structures. This phase will be adjacent to the West Parking lot (near the three multi-purpose fields).

History on who has lived here.
Susquehannock tribes from the north and Piscataway tribes from further south along the Patuxent hunted and had seasonal camps here, but no permanent settlements have been located. The land was often the scene of conflicts with their main rivals, the Iroquois. In the 1700s, Colonial expansion caused many Native Americans to either leave Maryland, join tribes elsewhere, or stay and assimilate in the majority culture. 

The first European settlers who came to this area were Puritans, Quakers, and Catholics seeking religious freedom. The new English Colony of Maryland was founded in 1632, and passed The Maryland Toleration Act of 1649, making the Colony of Maryland attractive to settlers of various religious backgrounds. 

The Talbots, a Quaker family, first owned a 1,087-acre land grant in 1714 that included most of today’s Blandair Park. They were followed by the Dorsey, Howard, and Weems families. 

Three generations of the Weems family (of Scottish origin) farmed this land from before 1800 until 1844. John Crompton Weems, who served in the U.S. Congress as a representative for Anne Arundel County from 1826 to 1829, named the farm “La Grange.” The Weems family owned between 10 and 15 slaves. Their neighbor and frequent visitor, George Cooke, mentioned some of the enslaved population in his diary. 

People of African origin, both enslaved and free, lived and worked on this land. In 1777, the Maryland Quakers banned slave ownership by their members, but slavery was not illegal in Maryland. The 1783 Federal Tax Assessment records state that there were not slaves on the property. However, by 1798, ten enslaved people were recorded. The 1850 Federal Slave Census listed 15 slaves and the 1860 census reported 20 slaves, but names are not listed. The enslaved population labored without pay to plant and harvest crops, as well as tend to the farm and household chores, until the Civil War and emancipation, which happened in Maryland on November 1, 1864. 

When the area was named "Blandair."
Theodorick Bland, the Chancellor of Maryland from 1824 to 1846, purchased the land in 1844 as a country retreat, but his main home was in Annapolis. He was a lawyer and judge known for his “great industry and untiring energy.” It was Theo Bland who called it “Blandair,” the name still used today. He wrote that he needed to build a slave quarter and a granary. Both still stand on the property and date to circa 1845. 

Bland died in 1846 and his daughter, Sarah Bland Mayo, and her husband, Commodore Isaac Mayo, inherited Blandair two years later. They also lived in Annapolis, but continued to use Blandair as a country home. On the 1850 Federal Slave Schedule for the Howard District of Anne Arundel County, Isaac Mayo is noted as owning fifteen slaves, ranging in ages from three months to 70 years old. 

In the fall of 1849, an enslaved woman named Matilda Neal, along with her children Rachael, Mary, Emmeline, James and a baby, Catharine, escaped from the Blandair property with her husband, Richard Neal, a free man. Richard was arrested in Philadelphia in 1853 for inciting slaves to run away, but It is not clear whether Matilda and her children were also caught.

The Mayos deeded the property, which included eleven slaves, to their daughter, Sophia, for “love, affection, and one dollar,” when she wed a neighbor, Thomas Gaither, in 1857. 

The young Gaither couple built the brick two-story manor house that stands in the park today. A news story from 1857 identifies that the house was built that year, with reports that a strong wind blew away part of the roof that Thomas Gaither was building. The 1860 Federal Slave Schedule for District 1 of Howard County shows 20 slaves between the ages of one and 60 years old, and two slave houses. The Gaithers began raising a family there, but after the Civil War, farming was not as successful without unpaid slave labor, so the Gaithers sold Blandair in 1867 and relocated to Baltimore.

Land uses: from dairy farm to fruit orchards
Thomas Burwell bought and lived on the farm for eight years, then leased it for two years to Frederick Brosenne, a dairyman from Bavaria, Germany. Brosenne then officially bought the land in 1878. He and his sons raised cows and operated a dairy for 34 years. They delivered milk, butter, and cheese to the Lexington Market in Baltimore.

In 1910, William and Evelyn Marvel bought the farm and then sold it to John D. Mitchell nine years later. He, in turn, sold it to his brother-in-law, George Davis and his wife Julia who lived on the land with their daughter and son-in-law. At one time, four of their extended families (numbering up to 15 individuals) lived here.

In 1933, The Davis’ twin granddaughters were born in the Blandair mansion. Ina Lou and Violet May Ecker had fond memories of their grandparents and birthday parties on the front lawn. Their Aunt Betty recalled that the farm grew many crops, including corn, alfalfa, potatoes, beans, and cane sugar. The Davis families also raised cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens, horses, and mules. Their orchards produced apples and pears that were sold at market.

Who were the last owners?
Henry and Lillian Smith bought the farm in 1937 during the Great Depression to raise Arabian horses. Henry, a Baltimore contractor, improved the old mansion by installing bathrooms and electricity, but he died soon after. His wife “Lilly” died in 1979 and their daughter Elizabeth “Nancy” continued to operate the farm until she died in 1997. The two women resisted efforts by James Rouse to purchase Blandair as part of the development of Columbia in the 1960’s.  

How has the land developed?
A mixed deciduous forest once grew here, but by the late 18th century, early settlers began clearing it for farms. New trees have since grown along the streams, fence rows and borders of the property. 

The fields and farmlands were productive for over 200 years, from the first crops of tobacco, to wheat, corn, turnips, and an apple orchard. The last harvest was corn and soybeans in 2009. 

Blandair’s property borders changed from the first colonial grant of over 1,000 acres to the present 300 acres, due to the sale, purchase and recombining of lots.

The landscape around Blandair was slowly transformed by developer James Rouse into the town of Columbia after the 1965 “New Town District” zoning code was adopted. Now in the 21st century, Columbia is an unincorporated city, with a population of over 100,000, yet Blandair has remained a green oasis. 

Blandair is now parkland that offers varied opportunities for outdoor recreation and future nature education and historic interpretation…in the heart of Howard County.

When did Howard County purchase the property and start to develop it into a park?
The last residing owner, Nancy Smith, passed away in 1997 and the farm, long having ceased operations. Howard County purchased the property in 1998, with assistance from the State Department of Natural Resources’ “Program Open Space.”  Planning began soon after by Howard County’s Department of Recreation & Parks in collaboration with a Citizen’s Advisory Committee. Lou Parlette, one of the Davis Twins born at Blandair, served on the committee.

Legal challenges ensued, delaying planning efforts for the next three years. After court affirmation of the County’s ownership, repairs of the deteriorated facilities could begin. A Historic Easement was placed on 28 acres that contain the farm structures, and restoration work is underway under a separate contract with the National Park Service.

In 2001, a committee of 23 citizens was appointed to advise the County on the direction it should take in developing the park. The Blandair Planning Committee deliberated for over a year and a half, considering multiple issues regarding the park. The County commissioned several studies: a Traffic Study, a Forest Delineation Study, a Wetland Study, and a Hazardous Waste Assessment. Experts in various areas were invited to address the committee on pertinent topics.  

Three sub-committees were established to address 1) historic preservation; 2) environmental protection and nature; and 3) active recreation. Access to the park from Route 175 and other local roads, as well as bicycle and pedestrian pathways, and a highway overpass to connect the two areas of the park were discussed extensively.

The committee determined that the North Area should feature historical interpretation, preserve natural areas, and provide predominately passive recreation and nature education. It also could provide space for occasional large outdoor gatherings. They determined that the South Area should provide more facilities for active recreation, as well as preserve its natural areas.

Three conceptual plans were created and discussed, and one concept was chosen to be modified. The final plan was presented before three public meetings, and adopted as the Master Plan in August, 2003.

The Department of Recreation and Parks is restoring the Blandair Mansion, which will become the historical centerpiece of the future 300-acre park. The Department contracted the National Park Service (NPS), Historic Preservation Training Center to provide architectural and construction services in accordance with stringent federal and state preservation guidelines to restore the Blandair mansion. Archeological investigations were conducted around the perimeter of the house, a new drainage system and metal roof was installed, existing windows and doors were repaired, the brickwork was repointed, and the front portico was rebuilt. Upon completion, the mansion will become the historical centerpiece of the future 300-acre Blandair Regional Park. 

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Centennial Park - Main/South
10000 Clarksville Pike (Main/South), Ellicott City, MD 21042 

Centennial Park - North 
9801 Old Annapolis Road (North), Ellicott City, MD 21042 

Centennial Park - East
4800 Woodland Road (East), Ellicott City, MD 21042 

Centennial Park - West
4651 Centennial Lane (West), Ellicott City, MD 21042 

Inclement Weather/Program Status Information: 410-313-4454

Boat Rentals: 410-313-7303

Boating rules and regulations are at the bottom of this webpage.

Amenities

South Area

• 54-acre man-made lake
• Benches
• Lake open to boaters from March 1 - November 30
• Boat ramp and dock area (the dock area is accessible to persons with disabilities)
• Drinking fountains
• Natural areas
• 2.6-mile paved pathway 
• 7 picnic pavilions, first-come-first-served basis, unless reserved
• 3 picnic areas, first-come-first-served (propane grills are not permitted)   
• Playground 
• 3 sand volleyball courts, first-come-first-served
• Restrooms
• Parking 

North Area

• 2 ball fields (#1, #2)
• Skate spot
• Benches
• Drinking fountains
• Hiking trails
• Natural areas
• Parking
• Picnic area
• Playground
• Restrooms
• 6 racquetball courts
• 2 tennis courts

West Area

• 3 ball fields (#3, #4, #5)
• 2 basketball courts
• Benches
• Drinking fountains
• 2 lighted multi purpose fields (#6, #7)
• Hiking trails
• Natural areas
• Parking
• 1 pavilion (o)
• Playground
• Restrooms
• 5 tennis courts; 1 tournament court
• 1 sand volleyball court

East Area

• 1 ball field (informal)
• Basketball court
• Drinking fountains
• 4 horseshoe pits
• Parking
• Pavilion (h)
• Playground
• Restrooms
• 2 tennis courts
• 1 reservation-only sand volleyball court

History

Centennial Park was established in 1987 with a vision to create an environment where anyone and everyone could visit to play, hike, boat and come together as a community.

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Cedar Lane Park - East
10745 Route 108 (East), Columbia, MD 21044

Cedar Lane Park - West
5081 Cedar Lane (West), Columbia, MD 21044

Inclement Weather/Program Status Information: 410-313-4453

Amenities

• 8-mile paved pathway connects the parks

East

• Playground
• 2 natural grass multi-purpose fields, available for scheduled use
• Basketball courts
• 4 tennis courts
• Pavilion (first-come, first-served, unless reserved)
• Restroom

West

• 4 lighted ball diamonds
• Playground
• 2 lighted synthetic turf fields
• Volleyball courts
• Bocce courts
• Pavilion (first-come, first-served, unless reserved)
• Horseshoe pits
• Fitness programs are held in the indoor facility
• Restroom

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Rockburn Branch Park - West
6105 Rockburn Branch Park Road (West), Elkridge, MD 21075

Rockburn Branch Park - East
5400 Landing Road (East), Elkridge, MD 21075

Inclement Weather/Program Status Information: 410-313-4455

Amenities

• 9 miles of pathway and trails

West

• 2 ball fields (#7-8)
• 2 basketball courts
• 3 multi-purpose fields (2 are mini fields: #9-10) and 1 is regular sized (#15)
• Field overlay (behind Rockburn ES: #11-14)
• Picnic pavilion

East

• Parking
• Restroom
• 2 multipurpose synthetic turf fields (#5-6) 
• Rockburn Skills Park
• 4 ball fields (#1-4)
• 4 tennis courts
• 18-hole disc golf course 
• Picnic pavilion
• Playground

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8400 Fair Street, Savage, MD 20763

Inclement Weather/Program Status Information: 410-313-4456

Amenities

• 2.8 miles of interconnecting trails, including links to Patuxent Branch Trail 
• 5 ball diamonds (permit use only) The outfields of ball diamonds 1-4 can be permitted out to serve as a multipurpose field or a mini-soccer field, but no goals are provided. Ball diamond 5 will be lighted.
• 2 basketball courts
• 2 horseshoe pits 
• Picnic pavilion available on a first-come-first-served basis, unless reserved
• 4 lighted tennis courts
• 2 volleyball courts 
• Playground
• Restroom facility  

Trout fishing on the Little Patuxent are: creel limit (all trout species) in aggregate—two daily, two possession; no minimum size; no closed season; no restrictions on terminal tackle.

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12975 Hall Shop Road, Highland, MD 20777

Inclement Weather/Program Status Information: 410-313-4451

Amenities

• 4.6 miles of trails
• 3 ball fields
• 2 basketball courts
• Regulation-sized cricket field
• Indoor facility (permit required, Your group may rent this multipurpose room when departmental activities are not scheduled. There is a two-hour minimum. For scheduling and fee information, call 410-313-4682.)
• 4 tennis courts
• Playground
• 3 equestrian rings (available on a first-come, first-served basis unless previously reserved)

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6500 Mansion Lane, Elkridge, MD 21075

Inclement Weather/Program Status Information: 410-313-4451

Amenities

• 2 lighted synthetic multipurpose fields with press box structures and bleachers seating 
• Parking areas 
• Playground

Planning & Development

New construction (Phase 2A) Phase 2A construction should be complete late spring 2020. The new synthetic turf field and bleachers were completed in November 2019. Electrical work for the lighting, press box and scoreboard will continue periodically until completed in early 2020. For more information, please contact Jason Thompson at 410-313-4031 or jthompson@howardcountymd.gov.

The park will be open during the day while construction is happening. Periodic construction will take place around the perimeter of field 1 until the electrical work is complete. Please be aware of construction activities and vehicles in the area of Field 1.

The park area, which currently encompasses 101 acres, has a history that dates back to 1664, when John Dorsey patented 763 acres as part of the Upper Anne Arundel tract and called the property “Troy” after his family’s ancestral home in Ireland. In the nearly 400 years since then, the property has been divided up and sold. Howard County purchased 80 of the 101 acres with $2.1 million from the Department of Natural Resources Program Open Space. In 2011 the county began developing plans for the park and it held a construction groundbreaking on June 22, 2013. All five phases are projected to cost an estimated $45.8 million.

The Department of Recreation and Parks plans to use the 1820 Historic Troy House in Elkridge as a visitor’s center and program space for the future Troy Park at Elkridge. The Department has contracted with the National Park Service to develop architectural plans and perform the rehabilitation. The interior of the old stone house was completely destroyed by fire, so the plans will focus on an adaptive re-use of the interior, while maintaining a historically appropriate exterior. Extensive archeological investigations have been conducted in the vicinity of the house to assist in the planning process.

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14800 Carrs Mill Road, Woodbine, MD 21723

Inclement Weather/Program Status Information: 410-313-4372

Amenities 

• 4 grass multi-purpose fields (#7, #8, #10, #11) 
• 2 lighted synthetic turf multipurpose fields (#4 and #5)
• 1 tee ball field (#6) 
• 4 tennis courts
• 1 multi age playground (fenced) 
• 1 small playground
• 4 ball diamonds (#1 - lighted baseball field, #2, #3, #9)
• 2 basketball courts
• Pathways
• Natural Surface Trails 
• 5 pavilions (available on a first-come, first-served basis - for more information click on the pavilion rental tab)
• Gary J. Arthur Community Center at Glenwood 
• Glenwood Library 
• 3 restroom facilities, 
• Maintenance facility

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11685 Old Frederick Rd/Md 99, Marriottsville, MD 21104

Inclement Weather/Program Status Information: 410-313-4372

Ammenities

• Regulation-size inline hockey rink with bleachers.
• Howard Astronomical League Observatory. (Only open for events.) Includes a 15-foot diameter dome that houses the Paul S. Watson telescope, a 12-inch Newtonian telescope originally built in 1937 and restored for use today. The observatory hosts monthly star parties and other programs coordinated between the department and the Howard Astronomical League.
• 2 tennis courts 
• 3 ball diamonds
• 2 multipurpose fields 
• 2 playgrounds 
• 2 identical 60-person capacity picnic pavilions (first-come, first-serve basis unless reserved) 
• Target archery range (Open Range Pass sign up required) 

Master Plan

The proposed Master Plan was presented to the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board on September 16, 2009. Thirty citizens attended the discussion of proposed park improvements, which include more adequate parking, new restroom facilities, storage for park equipment, a roof over the roller hockey rink, new lighting, new trails to provide a connected trail system, and small astronomical observatory. Construction at Alpha Ridge Park is complete. The improvements include a new restroom facility, telescope observatory building and additional parking.

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6875 Greenleigh Drive, Columbia, MD 21046

Amenities 

• 2 tennis courts 
• 2 playgrounds
• 2 picnic tables
• One small grill 
• 3 handball/racquetball courts
• 2 pickleball courts
• Short paved pathway provides access to an area reforested for resource conservation and protection suitable for bird watching
• Restroom

Master Plan
Approved 2008 Master Plan
2011 Blandair Phasing Plan

Project Schedule for Phase I, II and III 
Phase I is a 25-acre parcel in the South Area on the west side of Oakland Mills Road was constructed and opened in 2012. It contains the following amenities: 3 lighted, synthetic turf multi-purpose fields, 1 playground, 1 shelter, 1 restroom, and 1 parking lot. Click here to view Phase I of Blandair Park. The Contractor for Phase 1 was Urban Zink Construction. Phase II is a 31.4 acre parcel on the south east side of Oakland Mills Road. Construction started in April 2015. The contractor is Kibler Construction company and the project is scheduled for completion  in early 2018. This phase will contain the following amenities: 2 lighted baseball fields with bleachers and lighting, 1 playground, 1 shelter, 5 tennis courts, 1 restroom, paved paths and a parking lot. Click here to view Phase II of Blandair Park. Phase III  will begin construction in fall 2016 and will contain the maintenance building, as well as an accessible playground,a backyard games area, shelter and restrooms. Click here to view Phase III of Blandair Park.

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6555 Belmont Woods Road, Elkridge, MD 21075

Information & Rentals: 410-313-0200 or www.belmontmanormd.com

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5750 Oakland Mills Road, Columbia, MD 21045

Amenities

• Tennis court
• Full basketball court
• 2 playgrounds
• 3 picnic tables
• One grill
• Paved trail

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3100 Fawnwood Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043

Inclement Weather/Program Status Information: 410-313-4457

Amenities

• Ball diamond (all grass)
• Playground
• Tennis
• Basketball courts
• .7-mile natural and woodchip surface trail

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4691 Ten Oaks Road, Dayton, MD 21036

Inclement Weather/Program Status Information: 410-313-4458

Amenities

• 2 multipurpose fields
• 2 ball diamonds
• 2 tennis courts
• Playground
• Small community picnic shelter with 8 picnic tables is available (first-come-first-served unless previously reserved)
• .5 mile pathway system

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7455 Eden Brook Drive, Columbia, MD 21046

Inclement Weather/Program Status Information: 410-313-4459

• Basketball courts
• Ball diamond (permit use only)
• Natural grass multipurpose field (permit use only)
• .25-mile paved trail
• Playground and separate swing area

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6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, MD 21045 

Inclement Weather/Program Status Information: 410-313-4456

Amenities 

• 3 multipurpose fields, must be reserved by permit
• Paved walking paths
• Restrooms

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3520 Font Hill Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043

Amenities 

• 3 interconnecting ponds with a surrounding boardwalk 
• Paved pathways
• Observation areas
• Fishing piers (fishing in large pond only)

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9900 Guilford Road, Jessup, MD 20794

Inclement Weather/Program Status Information: 410-313-4456

Amenities

• 2 tennis courts
• Basketball court
• Ball diamond (permit use only)
• Playground
• Picnic pavilion
• ½-acre pond
• Gazebo
• Fishing pier
• .6 mile paved pathway

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10700 Glen Hannah Drive, Laurel, MD 20723 

Inclement Weather/Program Status Information: 410-313-4459

Amenities

• 4 tennis courts
• Ball diamond
• Playground
• Picnic pavilion (first-come, first-served)
• 1.5-mile trails

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6450 Forest Avenue, Elkridge, MD 21075 

Amenities 

• Basketball court
• Picnic area
• Playground

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10100 Superior Avenue, Laurel, MD 20723

Amenities 

• Tennis court 
• Basketball court
• Gazebo
• Picnic pavilion
• Playground
• One mile of pathway trails

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10524 Vista Road, Columbia, MD 21044 

Amenities

• Volleyball court
• Basketball court
• Tennis court
• .45-mile paved path
• Three picnic table areas
• Playground

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9695 Clocktower Lane, Columbia, MD 21046

Inclement Weather/Program Status Information: 410-313-4459

Amenities 

• Ball diamond (permit use only, all grass with a backstop)
• Multipurpose field (permit use only)
• .2 miles of trails
• Basketball courts
• Playground

Planning and Development
Huntington Park renovation include a new playground, possible relocation/removal of the baseball backstop and relocation of the basketball court.

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15901 Frederick Road, Woodbine, MD 21797 

Amenities

• Tennis court
• Playground
• Paved circular pathway
• Gazebo

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6701 Martin Road, Columbia, MD 21044

Inclement Weather/Program Status Information: 410-313-4459

Amenities 

• Playground
• .27 miles paved pathway
• Picnic tables
• Grill
• Basketball courts
• Multipurpose field (permit use only)
• Restroom

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5001 Meadowbrook Lane, Ellicott City, MD 21043

Inclement Weather/Program Status Information: 410-313-4457

Amenities

• 3 baseball fields
• Open-play area
• Large playground for all abilities
• 2 tennis courts
• 2 basketball courts
• 2 picnic pavilions
• Approximately 2.5 miles of sidewalks and pathways circling the park
• Parking
• Restroom facilities

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9411 Whiskey Bottom Rd., Laurel, MD 20723

Inclement Weather/Program Status Information: 410-313-4456

Amenities

• 12,000 square foot Skate Park
• North Laurel Community Center
• Basketball courts
• Tennis court
• Playgrounds
• Pavilion
• Ball diamond and multi-field overlay (permit use only)

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3655 Church Road, Ellicott City, MD 21043

410-313-0420

Inclement Weather/Program Status Information: 410-313-0421

Closed for the season
The Patapsco Female Institute is open for free history tours on Saturdays and Sundays from 1-4pm, from May through November. Tours are weather permitting. For the most updated information, please call the program status line at 410-313-0421.

Select year-round availability options exist for school groups and private tours.

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920 Watersville Road, Mt. Airy, MD 21771

Amenities 

• Nature hiking trail
• Street parking only

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6692 Cedar Lane, Columbia, MD 21044

Inclement Weather/Program Status Information: 410-313-4452 (option 6)

Amenities 

• Nature Place (outdoor playground with fun activities including creative musical tones, tunnel and more)
• Trails
• Exhibits

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6455 Sewell’s Orchard Drive, Columbia, MD 21045

Inclement Weather/Program Status Information: 410-313-4451

Amenities

• Playground
• Picnic tables
• 3 ponds with a .9-mile paved pathway around the perimeter

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350 West Friendship Rd, Sykesville Md. 21784

Printable Park Map (coming soon)

Inclement Weather/Program Status Information: 410-313-4451

Amenities

• Playground 
• Picnic pavilion
• ADA parking lot
• Skate park

Planning & Development
Construction is complete on the First Phase of improvements for the 7.5 acre South Branch Park, located across the Patapsco River from the town of Sykesville. New facilities include a playground and a picnic shelter, connected by a paved accessible walkway to two handicap parking spaces. The old water-tower, which had become a hazard, has already been taken down. The project is being done in conjunction with the Town of Sykesville, which has been renting and maintaining the property for the past several years under an agreement with the County. Construction has begun on the new skate park area.

In the spring, a charrette was held in the Town Hall to gather ideas from the public for the use of the historic warehouse known as the “Apple Butter Factory.” Future plans will include renovations to enable the re-use of the building, as well as provide additional parking. An existing concrete slab that is currently used for skateboarding, will also undergo future improvements as a skate-park. New amenities, such as benches and historic interpretive signage for the historic structures on the site, will also be added.

The park serves as a gateway to both Howard and Carroll Counties, and has been enjoyed for limited passive recreation since its acquisition by the County in 1994, and the addition of a small parking area, fencing and landscaping. The site is the location of several historic structures, including the Sykes House, and a Weigh Station for farm produce that was canned at the Apple Butter Factory. 

That section of the park will be closed to visitors for the duration of the construction, which will last several weeks.

8061 Main Street, Ellicott City, MD 21043

Inclement Weather/Program Status Information: 410-313-4451

Amenities
Tiber Park offers several benches surrounded by mature trees to give your tootsies a rest after a day of shopping and dining in one of the many stores and restaurants downtown. After your rest, continue your exploration of historic Main Street.

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14523 MacClintock Drive, Glenwood, MD 21738 

Amenities

• .6 mile paved path and boardwalk around the pond
• Pavilion
• Playground
• 2 tennis courts 
• Basketball court
• Sand volleyball court 
• Horseshoe pits
• Accessible fishing pier

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6951 Old Waterloo Road, Elkridge, MD 21075 

Inclement Weather/Program Status Information: 410-313-4455

Amenities 

• 2 picnic pavilions
• Playground
• Basketball court
• 2 tennis courts
• Ball field
• Multipurpose field
• .5 mile of paved pathway leading through the woods

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12985 Frederick Road, West Friendship, MD 21794 

Inclement Weather/Program Status Information: 410-313-4451

This park was funded in part by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Program Open Space Grants.

Come visit The Howard County Living Farm Heritage Museum at West Friendship Park.

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8170 Hillsborough Road, Ellicott City, MD 21043

Inclement Weather/Program Status Information: 410-313-4455

The Worthington Dog Park turns off the water for the colder months (November-April). Please plan accordingly.

Don't disappoint your dog. If it's raining or snowing, or the ground is damp, always call the Inclement Weather line to verify that the Off-Leash Area is open before you go. The area may be closed due to rain, snow and/or muddy conditions.

If the park is open, but conditions are sloppy, please do not use the park until conditions improve. By doing so, you can ensure that the gates will remain open more often.

Worthington Dog Park Requirements:  

• Handlers must be at least 18 years of age.
• Children under the age of 12 are not allowed in the Off-Leash Area. Dogs can and will play roughly and it is not safe for the children or the dog owners.
• Daily permit ($5 at park) or yearly permit (see above Dog Park Application)
• Proof of current license and rabies vaccination.

Reminders 
It is your responsibility to clean up after your dog! No one else should or will do that for you.

Dogs have different styles of play. Know your dog before you visit the park and be sensitive to other dogs and their owners. Watch your dog closely and be prepared to intervene if necessary.

Amenities

• Two lower enclosures: large dog area and the small, timid, or elderly dog area. 
• Upper enclosed area (there are also fenced areas for rent and dog training is available)
• Benches
• Covered shelter
• Chairs
• Water (available in the summer months)

For additional information about the Off-Leash Area at Worthington Park, visit Maryland Dog Park Community on Facebook and we are also pleased to provide a link to Animal Advocates.

Bark Ranger Program
The purpose of the Bark Ranger Program is to encourage dog owner patrons to clean up after their pets and to use a leash while visiting a Howard County park. Dog feces that is not picked up is unsightly but also has negative impacts on our ground and surface water and attracts rodents. It is important to keep your dog on a leash. Not only is it the law but it is being considerate to the other park patrons. We encourage you and your pooch to take the pledge and be committed to protecting our environment.

For questions regarding the Bark Ranger program, call 410-245-1410 for dates and events.