December 13, 2019
Media Contacts:
Mark Miller, Administrator, Office of Public Information, 410-313-2022
James Sheehan, Bureau of Facilities, Design and Construction, 410-313-6135
Center to remain open during construction, with modified programming
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – A Howard County project to renovate the Bain 50+ Center at 5470 Ruth Keeton Way in Columbia is scheduled to begin on or about Monday, December 16.
“This is exciting and welcome news for our older residents throughout Howard County,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. “We are committed to creating a community of thriving and healthy residents as well as become a certified AARP Age Friendly Community. With our rapidly increasing population of older adults, renovations of the Bain 50+ Center are needed for the increasing demand of services from our 50+ centers. This renovation is a part of our goal to provide more accessible and improved resources throughout Howard County for all our residents of all abilities to be able to learn, exercise, and play.”
The original center was built in 1981, with an expansion in 2004. In looking at its high utilization and facility age, this project will address improvements to the facility’s infrastructure. The project will include the renovation of the multipurpose and meeting spaces, classrooms, lounge, game rooms, offices and existing bathrooms, and the addition of two new ADA accessible bathrooms and a state-of-the-art fitness and exercise room. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by late July 2020.
“These renovations will enable us to expand the wide variety of services Bain provides to our older adult population,” said Jackie Scott, Director of the Department of Community Resources and Services. “Once complete, they will also enhance our ability to service residents across the lifespan, through intergenerational activities that bring the community together.”
While the project is not expected to impact the flow of traffic in the area, signs will be posted to alert residents of the project. In addition, the County’s Department of Community Resources and Services intends to keep the center open during the project with modified programming.
For questions or concerns about Capital Project C-0335, contact Lisa Brightwell, Public Works Customer Service, at 410-313-3440 or email publicworks@howardcountymd.gov.
For questions about Center programming and activities, contact the Bain 50+ Center at 410-313-7213.