Roger Carter Community Center

General Center Rules

1. All patrons must report to front desk for check-in. Everyone that enters the building must pay the Drop-in-Rate or be a FIT4U member, program participant and/or center member.
2. No interference with employee or volunteer duties is permitted.
3. No harassment, inappropriate/indecent conduct or foul language is permitted.
4. No food or beverages in unauthorized areas; glass containers are prohibited.
5. No smoking or vaping in buildings or on county property.
6. No unauthorized use of alcohol, illegal drugs, intoxicants or weapons.
7. No unauthorized alteration or installation of equipment.
8. No defacing of property.
9. No conduct that may jeopardize the safety of others.
10. 1Shoes and shirts must be worn always outside of the locker room and pool area.
11. Customers are encouraged to secure their belongings. Center is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Locks are not provided, they must be removed when leaving.
12. No unauthorized amplified music.
13. The actions and conduct of an organized group are the responsibility of the group leader.
14. All members and guests must wear their wristband given to them by the front desk staff.
15. Pets are not permitted in the center.  

Locker Room Rules

• Patrons must use the locker room of their gender.
• Use of mobile phones, electronic devices and cameras are strictly prohibited in the locker rooms.

Fitness Room Rules

• Patrons are responsible for wiping down equipment after each use and returning weights to the racks provided.
• Cardiovascular equipment use is limited to 20 minutes when people are waiting.
• Don’t drop or bang weights. Use of a spotter when lifting weights is highly recommended.
• Food is not permitted in the fitness room.
• Cell phone use is not permitted while using the equipment.
• No unauthorized instructional activity.

Attire

• Proper fitness attire is required. Bathing suits are not permitted in the fitness room.
• Only non-marking athletic shoes are permitted.

Age Limits

• 12 years and under are not permitted in the fitness room at any time.
• 13-15 years require a mandatory orientation.

Safety First

• Read instructions and check for loose, frayed or worn parts before using equipment.
• Keep head and limbs clear of moving machine parts.
• Lift within your limits. 

Aerobics Room Rules

• No unauthorized use of equipment or stereo.
• Proper fitness attire is required.
• Only non-marking athletic shoes are permitted.
• No unauthorized instructional activity.

Gymnasium Rules

• Only non-marking athletic shoes are permitted.
• Dunking and hanging on the basketball rims or volleyball net is prohibited. 
• The gym shall not be used for any activity other than its intended purpose, unless approved by Center staff.
• No unauthorized instructional activity.
• Games may be shortened at Center’s discretion.

Drop-In Basketball

• All patrons must abide by the center rules.
• During Family/16+ activities will be restricted to half court.
• During 16+ activities will be played using the full court unless directed by the staff to transition to half court.
• Games will be played 5-on-5 format to 13 points.
• Made baskets will count as 1 point, behind the arc makes will count as 2 points.
• Winners stay on the court.
• Players are responsible for keeping their own score.
• No profanity is allowed.
• Players refusing to follow the center rules, drop-in rules or comply with staff will be asked to leave.

Drop-In Volleyball

• All patrons must abide by the center rules.
• A minimum number of volleyball players must be met for staff to set up a volleyball net (minimum = 2 players).
• If the minimum of players has not been met within the first 30 minutes of the scheduled volleyball drop-in time, volleyball drop-in will be canceled.
• If volleyball participation ends before the scheduled end time, the net will be removed.
• During Family/16+ activities will be restricted to separate courts.
• Winners stay on the court.
• Players are responsible for keeping their own score.
• No profanity is allowed.
• Players refusing to follow the center rules, drop-in rules or comply with staff will be asked to leave.

It is recommended that patrons call the Center Updates/Drop-in Line prior to arriving. There are no refunds for cancellations due to inclement weather.

Center Updates/Drop-in Line: 410-313-2764 (when prompted dial option 3)

Winter Weather: If a winter weather warning is announced, the opening time will be adjusted to 7 AM. If Howard County schools open one hour late, the center will strive to open at 9:30 AM; if two hours late, at 10:30 AM.
If schools are closed due to inclement weather, every attempt will be made to open the center by 10:30 AM. If Snow Emergency is in effect the Center will be closed. Once it has been lifted the center will strive to open as soon as possible. Please call the inclement weather number to confirm the center's status when schools are closed.

Thunder/Lightning: At the first sign of thunder and/or lightning, the pool will close for at least 30 minutes from the last sound/sight. If there is lightning the pool and pool deck must be cleared. If there is just thunder, guests may remain on the pool deck but must clear the water.

Center Memberships (for all ages)
The Center Membership gives you access to three community centers including Roger Carter, Gary J. Arthur, and North Laurel Community Center. These memberships provide patrons access to the gymnasium (basketball/volleyball courts) and walking track only. For access to the fitness equipment and/or pool see Fit4U or Go50+ Memberships. 

*Ages 15 years and under must be accompanied by an adult over 18 years old at all times; exceptions made during Teen Zone.

Fit4U Memberships (3-49 yrs)
The Fit4U Membership gives you access to three community centers including Roger Carter, Gary J. Arthur, and North Laurel Community Center. These memberships provide patrons access to the fitness and aerobics/dance rooms at open (non-class) times, use of the gymnasiums during open and drop-in programs, access to the game rooms, and access to the pool at Roger Carter. There are also discounts on center activities and events. Receive 5% off of two or more Fit4U memberships of the same length purchased or renewed at the same time.

*Permitted use of pool, gymnasium and walking track. Must be accompanied by an adult over 18 years old at all times; exceptions made during Teen Zone.
**Members ages 13-15 years old must first complete a mandatory orientation with the fitness coordinator and must be accompanied by an adult over 18 years old at all times; exceptions made during Teen Zone.

Go50+ Memberships (50 yrs+)
The Go50+ membership packages are designed to enhance the quality of life for the 50+ adult population that lives, works and plays in Howard County. Howard County Recreation & Parks and Office on Aging partnered together to provide packages that are designed to give individuals access to meet their health and wellness needs.  

*Access to game rooms, gymnasiums, walking tracks, and wellness programs at Gary J. Arthur and N. Laurel Community Centers and all Howard County 50+ Centers.
**Access to all 50+ Center package benefits and fitness and dance/aerobics rooms at all three community centers and 50+ centers.
***Access to all 50+ Center and Fitness package benefits and access to the pool during open swim hours.

Drop-In

All patrons entering the facility must pay the daily admission or have a valid membership, unless they are a participant in a Howard County Recreation & Parks program taking place at the center. This includes parents/guardians who are supervising their children at the swimming pool. Groups of ten or more require seven days notice and must make a reservation with the Director.

Daily Admission:
3 yrs+: $5
2 yrs and under: FREE
Group rate: $4 (20 or more guests)

Gymnasium, Walking Track & Climbing Wall Schedule (June 27-July 3)

For daily updates to the drop-in schedule, call 410-313-2764.

Aquatics Program/Lesson Offerings

For daily updates to the drop-in schedule, call 410-313-2764.

Please note: The pool is closed between 12-12:30pm, 3:30-4pm and 7-7:30pm on Saturday and Sunday

Weekend open swim sessions are charged separately. First come, first served.

All members of your party must be present at time of purchase.

Wristbands for open swim session can be purchased no more than 30 minutes prior to start of session. 

Lap Schedule (June 27-July 3)

Facility Features

• Zero slope entry    
• Splash pad/water feature
• Sun deck
• Platform board and 10'6" deep well
• ADA accessible with remote control chair lift and pool wheelchair
• Six 25 yard lap lanes
• Retractable roof for the indoor/outdoor pool feel
• ​Group Lessons for all ages
• Private/Semi-Private Lessons
• Swim Team
• Lifeguard Instruction

Additional Considerations for Programs/Lessons:

The following expectations are in place to ensure the safety of program participants, lap swimmers, and staff: 

• All participants must meet the necessary prerequisites to participate. Failure to meet the prerequisites may result in removal from the lesson. 
• Parent/Child format: Some lessons will be designated as with a Parent/Child Format. To improve the quality of the lesson we require one (1) parent to participate in these designated programs and stay alongside their child to act as a lesson aid.

Roger Carter Community Center offers both room rentals and party packages. View the frequently asked questions and rental request forms for more information regarding rentals or party packages.

COVID-19 Safety Guidelines In Place for Rentals:

• The individual renting the room is responsible for maintaining a guest list for contact tracing efforts, should they be needed. The person coordinating the party/event should also communicate with their guests that they are to self-check for COVID symptoms prior to entering the facility and stay home if they are ill.
• These procedures may be revised if state/county guidelines change.

Rentals
Roger Carter offers multiple spaces within the facility for rent. Rentals at the center include tables and chairs set to the agreed upon specifications.

*Audio Visual Package available for an additional $40/per rental, per day

Party Packages
Let us host your next occasion to create a memorable experience. All party packages include table coverings, plates, napkins, cups and eating utensils for 20 guests; fees applied for additional guests. Party times are scheduled depending on room availability. To request a party package visit:

For questions or Fitness Room Orientations, please contact Julija Sajauskas at 410-313-2722.

Rock Climbing Wall Open Climbs

Open Climbs: Wednesdays, 5-8pm

• For daily updates or the drop-in schedule, call 410-313-2764.
• Climbers must be 5 years or older. 
• Closed-toed shoes required. 
• All equipment provided; HCRP staff will belay participants and rotate through the climbers in attendance.
• $5 drop-in fee, free for Fit4U & Go50+ members.
• Groups of five or more must contact Dawn Thomas (410-313-1754, dthomas@howardcountymd.gov). She can provide group rates and times. Please provide at least two weeks’ notice.

Friends & Family Adventure in Rock Climbing: Link

Learn the basics of rock climbing in a small group. Enjoy a private setting with our certified instructors, including equipment usage, safety on the wall, bouldering, and climbing technique. No experience necessary. All equipment provided.

$135 for up to three people for 1.5-hour session (add up to two additional participants for $25 each).