Main Navigation (sidebar)

Social Networks (Sidebar)

Utility Menu

Main navigation

Breadcrumb

Parks, Playgrounds & Trails

Find information about the parks in Howard County.

Park Hours

Parks are open from 7AM to sunset unless permitted.

Contact Us Monday - Friday, 8AM - 5PM 410-313-4700 410-313-4665 (Voice/Relay)

Regional Parks

Blandair Regional Park in Columbia

Blandair Regional Park - North  5700 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

West Area

East Area

North Area

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. 

Centennial Park in Ellicott City

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

North Area

West Area

East Area

History

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

Cedar Lane Park in Columbia

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

East

West

Rockburn Branch Park in Elkridge

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

West

East

Savage Park in Savage

8400 Fair Street, Savage, MD 20763

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

Amenities

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.

Schooley Mill Park in Highland

12975 Hall Shop Road, Highland, MD 20777

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

Amenities

Troy Park at Elkridge

6500 Mansion Lane, Elkridge, MD 21075

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

Amenities

Planning & Development

The park area, which currently encompasses 101 acres, has a history that dates back to 1664. 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 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.

Western Regional Park in Woodbine

14800 Carrs Mill Road, Woodbine, MD 21723

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

Amenities 

Natural Resource Management Areas

David Force Natural Resource Area in Ellicott City

2995 Pebble Beach Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21042

David Force Natural Resource Area Map.pdf

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

History

The park is named after David W. Force who was a County Commissioner in the 1960’s. He was the equivalent to the County Executive; however, the County was not yet in its current form of charter government at that time. David W. Force lived in Ellicott City on Folly Quarter Road. Prior to becoming County Commissioner, he owned a trucking business that served the railroad industry. 

Middle Patuxent Environmental Area in Clarksville

5795 Trotter Road, Clarksville, MD 21029

Middle Patuxent Environmental Area Map.pdf

Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks manages the 1021-acre Middle Patuxent Environmental Area (MPEA) in cooperation with the Middle Patuxent Environmental Foundation. The Foundation was created and funded by Columbia's Community Developer, The Howard Research and Development Corporation, concurrent with the transfer of ownership to the County so that the property would be preserved and maintained as a "forever protected" natural environmental area for the benefit of County residents

This natural area is home to a diversity of wildlife, including an impressive list of about 150 species of birds, over 40 species of mammals, and numerous amphibians, reptiles, fishes, butterflies, plants and other wildlife. The primary components of the MPEA’s mission are natural resource conservation, environmental education, research, and passive recreation. The area is managed using ecosystem management concepts to restore and protect the diversity of communities found in this region. Five and one-half miles of hiking trails, with two interpretive nature trail brochures, give visitors an opportunity to enjoy and learn about the area. 

Ongoing natural resource management projects in the MPEA include meadow habitat restoration, natural resource inventories (bird surveys, vegetation surveys, etc), forest management, deer population management, stream water quality monitoring, and the volunteer program. The objective of the MPEA volunteer program is to involve members of the community in many aspects of the MPEA’s management. Volunteers can become involved in the development and maintenance of our trail system, help fight the invasive exotics that threaten our native species, study the diverse flora and fauna communities, participate in habitat management projects, and/or help develop educational programs.

To find out more about MPEA programs and management activities, contact MPEA Natural Resources Manager, Cheryl Farfaras at 410-313-4726 or email cfarfaras@howardcountymd.gov.

Volunteer Opportunities Get active, learn, contribute to habitat conservation in the MPEA, and enjoy time with others in the community with one or more of our various volunteer opportunities.

Register here for all opportunities.

For group volunteering inquiries or additional questions, contact MPEA Natural Resource Specialist Allen Dupre. 

Environmental Stewardship Many choices we make in our own homes can impact the environment. We each have the power to enact change. There are resources available so that each one of us can be environmentally responsible and take action to improve the health of our environment and the Chesapeake Bay, one backyard at a time. “From My Backyard to Our Bay” is one such excellent resource. It is a resident’s guide with tips on maintaining a healthy lawn, managing storm water runoff, composting, recycling, reducing energy use and many more topics. Please check out the booklet. 

See what actions you are already doing and what more you can do to improve your environment and the health of the Chesapeake Bay. Remember – the Bay is only as far away as the nearest storm drain.

Explore the MPEA

Interested in wildflowers? Learn when you can find spring wildflowers in bloom at the MPEA!

A species list for the MPEA has been provided by the Howard County Bird Club. The bird club's contribution has been a valuable asset in the gathering of data and documenting the numerous species of flora and fauna found in our county.

Habitat Management

FAQs

How is the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area (MPEA) different from other parks, open space, or public land?  The MPEA is not a park. It is over 1,000 acres of forever-protected natural habitat  that is managed in cooperation with the MPE Foundation for environmental and nature programming, studies and education, and use of best management practices to identify, maintain and preserve wildlife and natural habitat.

Where can I access the MPEA?  The MPEA has two main trailheads. The Trotter Road trailhead  has parking access and a restroom facility open to the public. Street parking is available at the South Wind trailhead . 

How can I experience the MPEA?  Passive recreation (foot travel only) is permitted in the MPEA. This includes hiking, bird watching, and even participating in one of our volunteer programs ! 

What is not allowed?  Prohibited activities include (but are not limited to) the use of motor vehicles or bicycles, horseback riding, camping, campfires, hunting, and removing or disturbing native plants or animals. The MPEA is home to many native, migratory, and even rare species. Please abstain from these and any activities that may disturb their natural habitat.  

Are dogs allowed?  Leashed dogs are allowed within the MPEA. Please pick up after your dog  and pack out what you pack in.   

Why is the inner parking area off Trotter road sometimes closed?  This area is occasionally reserved as parking for special events and programs conducted by Howard County Rec and Parks staff. 

Why isn’t the building at the end of the Trotter road parking lot open?  This building is a maintenance shop with MPEA staff offices and is not open to the public. 

Can I fish in the MPEA?  Yes. All Maryland DNR rules and regulations apply. Click here for more information. 

Wincopin Trail

9299 Vollmerhausen Rd, Jessup, 20794  

Neighborhood Parks

Alpha Ridge Park in Marriottsville

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

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

Amenities

Master Plan

Atholton Park in Columbia

6875 Greenleigh Drive, Columbia, MD 21046

Amenities 

Belmont Manor & Historic Park in Elkridge

6555 Belmont Woods Road, Elkridge, MD 21075

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

Cedar Villa Heights Park in Columbia

8361 Lincoln Dr, Jessup, MD 20794

Amenities

Cypressmede Park in Ellicott City

3100 Fawnwood Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043

Program Status Information: 410-313-4457

Inclement Weather Information: 410-313-4454

Amenities

Dayton Oaks Park in Dayton

4691 Ten Oaks Road, Dayton, MD 21036

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

Amenities

Dickinson Park in Columbia

7455 Eden Brook Drive, Columbia, MD 21046

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

East Columbia Library Park in Columbia

6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, MD 21045 

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

Amenities 

Font Hill Wetlands Park in Ellicott City

3520 Font Hill Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043

Amenities 

Guilford Park in Jessup

9900 Guilford Road, Jessup, MD 20794

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

Amenities

Hammond Park in Laurel

10700 Glen Hannah Drive, Laurel, MD 20723 

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

Amenities

Harwood Park in Elkridge

6450 Forest Avenue, Elkridge, MD 21075 

Amenities 

Haviland Mill Park

6971 Haviland Mill Road in Clarksville, MD 21029

Amenities 

High Ridge Park in Laurel

10100 Superior Avenue, Laurel, MD 20723

Amenities 

Holiday Hills Park in Columbia

10524 Vista Road, Columbia, MD 21044 

Amenities

Huntington Park in Columbia

9695 Clocktower Lane, Columbia, MD 21046

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

Amenities 

Planning and Development

Lisbon Park in Woodbine

15901 Frederick Road, Woodbine, MD 21797 

Amenities

Martin Road Park in Columbia

6701 Martin Road, Columbia, MD 21044

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

Amenities 

Meadowbrook Park in Ellicott City

5001 Meadowbrook Lane, Ellicott City, MD 21043

Program Status Information: 410-313-4457

Inclement Weather 410-313-2727

Amenities

North Laurel Park in Laurel

9411 Whiskey Bottom Rd., Laurel, MD 20723

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

Amenities

Patapsco Female Institute in Ellicott City

3655 Church Road, Ellicott City, MD 21043

410-313-0420

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

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.

Poplar Springs Park in Mount Airy

920 Watersville Road, Mt. Airy, MD 21771

Amenities 

Robinson Nature Center Trails in Columbia

6692 Cedar Lane, Columbia, MD 21044

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

Amenities 

Sewells Orchard Park in Columbia

6455 Sewell’s Orchard Drive, Columbia, MD 21045

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

Amenities

South Branch Park in Sykesville

350 West Friendship Rd, Sykesville Md. 21784

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

Amenities

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. The old water-tower, which had become a hazard, was taken down. The project was done in conjunction with the Town of Sykesville.

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. 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. 

Tiber Park in Ellicott City

8061 Main Street, Ellicott City, MD 21043

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

Amenities

Warfield's Pond Park in Glenwood

14523 MacClintock Drive, Glenwood, MD 21738 

Amenities

Waterloo Park in Elkridge

6951 Old Waterloo Road, Elkridge, MD 21075 

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

Amenities 

West Friendship Park in West Friendship

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.

Worthington Dog Park in Ellicott City

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.

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:  

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

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.

Trails

General Information

Welcome to Howard County Dept. Rec. & Parks Trails! Our trail system covers 104 miles of both natural surface and hard surface trails to enjoy for both active and passive recreational pursuits at parks and open space lands throughout the County.

You can find more detailed park trail information in each park section listed above.

Always practice trail safety as you are out exploring the trails.

For information, contact Meagan Poe mpoe@howardcountymd.gov or 410-313-4697

Geocaching in Howard County

All published geocaches (including letterboxes) on Howard County Recreation & Parks properties must meet policy guidelines. New and existing cache owners should review the policy and guidelines. Please fill out an application and email it to the Geocache Administrator (dpoholsky@howardcountymd.gov).  Geocaching guidelines are subject to change. Policy modifications may warrant the relocation and/or removal of caches. 

Information View current classes If nothing is offered currently, please check back. For custom programs, contact Matt Medicus at mmedicus@howardcountymd.gov. http://www.geocaching.com/ http://www.mdgps.org/

Know Before You Go

Leave No Trace

 Learn key principles for ethical use of trails:

Publications

Trail Planning & Management Guide:

Trail Specifications:

Trail Program Annual Review Report:

Trail Advisory/ Construction

Some trails may be closed during Deer Management Programs. You can check the schedule here: https://www.howardcountymd.gov/natural-resources

Current Trail Construction Advisories:

Trail construction crews will be working in David Force Park throughout this year beginning in April. Please be aware that there may be temporary closures or re-routes in place as you visit the park.

For questions or if you would like to volunteer to help construct the trails, please contact Meagan Poe mpoe@howardcountymd.gov or (410) 313-4697.

Trail Safety Guidelines

Trails are shared recreation amenities and are accessed by a variety of users at the same time. Please be courteous to all users and remember that pedestrians have the right-of-way.  

Please observe the following guidelines to ensure safety for yourself and all other users.

Park Regulations:

Hard-Surface Trails: Hard Surface Trails are typically 4-10 foot wide and composed of asphalt or concrete surfacing. Types of uses associated with this type of trail are casual walkers and cyclists. These trails may also be referred to as paved pathways.

Natural-Surface Trails: Natural Surface Trails are typically 2-6 foot wide with native soil or aggregate stone surfaced trails. Types of uses associated with these trails are hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. Unless noted otherwise on the trail map, natural surface trails are “shared by all” users.

Trail Use Regulations:

Cycling and Vehicles

Volunteer Opportunities

Visit www.HoCoVolunteer.org for trail volunteer opportunities.

Additional Park Information

Inclement Weather and Program Status Lines

We strive to operate our programs regardless of weather - canceling is a last resort. However:  

Park/Playground Rules & Regulations

To Report a Park Concern

To report damage or park concerns, leave a message on the Department's hot-line, 410-313-DIRT (3478). For emergencies, dial 911.

Park Rules

The purpose of these regulations is to provide a safe and peaceful use of County parks and park land; for recreational and educational benefit and enjoyment; and for the protection and preservation of the property, facilities and natural resources of the County. Park land and recreation programs conducted on park land are open for use by all members of the public regardless of race, religion, creed, color, sex, national origin, or disability. Click on the links below for more information about our regulations.

Howard County Code

Title 19 - Recreation and Parks

Things to Remember  

Howard County Bans Smoking in All County Parks

In a continued effort to be a model public health community and preserve its rank as Maryland’s Healthiest County, Howard County was the first jurisdiction in Maryland with a total ban on smoking and tobacco products of any kind in all the 57 County-owned parks and recreational areas. Enforcement will take the form of requesting voluntary compliance. However, if a smoker does not extinguish a smoking product, park staff will remind them of the new policy and could request exiting the property if they choose to continue smoking.

For more information about the ban, to read the Executive Order or to learn more about smoking cessation programs.

Playground Rules

Our playgrounds are for all children. Please help us keep them clean and safe by observing the following:

Boating Rules & Regulations (Centennial Lake)

Centennial Lake is open for recreational boating March 1 through November 30. Boat permits are required for all watercraft.

To Get a Boating Permit

All watercraft on Centennial Lake are required to have a boating permit for Centennial Lake. This is different from your Maryland boat registration. Only Class A boats are allowed, 16 feet in length or less, electric motors only. Includes rowboats, canoes, kayaks or rafts (rafts and inflatable canoes/kayaks must have at least three separate air chambers to be used on the lake). Sailboats must be under 14 feet in length. A life jacket must be provided for each occupant. Sailboards, windsurfing, stand-up paddleboards, inner tubes and jet skis are not permitted on the lake. Complete rules below. For information on Maryland boating requirements visit dnr.maryland.gov/Boating/Pages/default.aspx All Centennial Lake boaters are subject to Maryland state boating regulations.

Daily Boat Permits are $5 per boat per visit, payable by cash only at the self-serve kiosk next to the boat launch area. Be sure to complete and save the tear off receipt from your daily permit and keep it with you while on the lake.

Annual Permits (Valid March 1 through November 30) are $55 per boat.

Annual permit sales available available for walk-up purchase between 6-7pm on scheduled Nite Bite Fishing dates (see link below) or by appointment only on weekdays from the Adventure & Outdoors office in Centennial Park South. Contact Matt Medicus, 410-313-1769 or mmedicus@howardcountymd.gov with questions or to schedule an appointment. Credit cards are accepted for annual permit sales (no cash or checks). Boaters may turn in up to three daily permit receipts from the current season toward the purchase of an annual permit.

Link Nite Bite Fishing to https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0545a4ab2fabfd0-nite#/

Centennial Lake promotes safe boating!

Through a grant from the Sea Tow Foundation, a Life Jacket Loaner Station has been installed at the boat launch!  Forgot your PFD?  Have an extra passenger?  Grab a loaner life jacket for the day - stay safe and avoid a fine! Visit www.safeboatingcampaign.com for more information from the National Safe Boating Council on how to stay safe on the water!

Centennial Lake Boating Rules & Regulations

1. All boats must have a daily lake permit or annual permit to operate on Centennial Lake. Annual permit decal must be displayed on side of boat in a visible location. 2. All Park rules & regulations must be followed. Failure to follow rules & regulations may result in expulsion from the lake temporarily or permanently, loss of park privileges, & in addition, thereto, may be subject to criminal & civil penalties set forth in Section 19.201 of the Howard County Code. 3. All Recreation and Parks employee instructions must be followed. 4. Swimming & Eskimo rolls are NOT permitted in the lake. 5. Sailboards, windsurfing, paddle boarding, or inner tubing is NOT permitted on the lake. 6. Gas Motors are NOT permitted on the lake. 7. Sculling is NOT Permitted on the lake. 8. Feeding the wildlife is NOT Permitted. 9. All rules & regulations for safe boating must be followed. Maryland state boating regulations can be found here: dnr.maryland.gov/Boating/Pages/default.aspx 10. All anglers 16 years of age & older are required to have a Maryland Freshwater Fishing License and to conform to all fishing regulations in regard to catching or returning fish to/from the lake. 11. An approved U.S.C.G. Personal Floatation Device is required to be on board for each passenger. 12. All boats must be off the lake by sunset.

Boats may be available to rent at the boat dock located in the South area.

Fishing Rules & Regulations

A Maryland Freshwater Fishing License is required for anglers aged 16 and up. State fishing regulations are in effect, and game fish are part of a management program to maintain a balanced population. 

Been fishing on Centennial Lake recently? Post your catch on the Maryland Angler's Log from the Maryland Dept of Natural Resources. Be sure to put Centennial Lake your location and tag us on social media with #FishCentennial!

Field and Court Rentals

Softball/baseball and multi-purpose fields are available by permit only. Preference is given to sports leagues and community groups. There are reservation, light and tournament fees. Call 410-313-4626 for details. Softball/baseball and multi-purpose field locations are below. Tennis courts are available on a first-come, first-served basis except during scheduled lessons or tournaments.

Wildlife

Please do not feed the wildlife - The park's natural habitat provides plenty of food for birds, waterfowl and wildlife to eat, and their digestive systems are not designed for a human's food. If they become dependent upon being fed, they become less able to feed themselves and multiply in an area that may not support their population. Such overcrowding causes destruction of habitat, pollution of the lake, and, ultimately, disease and starvation.

Howard County Bird Club

Click the link below to find out more about the Howard County Bird Club.

Columbia Master Gardeners

Click the link below for information about the garden plots and Columbia Gardeners.

Community Parks and Playgrounds Grants

Program Open Space (Grants Received)

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources runs the Program Open Space program that provides financial and technical assistance to local subdivisions for the planning, acquisition, and/or development of recreation land or open space areas.

Board of Public Works Award Date

10/2/2019

Stay Connected!

Sign up for the County Executive's weekly newsletter and stay up to date on everything Howard County.  

Footer menu

Copyright 2023 by Howard County, Maryland

Footer Utility Menu