$25.7M Set Aside For Park Projects, Improvements Across Howard County

Ellicott City MD

29 April, 2022

10:38 AM

Description

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Additional pickleball courts, basketball courts, the largest skatepark in Howard County, a renovated equestrian ring, new bridges for hiking trails and more will be constructed in Howard County parks thanks to an historic $25.7 million investment with state and county money for parks improvement in fiscal year 2023. Of the total $25.7 million, $14 million is county funding and $11.7 million will be provided by the state. "This funding will be used to improve and maintain our parks throughout Howard County, from our eight regional parks to our 29 neighborhood parks and will create everything from new fields and lighting to bridges and stairways that help us access beloved trails. Our residents will see improvements and renovations in every corner of the county and our quality of life will grow," Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said at a news conference. County funding will allow for the following projects to be completed: Blandair Regional Park in Columbia: Construction on phase 6, which includes the largest skatepark in Howard County, two new basketball courts and six pickleball courts. Schooley Mill Park in Highland: Renovation of the equestrian ring, including fencing and drainage to support the largest horse population per capita in the nation - $250,000 Savage Mill Design and construction of river-crossing bridge to connect to trails - $2 million Savage Mill trail loop stone stairs - $150,000 Savage Mill trail culvert and picnic area improvements - $230,000 Western Regional Park in Woodbine: Addition of eight pickleball courts - $250,000 Atholton Park in Columbia: New parking and road resurfacing - $200,000 Cypressmede Park in Ellicott City: Parking lot and road resurfacing, new stairs to field - $200,000 Troy Park in Elkridge: New restrooms and bleachers - $150,000 Shipley Park in Ellicott City: Master planning for new park - $267,000 Huntington Park in Columbia: Additional pathways, outdoor basketball, backstop and water fountain. The county budget also includes funding for the rehabilitation of historic structures, including renovation of the chapel at the Patapsco Female Institute, the renovation of Barnard Fort House, fencing for Belmont Manor & Historic Park exterior, new walkway lighting for the Ellicott City Colored School and the renovation of Blandair North Granary. State funding will support: The replacement of playgrounds at Centennial, Waterloo and Rockburn Parks; Improvements at Blandair and West Friendship Parks; Renovation of the Barnard Fort House; Construction of bridges to connect the Savage Mill and Wincopin Trails; and the North Laurel Community Center Pool. "What is now Blandair Park used to be a farm of over 300 acres," Oakland Mills Village Board member Ginny Thomas said. "What we've done here is one of the most creative, innovative parks and a jewel of Oakland Mills and Columbia."