ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball today broke ground on the next phase of development of the County’s Department of Recreation & Parks’ Blandair Regional Park in Columbia. Phase Six of the park’s evolution, this latest construction in the park’s West area includes the installation of a 15,000-square-foot destination skatepark, six lighted pickleball courts, two lighted basketball courts and the addition of more than 100 parking spaces. Pictures from the event can be found here.
This next phase of Blandair Regional Park’s expansion is set to deliver an exciting array of new amenities designed to meet the diverse recreational needs of our community. From the thrill of a state-of-the-art skatepark to the friendly competition on new pickleball and basketball courts, this phase promises something for everyone. These additions, coupled with expanded parking and improved walkways, will enhance the park's accessibility and further solidify Blandair's position as a premier destination for recreation in Howard County.
Designed to accommodate a variety of wheel sports, riding styles, terrain preferences and skill levels, Blandair’s new skatepark is set to become a premiere, destination-level rink in Howard County, with its modern concrete architecture thoughtfully integrated into the site's sloping topography. In addition, the six new pickleball-dedicated courts continue the County’s pledge to support this growing and ever-so-popular sport. With these new outdoor courts, plus the eight recently opened courts at Western Regional Park and two at Atholton Park, residents and visitors can now enjoy 16 dedicated pickleball courts throughout the county, in addition to 41 outside blended-lined courts in County parks and 28 indoor lined courts inside County facilities.
“The new amenities that will be constructed at Blandair Regional Park are a testament to our commitment to listening to the community and investing in the spaces that matter most to our residents,” said Nick Mooneyhan, Director, Recreation & Parks.
“During a stressful time for me and others I was able to find a haven in skating. Having a palette, also known as a skatepark, to allow for creative expression was essential to my mental, physical, and psychological well-being,” said community member Jeremy Bergolios. “It also provided a community to plug into and give back to.”
“Pickleball has become a unifying sport for people of all ages and abilities because it’s easy to learn, accessible, and fosters a strong sense of community,” Andy Dalal, President, Howard County Pickleball Association. “These new courts at Blandair Park will not only help meet the growing demand but will also provide a space for people to connect, stay active, and enjoy a sport that brings joy to so many."
Another highlight of Phase Six is the inclusion of two lighted basketball courts, constructed in response to park neighbor requests for a place where residents, young and old, can play the game close to home and on evenings when it gets dark early.
Finally, due to Blandair Regional Park’s popularity as a prime spot to host large athletic events, the County is adding more than 100 new parking spaces to the park’s west area, as well as walking paths to connect the park’s various areas and associated stormwater management projects.
Blandair Regional Park features Laura’s Place, an inclusive, ADA-compliant “play-for-all” playground, two lighted synthetic baseball fields, three lighted multipurpose fields, lighted tennis courts, three separate restrooms, a backyard games area with bocce, croquet and horseshoes, pavilions, an adult skills course, a smaller playground, and connecting pathways with multiple parking lots. Following this latest phase of construction on the park’s west area, Recreation & Parks has at least three more phases planned for the park’s east area, located on the north side of MD 175. Once complete, the park will encompass 300-acres.
To learn more about Blandair Regional Park, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/recreation-parks/parks.