Howard County 50+ Centers

The Department of Community Resources and Services (DCRS) facilities, including 50+ Centers, the Loan Closet, Patuxent Woods offices, the Family Support Center, and the Multiservice Center, will make all reasonable attempts to open on time in the event of inclement weather. 

Call the DCRS Emergency Status Hotline at 410-313-7777 (voice/relay) to learn of any delayed openings or closings. Additional updates can be found at www.howardcountymd.gov/DCRS or www.Facebook.com/HoCoCommunity. 

All DCRS facilities will adhere to Howard County’s delayed opening/closing announcements as it relates to opening facilities during inclement weather.

Membership in the 50+ Centers is free, but registration is required. A single registration is good for all Centers. To register:

• Visit a Center near you
• Download a registration packet below

OAI provides a variety of nutrition programs for individuals age 60+ and their spouses of any age. Voluntary, anonymous contributions are requested but not required for those age 60+. Individuals under age 60 may purchase a meal at its full cost. Meals are designed by a registered dietitian. To view the monthly congregate meal menu, visit your preferred the 50+ center page.  

• Congregate Meals 
• Home Delivered Meals

In order for all members, registered participants and guests to enjoy the 50+ Center in safety and comfort, the following rules apply:

1. Must complete a registration form.
2. May not engage in any activity that is disruptive to the legitimate use of Center amenities.
3. May not engage in any activity that may present a danger to themselves or others.
4. May not use language or behavior that is obscene, abusive, loud, or insulting.
5. May not harass or discriminate others based on race, sex, age, national origin, religion, disability, or sexual orientation.
6. May not gamble, panhandle, or smoke in the building. The smoking ban is in effect within 15 feet of all county buildings.
7. May not participate in any illegal activity while in the Center or on the grounds.
8. May not be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
9. May not carry a weapon in the Center or on the grounds.
10. May not destroy or steal property in the building or on the grounds.
11. Must maintain hygiene standards that do not constitute a health or safety hazard to others or could be deemed offensive to others.
12. Must be able to function in the Center without one-on-one assistance or supervision from staff. Individuals who need assistance must have a qualified companion or aide accompany them at all times and abide by the Participation Rules.
13. Must be able to move safely and independently in the Center, and/or use an assistive device independently. Individuals are responsible for providing and maintaining their own devices.
14. Members and guests must be able to participate in Center activities without coercion and without being subjected to solicitation, and with knowledge that personal information will be held in confidence.

Failure to abide by these rules may result in immediate removal and/or limitation or suspension of Center participation privileges.

50+ CENTER RULES

1. All participants and visitors must adhere to the 50+ Center Participation Rules and behave in an orderly and appropriate manner.
2. Children ages 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
3. Shoes and shirts must always be worn outside of the locker room area.
4. Members and guests are encouraged to secure their belongings. The Center is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
5. Only service animals are permitted in the Center; no other pets allowed.
6. No running or disruptive behavior in the hallways or meeting areas.
7. The actions and conduct of an organized group are the responsibility of the group leader.
8. No food or beverage allowed in unauthorized areas.
9. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in the Center without prior permission and required permit(s).

FITNESS ROOM RULES

1. You must have a GO50+ membership to use the fitness room.
2. Do not change clothes or leave personal items in the fitness room.
3. Strollers, baby carriers and children are not permitted inside room while a

parent/guardian is exercising.

4. Rubber-soled athletic shoes that cover the entire foot must be worn. Sandals, spikes, dress shoes, heels, work boots, and flip-flops are not permitted.
5. Proper fitness attire is required. Shirts must be worn.
6. Food is not permitted in the fitness room. Plastic beverage containers with lids are allowed.
7. Participants are responsible for wiping down the equipment after each use and returning weights to the racks provided.
8. The use of cardiovascular equipment is limited to 20 minutes when people are waiting.
9. It is recommended to use a spotter when lifting free weights. Do not drop or bang weights.
10. No unauthorized personal trainers, instructors, coaches, or physical therapists are allowed to use the fitness room to instruct clients/customers.

Sign-up and Payment for Programs and Classes

Payments for programs and classes can be made via cash, credit card or a check made payable to Howard County Director of Finance. Online registration can be done via the ActiveNet website. Account must be established prior to registering for class. Late registrations will be accepted if space is available.

Class Withdrawal Policy

We recognize that there are times when you may need to withdraw from a class. All refund requests are subject to a 20% administrative fee and there are no refunds for missed classes. Additional fees may be assessed to recover costs associated with the program.

Additionally, the Center reserves the right to:

• Cancel a program for any reasonable cause;
• Deny registration or entry into a program when it deems necessary to assure public safety;
• Suspend a participant from a program with no refund, if adhering to participant guidelines is problematic;
• Photograph programs, participants, and volunteers for publicity purposes; and/or
• Adjust any program details printed in our 50+ Center publications including fees, locations, instructors, times, days and starting dates.

Our 50+ Centers offer room rentals, which can be used for parties, special events, business meetings, and other activities. All applicants must be at least 21 years of age. All requests are reviewed on a first come, first served basis. Priority use is given to programs sponsored by Howard County Government.

The following locations are available:

• Bain 50+ Center
• East Columbia 50+ Center
• Elkridge 50+ Center
• Ellicott City 50+ Center

For additional information on options and pricing, please contact the 50+ Center or David Irwin at dirwin@howardcountymd.gov.     

Members are responsible for their transportation to and from the Center. One transportation resource available is through Regional Transit Agency (RTA Ride). To use this option, riders must be certified. For certification, reservations and cancellations please call the RTA Customer Service Line at 1-800-270-9553 or visit the RTA website at www.transitRTA.com for more information.

Volunteer opportunities are available at our 50+ Centers. If you’d like to share your time and talent, visit www.HoCoVolunteer.org to view opportunities and register. You can also stop in at your closest 50+ Center to inquire.