July 24, 2019
Media Contacts:
Mark Miller, Administrator, Office of Public Information, 410-313-2022
Raul Delerme, Director, Department of Recreation & Parks, 410-313-4689
Anna Hunter, Superintendent of Public Information & Marketing, Department of Recreation & Parks, 410-313-4686
Courts will serve as home to Special Olympics Maryland Howard County’s bocce league
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Today, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball was joined by Department of Recreation & Parks Director Raul Delerme, Special Olympics Maryland Howard County Bob Baker and elected officials, as he officially opened four new synthetic-turf bocce courts at Cedar Lane Park West, located at 5081 Cedar Lane in Columbia. The new courts will serve as home to the Special Olympics Maryland Howard County’s bocce league. When not reserved, the courts will be open to the public during normal park hours, 7:00 a.m. to dusk, or as posted. To check on the bocce courts availability, call 410-313-4626. Photos from today’s event can be found HERE.
The project was made possible through systemic capital projects funding and also includes the renovation of Cedar Lane’s parking lot located near the park’s west side park entrance and the addition of several ADA-compliant parking spaces near the new courts. Additionally, Glenelg Country School raised $5,000 for Special Olympics Maryland Howard County’s bocce program.
“In Howard County, we strive to offer engaging and accessible recreation opportunities for the enjoyment of every person who visits our parks,” said Ball. “We are always working to expand recreation opportunities in our county to support a healthy, happy, and fun lifestyle for all ages, abilities, and income levels. As we cut the ribbon on four new bocce courts at Cedar Lane Park, along with new parking spaces for residents with disabilities, our community has gained another inclusive place to play.”
“We were initially able to offer bocce ball at Cedar Lane thanks to a local boy scout project, which gave us our two original bocce courts” said Howard County Recreation & Parks Director Raul Delerme. “Since then, we’ve seen bocce become even more popular. Through these new courts and additional inclusive parking, we hope to continue to grow this fun sport in Howard County.”
“Our bocce program is one of our fastest growing sports, and these new courts will provide us with much needed additional space for both training and competition,” stated Assistant Director of Special Olympics Maryland Howard County Marilyn Miceli. “We are grateful for our partnership with the Department of Recreation and Parks. We can’t wait to start practicing on them next bocce season.”
One of Howard County’s most popular regional parks, Cedar Lane Park is a 93-acre park consisting of East and West areas connected by a 0.8-mile paved pathway. Amenities include four lighted ball fields, two synthetic turf fields, a pavilion, horseshoe pits as well as dedicated courts for volleyball, tennis, and bocce ball.
For more information about Cedar Lane Park, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/cedarlanepark or contact the Department of Recreation & Parks at 410-313-4700.