6 New Pickleball Courts Open In Marriottsville

MARRIOTTSVILLE, MD — Six new pickleball courts have opened at Alpha Ridge Park in Marriottsville.

The addition of the new courts bring the total number of dedicated pickleball courts in county-owned parks to 28, allowing up to 112 players to simultaneously partake in the sport at one time across the county.

Picklers also will find six lighted pickleball courts at Blandair Regional Park – West in Columbia, six lighted pickleball courts at Rockburn Branch Park – West in Elkridge, eight lighted pickleball courts at Western Regional Park in Woodbine and two pickleball courts at Atholton Park in Columbia.

“This investment is not only about supporting the fastest-growing sport in America. It is about creating welcoming spaces where residents can stay active, build friendships, enjoy healthy competition and connect with their friends and neighbors. From inclusive playgrounds and premier athletic fields to trails, courts, community gathering spaces and even an observatory that opens a window to the universe, our parks offer opportunities for residents of every age and ability to play, explore, connect and thrive,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball at the ribbon-cutting celebration.

Located at 11685 MD 99 in Marriottsville, Alpha Ridge Park features Howard County's only outdoor, regulation-size inline hockey rink and this fall, Recreation & Parks Adult Howard County Inline Hockey League returns to the park, with the addition of the department's new Youth HCIHL.

“Alpha Ridge Park truly represents the diversity of recreational opportunities our parks system provides,” added Nick Mooneyhan, Howard County recreation and parks director. “Whether residents are playing tennis or pickleball, skating on the inline hockey rink, competing on the soccer or softball fields, enjoying the playground or gathering at the observatory to view the night sky, this park brings our community together.”

Alpha Ridge Park also features:

• The Howard Astronomical League Observatory, which house houses a 12-inch Newtonian telescope;
• Two tennis courts;
• Three ball diamonds;
• Two multipurpose fields;
• Two playgrounds;
• Two picnic pavilions; and
• A Solar System Walk.

“Pickleball is loads of fun – it not only gets you moving, but laughing, especially on windy days. It’s wonderful having all these courts such as Rockburn, Blandair and now Alpha Ridge Park, to play on, not to mention the existing pickleball courts at parks like Western Regional and Atholton Parks. Greatly appreciate the County’s investment in facilities,” said Rick Struble, treasurer of the Howard County Pickleball Association.

In addition to the new pickleball courts, Recreation & Parks also has additional planned improvements for Alpha Ridge Park, including the installation of shade structures and benches next to the new courts this fall and plans to touch up the park's recently resurfaced tennis courts, officials said.