Centennial Park North's New Sensory Trail Loop Opens To The Community

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — The new sensory trail loop at Centennial Park North's playground area has officially opened.

The trail loop includes music features, sensory panels and sensory play equipment near the all-access playground. Centennial Park was established in 1987.

“Parks are a place where our entire community is welcome. It is a place to meet neighbors, share experiences, and rejuvenate,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball at the trail loop's recent unveiling. “This new sensory trail helps us build upon our efforts to be more inclusive for our residents of all ages and abilities.”

The inclusive playground opened in 2021, making it the first PlayCore National Demonstration Site inclusive playground in Howard County.

“Every time we redo a playground in Howard County, we are installing more accessible play features and being intentional in our design to make sure our parks remain a welcoming place for all to visit,” said Howard County Recreation and Parks Director Nick Mooneyhan. “We’ve recently rebuilt playgrounds at Savage and Warfield’s Pond parks in order to make them more inclusive, and we have more planned in the coming years.”

Among the new play features are a sensory-friendly, rock abacus with unique textures, shapes and sizes; musical stations; and multiple, unique play apparatus that allow individuals to remain in their wheelchair. Three examples are the sway glider and we-go swing that allow individuals to rock a “boat” back and forth using their arm and a merry-go-all. In addition to the playground enhancements, the project consisted of constructing a new stormwater management system underneath to help with drainage. A new fence and two gated entrances were constructed to go around the playground and path.

Other recent improvements at Centennial Park include a new accessible parking lot and canoe/kayak launch for those renting a canoe or kayak at Centennial South and the installation of lights at the Centennial West basketball courts.

Future improvements to the park include the installation of outdoor fitness equipment next to the tennis and racquetball courts in the spring of 2024. The fitness equipment is geared toward active adults but will be varied enough that it can be used by people of all ages.

In conjunction with that project, the tennis courts, pathways and parking in the surrounding area will be renovated to update the park that was built 35 plus years ago to current ADA accessibility standards.

“As parents of loved ones who live with disabilities, we share a vision: a world where they can be fully included in their own communities. The beauty of a universal playground design is that it provides accessible, sensory friendly experiences so that everyone, regardless of ability, has an opportunity to enjoy our public recreation facilities and playgrounds,” said Lisa Dornell, a Howard County parent. “We are truly grateful to those who have shared our vision and who have made it a reality.”