Howard County Celebrates New Additions At Blandair Park

COLUMBIA, MD — Did you know there is a challenge course for teens and adults now open in Columbia? That was one of several amenities included in the second phase of development of Blandair Park.

Howard County officials held a ribbon cutting at the park recently to mark the completion of phase two. The park off MD 175 opened in 2012, and its first phase of development encompassed a sports facility with three turf fields, a playground, pavilion and restroom.

County officials say the newly completed second phase of Blandair Park includes the following:

• Challenge course specifically designed for teens and adults
• Five tennis courts
• Pavilion/shade structure
• Two synthetic turf baseball fields with shaded bleacher seating
• Restroom facilities
• Open green space
• New parking lot

“The completion of this phase of the project delivers on my administration’s promise to provide better recreational services and outdoor amenities to the Oakland Mills neighborhood,” County Executive Allan Kittleman said at the March 10 ribbon cutting at Blandair Park. “I want to thank all who were involved in helping this phase come to fruition.”

The neighboring village boards and the Blandair Park planning committee played a role in the developments, according to Howard County Recreation and Parks Director John Byrd said in a statement.

“Their long involvement with this park has been greatly appreciated," Byrd said.

In addition to offering new amenities for park users, county officials say this phase of development improved traffic flow by increasing connectivity and allowing park traffic direct access to MD 175.

Howard County officials said these were the traffic modifications made as part of phase two of Blandair Park:

• Oakland Mills Road realignment from north of Kilimanjaro Road to east of Shadow Fall Terrace
• New ramps from eastbound MD 175 (Rouse Parkway)
• Two roundabouts installed
• Driveway extensions created
• Entrance parking lots added
• Concrete sidewalks constructed

The project "not only provides access to the park but improves the circulation pattern in the adjoining neighborhoods,” Howard County Public Works Director Jim Irvin said in a statement. “The new connection will help to reduce congestion in the adjoining neighborhoods by providing a direct connection to the park.”

What do you think of the new developments at Blandair Park? Tell us in the comments!

Pictured, this 14U baseball game followed the March 10 ribbon cutting marking completion of the second phase of Blandair Park. Photo courtesy of Howard County Government/Flickr.

SEE ALSO:

• Howard County Starts Phase 2 Of Blandair Park
• Blandair Park Poised for Phase 3 of Development