Lighted Skatepark, Pickleball Courts, Basketball Courts Unveiled At Park

COLUMBIA, MD — Officials celebrated the grand opening of the sixth phase of improvements at Blandair Regional Park - West in Columbia.

The completed project features a lighted skatepark, six lighted pickleball courts, two lighted basketball courts, 122 parking spaces and new walkways.

“One of our county’s premier recreational destinations, Blandair Regional Park sees more than a million visitors annually who come to play, compete, exercise and connect with one another. From international tournaments and local league practices to children running around on the playground and families enjoying an afternoon together, this park truly belongs to everyone,” Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said at the celebration.

The new 15,000-square-foot lighted skatepark at Blandair features a modern concrete design that complements the site’s natural topography and accommodates a variety of wheeled sports, riding styles, terrain preferences and skill levels. The skatepark at Blandair is the fourth public skate facility operated by Recreation & Parks, with facilities also at Centennial Park – North in Ellicott City, North Laurel Park in Laurel, and South Branch Park in Sykesville.

“Today’s newest amenities strengthen our commitment to the community by expanding the variety of sports and recreational opportunities available at Blandair,” said Department of Recreation & Parks Director Nick Mooneyhan. “In addition to our multipurpose and baseball fields, skills course, tennis courts, bocce and croquet courts, horseshoe pits, ping pong tables and playgrounds, visitors can now enjoy dedicated pickleball and basketball courts, along with a competition-level skatepark. We are creating even more opportunities for residents to stay active, and we are not done yet. I look forward to the next phase, which will include the restoration of historic structures within the park.”

The six lighted pickleball courts reflect the county’s continued support toward one of our nation’s fastest-growing sports and bring the total number of County owned dedicated outdoor pickleball courts to 22. In addition to the new courts at Blandair, picklers can also find 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. The number is expected to increase to 28 with the addition of six new courts currently under construction at Alpha Ridge Park in Marriottsville.

“Our more than 1,200-person organization is thrilled to see the addition of six new dedicated courts in Howard County,” said Troy Osten, President, Howard County Pickleball Association.

The two new lighted basketball courts were constructed in response to community demand for accessible courts where residents of all ages can play close to home and during evening hours. Additionally, the 122 new parking spaces and new pedestrian walkways between activity areas further support Blandair’s growing popularity as a destination for major athletic events.

“This day could not have come soon enough: Howard County residents finally have a brand new skatepark to call home,” said resident Jeremy Bergolios. “I’m looking forward to having a space where all those who scoot, skate, or roll can send it together.”

In addition to Blandair Regional Park – West area’s newest amenities, the park also features:

• Three lighted synthetic turf multipurpose fields with press boxes and bleachers;
• Two playgrounds, including Laura’s Place Playground, an inclusive, ADA-compliant “play-for-all” playground;
• Two lighted synthetic baseball fields with bleachers;
• Five lighted tennis courts;
• A challenge course with synthetic turf and timers, for ages 13 years and up;
• A central plaza with stone seating walls surrounding raised landscape beds;
• The Green, a 10,000-square foot synthetic lawn area backyard games area with three bocce courts, two croquet courts, and two horseshoe pitches;
• Pavilions;
• Restrooms;
• the North area restrooms feature an adult changing table;
• Park maintenance building with offices and storage; and
• Numerous parking areas

Following the completion of the sixth phase, Recreation & Parks has at least three more phases planned for the area of the park located on the north side of MD 175. Once complete, the park will encompass 300-acres in total.