Turf Fields at Blandair Park Named for Maryland Delegate

The playing fields at Blandair Park off Oakland Mills Road were named Monday night to honor someone who helped bring them to fruition, officials said.

Delegate Frank Turner was recognized for his efforts that secured $3.3 million in grants from Program Open Space and $1.5 million in bond bills for the project, according to the Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks.

That funding went toward acquiring the land at Blandair Park and creating playing fields, a statement from Howard County government said.

“It’s not about me,” Turner said at the ceremony Monday night where County Executive Ken Ulman unveiled a sign designating the “Del. Frank S. Turner Fields” at the park.

Said Turner: “It’s about the 6,000 kids who live on the east side of Columbia and the east side of Howard County; they now have something first-class.”

Ulman said the dedication of Turner Fields was a “fitting tribute to someone who has dedicated his life to making Columbia a better place to live.”

In addition to three lighted synthetic turf multipurpose fields (now named Del. Frank S. Turner Fields), the first phase of Blandair Park includes press boxes, bleachers, a playground and parking lot, according to Howard County government.

Construction on the second phase should start in spring 2015 and will include five tennis courts, two lighted baseball fields, a playground, shelter, restroom and parking lot, according to Mark Miller, spokesman for Howard County government. The park’s third phase is currently in design, Miller said.

Blandair Park is located at 5750 Oakland Mills Road in Columbia, spanning 298 acres, 200 of which will be preserved to protect forest, wetlands and an historic farm structure.

Photo Credit: Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks.