New Pools, Playgrounds Unveiled At North Laurel Community Center

LAUREL, MD — Officials unveiled the new addition at the North Laurel Community Center Monday, which features a lap pool, therapy leisure pool and two playgrounds.

Located at 9411 Whiskey Bottom Road in Laurel, the nearly 23,000 square foot, one-story addition to the center also includes women’s and men’s locker rooms, six family universal design restrooms, a reception area, office space, a youth playground and a preschool playground.

“Pools promote fitness and fun, help relieve stress and anxiety, provide a natural gathering spot for socializing, introduce people to learning how to swim and water safety programs, and help us cool off on those hot days, like today,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball.

“For years, our North Laurel residents have asked for a pool. Today marks a major accomplishment in meeting the needs of our community as we fulfill the long-awaited requests with the opening on this new addition to our North Laurel Community Center. I’m proud of the teamwork we’ve all put forward to make this dream a reality and open the door to affordable aquatic amenities for our North Laurel residents," Ball continued.

At 4,600 square feet in size and five feet deep, NLCC’s new lap pool features a zero-entry area with railings that allows those with mobility challenges to transition in and out of the water independently. The zero-entry area does not interfere with the lap lanes, noted Howard County’s Department of Recreation and Parks Director Nick Mooneyhan.

The 3,000-square-foot therapy leisure pool ranges in depth from three to six feet, will be kept at a warmer temperature and features a chair lift to assist with pool entry and exit, a large water slide and a toddler slide. The pool’s NLCC’s pools will offer open swim times, swim classes, therapeutic programs, camps, exercise programs and party space.

“Recreation and Parks strives to provide programs and services to Howard Countains,” Mooneyhan said at the unveiling. “The two pools allow us to expand our swim lessons while offering the entire community a place to gather. And the two new playgrounds also include accessible features to break down any barriers to play.”

NLCC’s new 6,500-square-foot youth playground features a:

• Large composite play structure with ramps for accessible access;

• Large tower with two tube slides, a roller slide and side-by-side slide from a lower deck;

• Multiple climbing opportunities and sensory and sound panels;

• Three-bay shaded swing structure with six swings, including swings suitable for all age groups and abilities; and

• Cone shaped rope climbing spinner, a wheelchair accessible merry go round spinner and a stand-up spinner;

• Freestanding climbing structure
• Sculpted bear climber with tunnel;

• Inclusive see saw; and

• Several musical chime and drum elements.

Located adjacent to the NLCC’s preschool room, the 1,000-square-foot preschool playground features a shaded composite play structure that includes several climbable access points, an accessible transfer platform for access to the main platform of the structure, a regular slide and a roller slide. Around the main structure, there also are additional sensory components for touch and sound experiences.

“Having a pool just three miles from my home is a game changer, it means more time in the water, and that’s how athletes are built, including Masters athletes. This isn’t just a pool, it’s an investment in opportunity, health and community for years to come," said Amy Montgomery, a swimmer and community member.

The addition’s six family universal design restrooms includes an adult changing table. These restrooms also align with Americans with Disabilities Act standards.

The NLCC’s original structure includes a gymnasium, fitness, multi-purpose, dance and game rooms, a Howard County Police Department Community Resource Office, office space for the Howard County Health Department’s Community Engagement and Women, Infants and Children programs, a playground and more. The addition of this new nearly 23,000-square-foot facility, brings the NLCC building footprint from about 62,000 square feet to nearly 85,000 square feet.

"For three decades, residents advocated for a public pool. They advocated for a hub of recreation and leisure where community members can gather together, families can make memories, neighbors can connect and seniors, especially those recovering from health challenges, can find healing. I’m deeply appreciative of everyone who helped get this project across the finish line, including the residents, community leaders, county staff and partners who kept pushing forward and never gave up on this vision," added Christiana Rigby, Howard County Councilmember.