ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball today was joined by the County’s Department of Recreation & Parks Director Nick Mooneyhan, fellow elected officials, and members of the community to break ground on the department’s new Cradlerock Park located at 6600 Cradlerock Way in Columbia. Photos from the event can be found on Howard County Government’s Flickr webpage and video on the County Executive’s Facebook page.
Imagine a park that offers vibrant gathering spaces, modern recreational amenities, and quiet natural retreats, all working together to create a place where everyone feels welcome. That is the future we are building here at Cradlerock Park. At all our facilities, we are committed to enhancing accessibility so that every resident, regardless of age or ability, can fully enjoy our spaces. With our parks, we are prioritizing environmental stewardship and preserving natural beauty, while incorporating resilient, forward-thinking design that reflects the values, cultures, and aspirations of the people it serves.
While Recreation & Parks has maintained the property since 1992, it was not until October 2023 when the County formally purchased the property from the Howard Hughes Holdings, Inc. for $415,000 with Program Open Space funding from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The 16.5-acre park, formerly known as East Columbia Library Park and featuring three multipurpose, has needed repairs for years.
In 2016, Recreation & Parks developed an initial design plan for the park’s future, which consisted of QuickStart tennis courts and two baseball fields. However, following input from community members regarding amenities they would like featured close to home, the department redeveloped its plans for Cradlerock Park. When construction is completed, the park will feature:
- Two irrigated multipurpose natural turf irrigated playing fields with bleachers;
- Two lighted basketball courts;
- Multigenerational playground ;
- Pavilion;
- Park benches;
- Retaining walls;
- Pathway connections;
- Storage Building; and
- Renovated bathroom facility
The multigenerational playground will feature a playground structure designed specifically for children aged two to five, as well as a playground area for children aged five to 12. The playground will also feature Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), inclusive, and sensory equipment, including ADA compliance swings, as well as expression swings for toddlers and parents, swing for two adults or two children, and a merry-go-round that is level with the ground offering barrier-free, easy access for parkgoers on foot or wheel. Additionally, playground visitors will also find shaded areas, inclusive and regular seating, two rail rider repel lines, and an outdoor fitness area geared towards residents 50 and older.
The well-manicured fields will impress opponents, and the multigenerational inclusive playground will encourage families to enjoy time together outdoors. The new pavilion will allow all to comfortably gather and the new basketball courts will engage both children and adults.
The park will share a parking lot with the County’s East Columbia 50+ Center and the Howard County Library System’s East Columbia Branch and other nearby amenities include Howard County’s first youth cricket pitch at Lake Elkhorn Middle School and walking trails to the Owen Brown Village Center.
“We are doing more than just building a park,” said Howard County Councilmember Christiana Rigby. “We’re creating a space that brings people together, connects to the heart of Owen Brown, and serves as a true gathering place for the entire community.”
“The new fields, with their improved surfaces and upgraded stands, represent more than just an investment in facilities- they’re an investment in our kids, our community and the continued growth of rugby in Howard County,” said Bill Bush, Howard County Hurricanes Rugby Commissioner.
“For programs like ours, having access to quality facilities directly impacts what we can provide. It gives every child, regardless of background, a chance to be a part of something bigger than themselves.” said Mike Willoughby, President, East Howard Jaguars Football & Cheer.