ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball today unveiled a new sign dedicating the bocce courts at Cedar Lane Park West as “Grace Kubofcik Bocce Courts,” named after community advocate, bocce enthusiast, and civic leader, the late Grace Kubofcik. Kubofcik passed away in June 2025 at the age of 83. Photos from the event can be found on Howard County Government’s Flickr website and video on the County Executive’s Facebook page.
Grace Kubofcik spent decades shaping civic life in ways that touched nearly every part of our community. A true leader, her passion, generosity, and ability to bring people together allowed her to easily connect with her fellow residents, community groups, and local leaders alike. Grace was a familiar face at public meetings, dedicating herself to causes such as environmental stewardship, historic preservation, and affordable housing, that she knew would strengthen our great county. While Grace never held an elected office, she wholeheartedly served as a moral compass in many of our public conversations.
A civic leader since the late 1970s, Kubofcik was a stellar advocate for Howard County residents, businesses, and visitors. In 1986, She served as Administrative Assistant to then-Howard County Executive Liz Bobo, who was the first female county executive in the state of Maryland. During her lifetime, she headed initiatives in housing affordability, improved early education, strengthened environmental protection, and more. She worked to strengthen Howard County nonprofits through her work with the Association of Community Services and helped build an advocacy team at the League of Women Voters of Howard County. After the devastating floods in Ellicott City, she took charge, co-chairing the environmental segment of our Ellicott City Safe & Sound Master Plan.
A beloved figure in Howard County’s bocce community, among whom she affectionately known as the “Queen of Bocce,” Kubofcik was instrumental in bringing about improvements to Howard County’s local bocce facilities, including the courts at Cedar Lane Park West. These improvements included shaded structures and lighting that allow players to enjoy the game safely and comfortably into the evening.
In addition to bocce, Kubofcik was also passionate about civic engagement and service. A tireless advocate and a Howard County institution, Kubofcik knew almost every elected offical. For more than 60 years, she was a constant presence at County Council and Planning Board meetings, a champion on historical and environmental preservation, an advocate for affordable housing, past president of the League of Women Voters, and was deeply involved with the Howard County Citizens Association, where she helped residents stay informed and engaged in local governance.
Today’s gathering honors both this wonderful park and the spirit of community that Grace embodied. By naming these courts in her honor, we recognize the important role that community advocates, neighborhood leaders, and engaged residents play in making Howard County a great place to live. May Grace’s legacy of connection, kindness, and love for the game continue to inspire us all.
In July 2019, Ball officially opened the four ADA-compliant, synthetic-turf bocce courts at Cedar Lane Park West, located at 5081 Cedar Lane in Columbia. In addition to serving as home to the Special Olympics Maryland Howard County’s bocce league, the courts have become a popular gathering place for players of all ages. The courts host numerous friendly competitions, including the Monday League, which features 28 teams and approximately 115 players, as well as additional leagues meet on Thursdays and Saturdays.
Prior to the construction of these four courts, Cedar Lane Park featured two bocce courts located uphill from the current courts that were built as an Eagle Scout project.
“Grace was a treasured friend to so many. Her legacy lives on in each of those lucky enough to learn from her wisdom over the years in Howard County,” said Courtney Watson, Maryland State Delegate, District 9B. “The dedication of these bocce courts is a fitting tribute to a woman whose impact on Howard County will be felt for generations to come.”
“Thank you all for coming to this dedication,” said Jim Kubofcik, Grace Kubofcik’s husband (who still plays in the bocce league). “I can’t begin to say how heartfelt an honor this is and how much we appreciate it. We were married for 59 years. Grace was very athletic. She lettered in tennis and field hockey. She came here 56 years ago and really fell in love with this county. What a wonderful tribute. I thank you all very much.”
“My mom really did enjoy life and looking out for everybody,” said Mark Kubofcik, one of Grace’s two sons. “The community that is here today in remembrance of her is very touching and very heart felt.”
“Grace was a wonderful person with a light spirit, boundless energy, a tremendous zest for life and an incredible dedication to the good of the community. She was a great teammate and friend, a great bocce player and a great advocate for bocce,” said Carol O’Keeffe, Grace’s former team captain. “The day she passed she called to wish her teammates luck in their last game of the season. Her loss will always be felt, but her memory is a blessing.”
About Cedar Lane Park
One of Howard County’s most popular regional parks, Cedar Lane Park is a 93-acre park consisting of East and West areas connected by a 0.8-mile paved pathway. In addition to the four-bocce court, park amenities also include four lighted ball diamonds, two lighted synthetic turf fields, two playgrounds (one with outdoor fitness equipment), volleyball courts, two nature grass multi-purpose fields, basketball courts, four tennis courts, horseshoe pits, and pavilions.
When not reserved, the bocce courts are open to the public during normal park hours, 7:00 a.m. to dusk, or as posted. To check on the bocce courts availability, call 410-313-4626.
To learn more about Cedar Lane Park and the County’s other regional and neighborhood parks, visit Recreation & Parks “Parks, Playgrounds & Trails” website.