Play in the Region
Sports and
Recreation
Several world-class
golf courses are
located within
Howard County.
Hobbits Glen in
Columbia has hosted
the State Farm
Senior Classic.
Fairway Hills, also
in Columbia, offers
18 challenging holes
over a diverse
layout. The Timbers
at Troy in Elkridge
is a county-operated
course that provides
a challenge for
golfers of all
levels. Turf Valley
Resort provides 54
challenging holes of
golf available for
hotel guests and
members. Waverly
Woods Golf Club in
Marriottsville is
the newest course in
the county and is
fast becoming known
throughout the area
for its rolling
hills and
challenging tee
shots. Willow
Springs is an
18-hole executive
course for the less
experienced or
golfers wishing to
practice their short
game.
Countless miles of
walking paths, acres
of parks and
hundreds of
children's play
areas or tot lots
are maintained by
the Columbia
Association (CA),
the private,
nonprofit, community
and homeowners
association that
manages Columbia's
villages. In
addition to
maintaining
Columbia's open
space, CA has
facilities for
health and fitness,
aquatics, golf,
tennis and arts and
crafts as well as a
wide variety of
programs and events.
At the Columbia Ice
Rink, the pond is
always frozen with
public sessions and
skate rental
available. Figure
skating and hockey
clubs also use the
facility. Columbia
Sports Park offers
activities for
everyone including
miniature golf,
batting cages, a
playground area and
two large picnic
pavilions that are
available for use by
permit. The adjacent
Columbia SkatePark
has nearly 10,000
square feet of
space.
The Swim Center
offers two full-size
indoor pools, a
wading pool and
recreational
swimming year round,
plus a fun
two-flume,
five-story water
slide. Other indoor
and outdoor pools
are located
throughout the
Columbia area.
Lighted outdoor
tennis courts are
open year round and
the tennis bubble at
Owen Brown offers
indoor play during
the winter months.
CA's facilities and
services are
available to those
who live or work in
Columbia and its
villages. Resident
and non-resident
membership
information is
available by calling
410-715-3000.
Howard County also
boasts several parks
and recreation
areas.
Patapsco Valley
State Park lies in
Howard County and
has 3,000 acres
offering hiking,
biking, canoeing,
fishing or the
opportunity to just
explore this
beautiful area. The
Patapsco Heritage
Greenway runs along
the river in the
park. Along the
trail you will find
abandoned millraces,
ancient rock
outcroppings,
waterfalls, granite
railroad ties,
tunnels, a swinging
bridge, viaducts of
historical
significance and the
opportunity to view
wildlife and
beautiful scenery.
Picnic areas are
available within the
park.
Centennial Park is a
county-operated
facility that has
received three
awards for natural
design and
sensitivity to
nature. Comprising
325 acres, the park
features lighted
softball and soccer
fields, tennis
courts, picnic
pavilions and a
lake. Canoes and
paddleboats are
available for rental
use at the park. The
Department of
Recreation and Parks
provides concerts
throughout the
summer season. A
hiker/biker trail
circles the park and
provides views of
the lake and the
wildlife inhabiting
the park.
Cedar Lane Park is
recognized as one of
the finest
tournament sports
complexes in the
state. Situated on
100 acres, lighted
athletic fields
allow participation
by all age groups in
leagues and
tournaments
sponsored by the
Department of
Recreation and
Parks.
Rockburn Branch
Park's 450 acres are
part of Howard
County's 7,000-acre
scenic park system.
Explore nature
trails, enjoy picnic
areas and learn
about the Native
Americans who camped
on this land years
ago.
Savage Park has 270
acres with trout
fishing available in
the Little Patuxent
River with
limitations on
quantity and tackle.
Athletic fields are
available as well as
other amenities.
Schooley Mill Park
offers 192 acres
with horse trails
and recreation
areas. A
horse-jumping ring
is located in the
park.
Additional
information on the
amenities and
availability of
covered pavilions
and indoor
facilities within
the Howard County
Department of
Recreation and Parks
program can be
obtained by visiting
the Howard County
Government web site
at www.co.ho.md.us
or by calling
410-313-4700.
Indoor recreation
sites offer
residents and
visitors alike
opportunities
throughout the year
to get out and get
involved in
activities. The
Soccer Dome offers a
number of indoor
fields for organized
and drop-in play.
PlayWiseKids is a
24,000-square-foot
children's activity
center featuring
educational and
recreational
hands-on exhibits.
Pump It Up, the
Inflatable Party
Zone is a safe
indoor children's
activity center for
private parties and
special occasions,
featuring
interactive
inflatable
attractions.