New Park Includes Multigenerational Playground, Natural Turf Fields

COLUMBIA, MD — Leaders broke ground Thursday on the new Cradlerock Park, which will sport two natural turf fields, two lighted basketball courts, a playground, pavilion and more once construction wraps up.

The 16.5-acre park will be located at 6600 Cradlerock Way at a site formerly known as East Columbia Library Park.

“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,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball at the groundbreaking ceremony. “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.”

Howard County Recreation and Parks has maintained the property since 1992, but 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.

When construction wraps up, 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

“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.

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 also will feature Americans with Disabilities Act, 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.

Playground visitors also will 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,” Howard County Parks Director Nick Mooneyhan said. “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. 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.

“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.