ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball, along with Howard County’s Recreation and Parks Director, Nick Mooneyhan, today introduced new improvements and cut the ribbon at Huntington Park in Columbia. Photos from the event can be viewed here.
These improvements complement the pathway and playground - ensuring that all nearby have a place to play, exercise, and gain the benefits of being outdoors. By continuing to provide amenities that our residents request, I hope that this and other 29 neighborhood parks and eight regional parks around Howard County engage and encourage everyone to get up, get out and get active with their neighbors, families, and friends.
Improvements include relocation and updating of the basketball court, reducing noise to nearby homes. The old court area will be repurposed into a children’s bicycle-training area. The Department of Recreation and Parks is currently working with the Office of Transportation on the design and implementation of the new amenity.
“Huntington residents are thrilled about the new park improvements, including the County's first bicycle playground,” said Christiana Rigby, Howard County Council Chair. “All improvements are thoughtfully designed to provide recreational opportunities for people all ages. I am grateful to all the community partners and employees across departments who worked together to make it happen.”
Three new paved pathways have been created totaling .3 miles. One pathway extends into the residential community located on Early Spring Way. Another extends access from Vollmerhausen Road, and the last improvement is a loop that begins and extends and existing pathway.
“The improvements and expansion to Huntington Park are great!” said Pam Guzzone, Maryland State Delegate. “The new direct access to Vollmerhausen Road really helps connect residents not just to the park but also to the broader Huntington community. All of the changes - the new basketball court, improved multipurpose fields, new water fountain and the beautiful pathways - make this park a real gem!
Other improvements include an added entrance to the playground, two park benches, two benches near the new basketball court and a new water fountain that includes a reusable bottle filler. Lastly, a new backstop for softball and baseball games was installed on the multipurpose field.
“This neighborhood park, surrounded by homes, and accessible by bicycle and foot – not car – is a great example of how we can develop a place to relax and recreate in a small space,” said Mooneyhan. “Those that surround this park can step out of their home and instantly take a quick walk in a park. Their children can play outdoors without clicking them into car seats. Neighbors can enjoy a pick-up basketball, softball or baseball game by simply walking out of their home and stepping into the park.”
"The village board is so thankful to the county for the cooperation we've gotten throughout the years," said Barbara Seely, Kings Contrivance Village Board Chair. "We are thrilled to see the completion of the next phase of beautiful Huntington Park."
Huntington Park originally opened in 1986. The last time the park received improvements was in April 2017 after arson destroyed it in 2009. The cost for this latest round of reconstruction was $500,000.