Digging in for a brighter future, Howard County's top brass wielded shovels at the groundbreaking ceremony for Centennial Park West's hefty improvement project; setting their sights on transforming some classic grass into synthetic marvels, according to Howard County Government. County Executive Calvin Ball, who seems to know a thing or two about leaving a legacy, fittingly named the new artificial turf fields after a local pioneer, the Honorable Elizabeth “Liz” Bobo, marking her contribution to the county and state.
"Howard County is known for its exceptional parks and engaging recreational programs. in all that we do, we strive to ensure that we are providing all who live, work and play here the best and most welcoming facilities, and these upgrades will allow us to do just that." Ball put it plainly, Howard County Government reported. The revamp isn’t just a cosmetic touch-up; the artificial turf means athletes can chase balls year-round, without a care for the weather, which is, let's be honest, about as predictable as a flip of a coin; and the project’s brightening up with new LED lights and is slated for completion come fall of 2025.
The financial nuts and bolts of this endeavor blend County cash to the tune of $1.5 million with over $9 million in state grants spread over a few years; a cocktail of funding that's setting the stage for not just baseball but a swath of sports, with the bonus of national tournaments, as stated by Department of Recreation & Parks Director Nick Mooneyhan, that could soon spotlight Howard County as a go-to hotspot.
And while the fields steal the limelight, it’s not just about the home runs, additional upgrades like renovated restrooms and a playground overhaul, complete with wheelchair-friendly features, aim to knock inclusivity out of the park, wrapped up by the summer of 2025; Recreation & Parks isn't resting on its laurels either, as it continues to smooth over ADA improvements to walkways and parking lots, ensuring everyone gets a fair swing at enjoyment in the park.
Centennial Park, born out of a vision to mesh community with nature sports, and a dollop of leisure, offers a little something for everyone; whether you're there to pedal around the 2.6-mile trail, cast a line into its 54-acre lake or serve up an ace on the tennis courts, it's a green haven; and if you need the 411 on this neighborhood gem, just hop onto their website for more nitty-gritty details.
