The East Columbia Library Park design plans are getting a makeover.

After nearly a decade since the park’s initial design, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball announced new plans that include multipurpose fields, basketball courts, a playground and a pavilion. Construction for the project is anticipated to begin in spring of 2025, with a completion in spring of 2026.

Nick Mooneyhan, director of county recreation and parks, said Thursday, “the original plan for this park was designed some time ago, we realized that as communities evolve, their needs and desires for parks changes too.”

The county went back to the drawing board and engaged the community, especially residents of Owen Brown and surrounding neighborhoods like Oakland Mills, Mooneyhan said.

The Baltimore Banner thanks its sponsors. Become one.

“We listened to your feedback, and we heard what you wanted from a modern vibrant park and we’re proud to unveil this revised concept that reflects those wants and needs,” Mooneyhan said.

The new amenities, like the playground, offer space for children to play, while the pavilion will be a place for family and friends to gather. Residents of all ages can play basketball together and other recreational sports, while youth and adult rugby leagues can continue to use the space, Mooneyhan said.

“We understand the heart of any successful park lies in the voices of those who call it home,” Ball said Thursday afternoon.

Ball continued: “Together we’re not just building parks, we are crafting experiences … experiences that include friends and neighbors coming together for spirited games on two well maintained grass fields or two lit basketball courts. Experiences related to memories already being created by our youth baseball softball cricket players at the adjacent amenities to this park by Lake Elkhorn Middle School and Cradlerock Elementary School.”

With the revised park design plans, Ball said it will be a public space that all Howard County residents can be proud of for current and future generations.

The Baltimore Banner thanks its sponsors. Become one.

Mae Beale, a Village of Owen Brown board member, has lived in the village for nearly 48 years. Parks are necessary because they motivate neighbors to “live an active lifestyle and strength and increase community engagement,” Beale said.

“Myself, I currently use the park to relax, listen to music, and I also like to just read and just enjoy nature,” Beale said Thursday. “This park will play an essential role in providing an attractive, pleasing, engaging environment for our community to continue to strive and the place to play, reveal and celebrate together.”

Jess Nocera

jess.nocera@thebaltimorebanner.com

Jess Nocera

Jess Nocera is a regional reporter covering Howard County.

More from Jess Nocera

Howard County Council members push school officials to keep teacher pay competitive

Rolling up their sleeves. Students in Anne Arundel, Howard counties pick school board members

More From The Banner

Photo illustration of cream-colored silhouette of man’s head and shoulders against red textured background with map of Baltimore City and surrounding areas. At bottom of image it says “Missing Person.”

Missing in Baltimore City: Facebook group helps families search for lost loved ones

Unaccompanied migrant children come to Maryland at a higher rate than any other state

Johns Hopkins ‘free Palestine’ protest remains peaceful, but tensions run high

Ft. Carroll as seen during a CBF Tour of the EPA Superfund Site on 3/25/24 in Baltimore, MD.

Baltimore’s oddest island: Key Bridge shines new light on abandoned fort