To Report a Park Concern

To report damage or park concerns, leave a message on the Department's hot-line, 410-313-DIRT (3478). For emergencies dial 911.

Park Rules

The purpose of these regulations is to provide a safe and peaceful use of County parks and park land; for recreational and educational benefit and enjoyment; and for the protection and preservation of the property, facilities and natural resources of the County. Park land and recreation programs conducted on park land are open for use by all members of the public regardless of race, religion, creed, color, sex, national origin, or disability. Click on the links below for more information about our regulations.

See the boating permit and fishing tab for regulations about boats on Centennial Lake.

Howard County Code

Subtitle 19 (PDF) 

Things to Remember  

• Help to keep your parks beautiful -- please take your trash and recyclable items home. Take only pictures and leave only footprints. 
• Dogs are prohibited on all Department of Recreation & Parks athletic fields.
• Dogs must be secured by a leash or lead and under control of a responsible person capable of immediate and effective restraint of the animal.
• Dog droppings may attract disease-harboring pests, and even a friendly dog can scare the birds, wildlife and park visitors. Clean up after your dog and keep it leashed; it's the law. 
• All of our parks are inhabited by a wide variety of wildlife such as deer, snakes, fish, rabbits, insects and birds. Please do not disturb them; remember, this is their home.

Howard County Bans Smoking in All County Parks

In a continued effort to be a model public health community and preserve its rank as Maryland’s Healthiest County, Howard County was the first jurisdiction in Maryland with a total ban on smoking and tobacco products of any kind in all the 57 County-owned parks and recreational areas. Enforcement will take the form of requesting voluntary compliance. However, if a smoker does not extinguish a smoking product, park staff will remind them of the new policy and could request exiting the property if they choose to continue smoking.

For more information about the ban, to read the Executive Order or to learn more about smoking cessation programs, click here.

Natural History - Species list for this park have been provided by the Howard County Bird Club. The bird club's contribution has been a valuable asset in the gathering of data and documenting the numerous species of flora and fauna found in our county.

Please do not feed the wildlife - The park's natural habitat provides plenty of food for birds, waterfowl and wildlife to eat, and their digestive systems are not designed for a human's food. If they become dependent upon being fed, they become less able to feed themselves and multiply in an area that may not support their population. Such overcrowding causes destruction of habitat, pollution of the lake, and, ultimately, disease and starvation.

Field and Court Rentals

Softball/baseball and multi-purpose fields are available by permit only. Preference is given to sports leagues and community groups. There are reservation, light and tournament fees. Call 410-313-4626 for details. Softball/baseball and multi-purpose field locations are below. Tennis courts are available on a first-come, first-served basis except during scheduled lessons or tournaments.

Centennial Park Maps:

Full Centennial Park Map

South Area Map

North Area Map

West Area Map

East Area Map

Pavilion Rentals

Park pavilions are a great place to hold a birthday party, corporate event, large family gathering, school picnic or any other special occasion. Pavilions vary in size to accommodate any group, and many come equipped with cooking facilities.

The pavilion rental season runs from April 1 through Nov. 30, rain or shine (there are no refunds for inclement weather).

Pavilions are available free on a first-come, first-served basis during the remainder of the year. However, restroom water and water fountains are turned off during winter months and grills may not be available or accessible during this time due to winter maintenance. Your rental may begin as early as 10 AM and must conclude by sunset (times subject to change).  

You MUST leave the park by the designated time of sunset or be charged a late fee of $25 per ½ hour. 

For information about the pavilions or to make a reservation, you may call 410-313-4682 Monday - Friday, 8 AM - 4:30 PM. 

To Get a Boating Permit: All boats on Centennial Lake are required to have a boating permit. Only Class A boats are allowed, 16 feet in length or less, electric motors only. Rowboats, canoes, or rafts with three separate air chambers are allowed. Sailboats must be under 14 feet in length. A life jacket must be provided for each occupant. Sailboards, windsurfing, stand-up paddleboards, inner tubes and jet skis are not permitted on the lake.  Complete rules below. Seasonal Permits (Valid March 1st through November 30th) are $55 (available for purchase from the Adventure Shack when open, or by appointment from the Adventure & Outdoors Office, located next to the Adventure Shack. Call 410-313-1754 to schedule to be sure someone will be here). Daily Boat Permits are $5.00 The daily permits are available at the self-serve kiosk next to the boat launch area or through the Adventure Shack during normal operating hours - weekends only until mid-June. Centennial Lake promotes safe boating! Through a grant from the Sea Tow Foundation, a Life Jacket Loaner Station has been installed at the boat launch!  Forgot your PFD?  Have an extra passenger?  Grab a loaner life jacket for the day - stay safe and avoid a fine!

Centennial Lake Boating Rules & Regulations

1. All boats must have a daily registration permit or annual registration permit to operate on Centennial Lake. Annual permit decal must be displayed on side of boat in a visible location.
2. All Park rules & regulations must be followed. Failure to follow rules & regulations may result in expulsion from the lake temporarily or permanently, loss of park privileges, & in addition, thereto, may be subject to criminal & civil penalties set forth in Section 19.201 of the Howard County Code.
3. All Recreation and Parks employee instruction must be followed.
4. Swimming & Eskimo rolls are NOT permitted in the lake.
5. Sailboards, windsurfing, paddle boarding, or inner tubing is NOT permitted on the lake.
6. Gas Motors are NOT permitted on the lake.
7. Sculling is NOT Permitted on the lake.
8. Feeding the wildlife is NOT Permitted.
9. All rules & regulations for safe boating must be followed.
10. All anglers 16 years of age & older are required to have a Maryland Freshwater Fishing License and to conform to all fishing regulations in regard to catching or returning fish to/from the lake.
11. An approved U.S.C.G. Personal Floatation Device is required to be on board for each passenger.
12. All boats must be off the lake by sunset.

Boats are available to rent through the Adventure Shack & Rentals located in the South area!  Visit the Adventure Shack page for complete information.

Fishing:

You may fish from shore or from a boat. A Maryland Freshwater Fishing License is required for anglers aged 16 and up. State fishing regulations are in effect, and game fish are part of a management program to maintain a balanced population. 

Been fishing on Centennial Lake recently? We want to hear about your catch! Fill out the form on our main fishing page to share and view what other people have caught on the lake! 

Recreation and Parks offers a wide variety of fishing programs, classes and events, including the Spring Fishing Tournament and Nite Bite Fishing!  Visit howardcountymd.gov/fishing for complete information.

Howard County Recreation & Parks 

7120 Oakland Mills Road 

Columbia, MD 21046 

410-313-4700 General Information (M-F, 8 AM-5 PM) 

410-313-4660 FAX 

410-313-4665 TTY (for the hearing impaired) 

410-313-PARK (7275) Registration (M-F, 8 AM-4:30 PM)

Inclement Weather/Program Status Information: 410-313-4454

We strive to operate our programs regardless of weather - canceling is a last resort. However:  

• While most programs will be held despite the weather, schedules and drop-off points may change. 
• Should lightning be a factor, outdoor activities may be moved indoors. 
• If a snow emergency is declared in Howard County, programs may be closed early or canceled. 
• If a snow emergency is declared in Howard County, all parks are closed. 
• If schools are closed, delayed or dismissed early due to inclement weather or if the Board of Education suspends after-school activities, Recreation and Parks programs in schools may be affected. 
• In the event of inclement weather, call the Inclement Weather/Program Status numbers below for up-to-date information. 
• You should check with your instructor about make-up dates for canceled sessions.