For information regarding coronavirus (COVID-19) please click here.
Updated Friday, May 29, 2020
Ways to find the most up-to-date information on HC Recreation & Parks
- Follow us on Facebook (HoCoRec) or Twitter (@HoCoRec)
- Call our information line at 410-313-4700
- Call our status lines about programs, classes, events, community centers, and parks: www.howardcountymd.gov/inclementweatherlines
Our online activities and programs are being cataloged at #AtHomeWithHocoRec.
The following areas are now open
- Bocce courts
- Centennial Park Skate Spot (Opening Saturday, May 30, 2020)
- Disc golf
- Equestrian rings at Schooley Mill Park
- Handball court
- North Laurel Community Center Skate Park (Opening Saturday, May 30, 2020)
- Park gates
- Pickleball courts
- Recreational fishing
- Recreational Boating at Centennial Lake (but not rentals)
- Rockburn Branch Park's Skills Park
- Sports Fields (Saturday, June 6, 2020, the department will contact field permit holders and Howard County youth sports-field-programs )
- Tennis courts
- Timbers at Troy Golf Course
- Worthington Dog Park (by appointment only)
Members can pre-register for a 45-minute slot. Visit activenet or call 410-313-7275 (Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm). Large dog registration click here. Small dog registration click here. Upon arrival, members must show the attendant a print or digital copy of their confirmation receipt. There will be five available slots for the small dog park and eight available slots for the large dog park each hour. Each handler may sign up a maximum of two dogs per slot.
The following recreational areas are closed to encourage social distancing and discourage any gatherings at parks.
- Basketball courts
- Playgrounds
- Volleyball courts
Monday, June 29, 2020
The following are not running/are not open through Sunday, June 28, 2020.
- Leagues
- Rentals
- Pavilion rentals (new reservations not taken during this time)
- Howard County Recreation & Parks (HCRP) indoor facilities are not open to the public. (This includes HCRP headquarters, Roger Carter Community Center, Gary J. Arthur Community Center, North Laurel Community Center, Robinson Nature Center, Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum, Firehouse Museum, Meadowbrook Athletic Complex, Kiwanis-Wallas Hall, Belmont Manor & Historic Park and more.)
Cancelled until Wednesday, July 1, 2020.
- Large events and gatherings
- Weddings
Howard County's July 4th Fireworks (was to be held on July 4, 2020) is cancelled.
Commonly Asked Questions
I want to register for the 2020-2021 Recreational Licensed Child Care program. When is registration beginning for this?
For the most up-to-date information, please visit on our Child Care Page. Enrollment for the 2020-2021 Recreational Licensed Child Care program began on April 1, 2020 at 8am. Due to COVID-19, our staff’s ability to take calls will be limited. Please register online (https://apm.activecommunities.com/howardcounty/) if possible. Your patience is greatly appreciated.
Do I have to pay for the classes, lessons or programs I miss during this time of closure?
No. Either the missed classes will be made up or you will be given a refund for missed classes.
I paid for an event that is now cancelled.
We will be issuing refunds for all cancelled events and programs.
I have paid for a gym, facility, or Robinson Nature Center membership that is currently closed. Will I be reimbursed?
Starting Tuesday, April 14, Howard County Recreation & Parks stopped automatic charges for fitness or pool memberships at the Roger Carter, North Laurel and Gary J. Arthur Community Centers. For those that paid in full for a membership, they will be credited the days that the facilities are closed. The department will notify each participant once their account payments have been suspended and when charges will resume. The Robinson Nature Center will also extend memberships for days its facility was closed.