Parks, Playgrounds & Trails

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2995 Pebble Beach Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21042

David Force Natural Resource Area Map.pdf

This park was funded in part by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Program Open Space Grants.

History

The park is named after David W. Force who was a County Commissioner in the 1960’s. He was the equivalent to the County Executive; however, the County was not yet in its current form of charter government at that time. David W. Force lived in Ellicott City on Folly Quarter Road. Prior to becoming County Commissioner, he owned a trucking business that served the railroad industry. 

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5795 Trotter Road, Clarksville, MD 21029

Middle Patuxent Environmental Area Map.pdf

Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks manages the 1021-acre Middle Patuxent Environmental Area (MPEA) in cooperation with the Middle Patuxent Environmental Foundation. The Foundation was created and funded by Columbia's Community Developer, The Howard Research and Development Corporation, concurrent with the transfer of ownership to the County so that the property would be preserved and maintained as a "forever protected" natural environmental area for the benefit of County residents

This natural area is home to a diversity of wildlife, including an impressive list of about 150 species of birds, over 40 species of mammals, and numerous amphibians, reptiles, fishes, butterflies, plants and other wildlife. The primary components of the MPEA’s mission are natural resource conservation, environmental education, research, and passive recreation. The area is managed using ecosystem management concepts to restore and protect the diversity of communities found in this region. Five and one-half miles of hiking trails, with two interpretive nature trail brochures, give visitors an opportunity to enjoy and learn about the area. 

Ongoing natural resource management projects in the MPEA include meadow habitat restoration, natural resource inventories (bird surveys, vegetation surveys, etc), forest management, deer population management, stream water quality monitoring, and the volunteer program. The objective of the MPEA volunteer program is to involve members of the community in many aspects of the MPEA’s management. Volunteers can become involved in the development and maintenance of our trail system, help fight the invasive exotics that threaten our native species, study the diverse flora and fauna communities, participate in habitat management projects, and/or help develop educational programs.

To find out more about MPEA programs and management activities, contact MPEA Natural Resources Manager, Cheryl Farfaras at 410-313-4726 or email cfarfaras@howardcountymd.gov.

Volunteer Opportunities
Get active, learn, contribute to habitat conservation in the MPEA, and enjoy time with others in the community with one or more of our various volunteer opportunities.

Register here for all opportunities.

For group volunteering inquiries or additional questions, contact MPEA Natural Resource Specialist Allen Dupre. 

Environmental Stewardship
Many choices we make in our own homes can impact the environment. We each have the power to enact change. There are resources available so that each one of us can be environmentally responsible and take action to improve the health of our environment and the Chesapeake Bay, one backyard at a time. “From My Backyard to Our Bay” is one such excellent resource. It is a resident’s guide with tips on maintaining a healthy lawn, managing storm water runoff, composting, recycling, reducing energy use and many more topics. Please check out the booklet. 

See what actions you are already doing and what more you can do to improve your environment and the health of the Chesapeake Bay. Remember – the Bay is only as far away as the nearest storm drain.

Explore the MPEA

Interested in wildflowers? Learn when you can find spring wildflowers in bloom at the MPEA!

A species list for the MPEA has 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.

Habitat Management

FAQs

How is the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area (MPEA) different from other parks, open space, or public land? 
The MPEA is not a park. It is over 1,000 acres of forever-protected natural habitat that is managed in cooperation with the MPE Foundation for environmental and nature programming, studies and education, and use of best management practices to identify, maintain and preserve wildlife and natural habitat.

Where can I access the MPEA? 
The MPEA has two main trailheads. The Trotter Road trailhead has parking access and a restroom facility open to the public. Street parking is available at the South Wind trailhead. 

How can I experience the MPEA? 
Passive recreation (foot travel only) is permitted in the MPEA. This includes hiking, bird watching, and even participating in one of our volunteer programs! 

What is not allowed? 
Prohibited activities include (but are not limited to) the use of motor vehicles or bicycles, horseback riding, camping, campfires, hunting, and removing or disturbing native plants or animals. The MPEA is home to many native, migratory, and even rare species. Please abstain from these and any activities that may disturb their natural habitat.  

Are dogs allowed? 
Leashed dogs are allowed within the MPEA. Please pick up after your dog and pack out what you pack in.   

Why is the inner parking area off Trotter road sometimes closed? 
This area is occasionally reserved as parking for special events and programs conducted by Howard County Rec and Parks staff. 

Why isn’t the building at the end of the Trotter road parking lot open? 
This building is a maintenance shop with MPEA staff offices and is not open to the public. 

Can I fish in the MPEA? 
Yes. All Maryland DNR rules and regulations apply. Click here for more information. 

9299 Vollmerhausen Rd, Jessup, 20794
 

Welcome to Howard County Dept. Rec. & Parks Trails! Our trail system covers 104 miles of both natural surface and hard surface trails to enjoy for both active and passive recreational pursuits at parks and open space lands throughout the County.

You can find more detailed park trail information in each park section listed above.

Always practice trail safety as you are out exploring the trails.

For information, contact Meagan Poe mpoe@howardcountymd.gov or 410-313-4697.

All published geocaches (including letterboxes) on Howard County Recreation & Parks properties must meet policy guidelines. New and existing cache owners should review the policy and guidelines. Please fill out an application and email it to the Geocache Administrator (dpoholsky@howardcountymd.gov).  Geocaching guidelines are subject to change. Policy modifications may warrant the relocation and/or removal of caches.

 Geocache Placement Guidelines

1. The Geocache Application process is basically a permit process to allow an otherwise prohibited activity on parkland – Title 19.205(17) prohibits “Storing material of any description on park property.” All other Parkland Rules and Regulations apply and should be adhered to.

2. Do not use Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipe, ammo cans or any other military-looking container that may cause alarm should an unsuspecting person happen upon discovering the cache. Any cache not of the recommended type of container will be removed.

3. The cache owner must label the exterior of any approved cache container used to identify the object as a Geocache or other GPS based recreational activity. The purpose of this is to avoid confusion or alarm if a cache is discovered accidentally.

4. Geocache placement will be approved only in areas designated for recreational public use. Areas unsuitable for geocache placement include:

•  Historic sites
•  Sport fields
•  Skate park
•  Portable restrooms
• Facility restrooms
•  Buildings and Pavilions
•  Playgrounds
•  Stages
•  Bridges
• Picnic buildings
•  Forest Conservation Area
•  Landscape beds

In addition, a cache may not be placed inside or within 100 feet of the following areas: wetlands, flood plains, ponds, rivers and lakes. Approved cache locations are at the discretion of the Park/Facility Manager.

5. Do not dig any holes or disturb the surrounding environment.

6. Do not place the cache in plain view. Attempt to conceal the cache to minimize the chances that a non-participant will spot it, which could lead to worry, theft or vandalism.

7. The cache hunt must involve GPS use and accurate coordinates to the true cache location.

8. Geocachers are prohibited from entering designated properties occasionally, from October through February because of scheduled deer management. It is the geocachers responsibility to be aware of these closure dates, which are available online on the Howard County Department of Recreation and Park’s main website, the Deer Management webpage and posted at the entry points of the affected properties. https://www.howardcountymd.gov/natural-resources 

9. A cache location showing signs of excessive wear may result in the removal or request for relocation.

10. A cache location drawing unwanted attention or in a suspicious area will be removed. HCRP will contact the cache owner to suggest alternate locations or to arrange for a pick.

Information
View current classes If nothing is offered currently, please check back.
For custom programs, contact Matt Medicus at mmedicus@howardcountymd.gov.
http://www.geocaching.com/
http://www.mdgps.org/

• Never use the trails alone and always let someone know where you are going.
• Wear reflective material and carry a whistle or noisemaker.
• Be very observant of your surroundings and of other people. Avoid areas where visibility is poor and don’t wear headsets.
• Carry personal identification and a cell phone if possible.
• Park in well-lit, heavily traveled areas if possible.
• Don’t leave valuable items in plain view inside of your car. Leave them at home or lock them in your trunk.
• When you approach your car, have your key ready and check the floor and the back seats before you get in.
• Program the Park Ranger Duty phone number (410-245-1410) into your cell phone before you leave. In the event of an emergency, call 911.

Leave No Trace Seven Principles 

1. Stick To Trails and Camp Overnight Right

•  Walk and ride on designated trails to protect trailside plants.
•  Avoid stepping on flowers or small trees. Once damaged, they may not grow back.
•  Respect private property by staying on designated trails.
•  Camp only on existing or designated campsites to avoid damaging vegetation.
•  Good campsites are found, not made. Don’t dig trenches or build structures in your campsite.

2. Leave It As You Find It

• Leave plants, rocks and historical items as you find them so others can enjoy them.
• Treat living plants with respect. Carving, hacking or peeling plants may kill them.

3. Keep Wildlife Wild 

• Observe wildlife from a distance and never approach, feed, or follow them.
• Human food is unhealthy for all wildlife and feeding them starts bad habits.
• Protect wildlife and your food by securely storing your meals and trash.

4. Know Before You Go

• Be prepared! Remember food and water, and clothes to protect you from cold, heat and rain.
• Use maps to plan where you’re going. Check them along the way so you’ll stay on course and won’t get lost.
•  Remember to bring a leash for your pet and plastic bags to pick up your pet’s waste.
• Learn about the areas you plan to visit. Read books, check online and talk to people before you go. The more you know, the more fun you’ll have.

5. Trash Your Trash and Pick Up Poop

•  Pack it in, pack it out. Put litter–even crumbs, peels and cores–in garbage bags and carry it home.
•  Use bathrooms or outhouses when available. If not available, bury human waste in a small hole 6-8 inches deep and 200 feet or 70 big steps from water.
•  Use a plastic bag to pack out your pet’s poop to a garbage can.
• Keep water clean. Do not put soap, food, or human or pet waste in lakes or streams.

6. Be Careful With Fire

•  Use a camp stove for cooking. Stoves are easier to cook on and create less impact than a fire.
•  If you want to have a campfire, be sure it’s permitted and safe to build a fire in the area you’re visiting. Use only existing fire rings to protect the ground from heat. Keep your fire small.
•  Remember, a campfire isn’t a garbage can. Pack out all trash and food.
•  Before gathering any firewood, check local regulations.
•  Burn all wood to ash and be sure the fire is completely out and cold before you leave.

7. Share Our Trails and Manage Your Pet

•  Be considerate when passing others on the trail.
•  Keep your pet under control to protect it, other visitors and wildlife.
•  Listen to nature. Avoid making loud noises or yelling. You will see more wildlife if you are quiet.
•  Be sure the fun you have outdoors does not bother anyone else. Remember, other visitors are there to enjoy the outdoors too.

© 2004 by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: www.LNT.org.

Trail Planning & Management Guide:

Trail Specifications:

Trail Program Annual Review Report:

Some trails may be closed during Deer Management Programs. You can check the schedule here: https://www.howardcountymd.gov/natural-resources

Current Trail Construction Advisories:

A Trail Reroute is being done along the Plumtree Branch behind Dunloggin Middle School. The trail reroute is being constructed to get a sustainable alignment of trail away from the stream. Several trails will be removed to help the wetlands and the stream buffer this will allow vegetation to regrow and create better habitat for animals. Native trees will be planted to help restore the habitat in that area. The map below shows the project site and the new trail alignment. If you have questions contact the Trail Manager, Meagan Poe at mpoe@howardcountymd.gov

Trail construction crews will be working in David Force Park throughout this year beginning in April. Please be aware that there may be temporary closures or re-routes in place as you visit the park.

For questions or if you would like to volunteer to help construct the trails, please contact Meagan Poe mpoe@howardcountymd.gov or (410) 313-4697.

Trails are shared recreation amenities and are accessed by a variety of users at the same time. Please be courteous to all users and remember that pedestrians have the right-of-way. 

Please observe the following guidelines to ensure safety for yourself and all other users.

Park Regulations:

• Park regulations are posted and must be observed.
• Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
• Pets must be kept on a short leash at all times.
• Please clean up after your pets.
• Please do not litter.

Hard-Surface Trails:

Hard Surface Trails are typically 4-10 foot wide and composed of asphalt or concrete surfacing. Types of uses associated with this type of trail are casual walkers and cyclists. These trails may also be referred to as paved pathways.

• Travel on the right at a reasonable speed and in a predictable manner.
• Move left to pass after giving an audible warning.
• Do not pass at blind curves. Do not pass until the trail is clear of oncoming traffic.
• Move safely off of the paved surface when you stop. Do not stop near blind spots or curves.

Natural-Surface Trails:

Natural Surface Trails are typically 2-6 foot wide with native soil or aggregate stone surfaced trails. Types of uses associated with these trails are hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. Unless noted otherwise on the trail map, natural surface trails are “shared by all” users.

• Use restrictions do apply. Observe and obey access signs.
• Yield right of way as follows: Mountain bikes to all users; hikers to equestrian users.
• Avoid natural surface trails for 24 hours after a rain event.

Trail Use Regulations:

• Be courteous to other users.
• Obey trail access restrictions and safety guidelines at all times.
• Stay on marked trails. Trails not shown on this map are not maintained and may terminate abruptly or travel to private property.
• Do not blaze new trails
• Use caution or avoid trails during rain, high winds, and other inclement weather.
• Trails are available for use from 7 AM to sunset each day unless noted otherwise.
• Respect, communication, and courtesy go a long way in helping everyone enjoy the trail safely.

Cycling and Vehicles

• STOP at stop signs, they indicate dangerous cross-car traffic.
• Helmets are strongly encouraged.
• Keep a safe, reasonable speed and adhere to trail speed limits. Adjust speed to trail congestion and surface conditions.

Visit www.HoCoVolunteer.org for trail volunteer opportunities.

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.
• Review the Extreme Heat Policy, which provides guidelines for staff and facilities when the National Weather Service announces a Heat Advisory or a Heat Warning.

Extreme Heat Plan Policy 

Initial Release Date: 6/27/13 Last Revised: 9/28/16, 4/13/18

PURPOSE

To provide guidelines for staff and facilities when the National Weather Service announces a Heat Advisory or a Heat Warning.

SUBTITLE

PROCEDURES

The Howard County Department of Recreation & Parks recognizes the importance of taking precautions in extreme heat situations. The department will prepare and place into effect precautionary measures when the National Weather Service announces a Heat Advisory or Heat Warning. In the following guidelines, "Activity" means programs, classes, leagues, daycare, concerts, and all types of recreation activities; and "Facilities" means indoor and outdoor facilities. This plan will be reviewed annually.

I. Standard Procedures & Protocols

A. In situations with advance notice of advisories and/or warnings during normal business hours, the department will assess activities known to be scheduled in county facilities as well as those teams and programs representing the department with games or activities scheduled outside the
county.

B. The Director has the option to cancel all activities in County facilities on the advice of Emergency and Health Officials if they determine it is in the best interest of individuals and/or staff participating in activities. The Public Information Office (PIO) and our department's marketing staff would be notified and all public media would be notified and closure implemented.

C. Divisions are to implement program specific adjustments as precautionary methods such as alerting key program coordinators of their on-call status, alerting those involved to contact the status lines, arrangements for water, ice buckets, cooling areas, cooling devices, options for activity - specific rule modifications, temporary postponements, curfew extensions, and if deemed feasible - arranging of staffed medical tents, etc.

1. Some programs (example - Community Sports with the additional resources), have more specific procedures and protocols in place for HI (heat indices) of 105 to 115 degrees.

2. Participants of Howard County sponsored activities that are involved in a program not under department jurisdiction have the authority to accept a forfeit if they feel it is in the best interest of their players from a health perspective.

3. On site staff for activities that take place on artificial turf need to consider the additional impact of added heat on artificial turf. Clouds, breezes, and moisture can minimize the additional heat; but on-site staff should monitor activity closely if they find the conditions are significantly hotter at waist level.

D. Program Coordinators in consultation with onsite program resources have the authority to make program-wide modifications, postponements or cancel activities if they feel precautionary measures in place aren't satisfactory or if the participants desire to end the activity.

E. On location, unless otherwise determined via pre-advisory/warming instructions, Event Directors, Field Marshals, Leaders, and Officials have the authority to modify, postpone or stop any activity if they feel precautionary measures in place aren't satisfactory or if the participants desire to end the contest, event or activity. Program Coordinators must be notified of any action as soon as possible. Except for typical league games or practices, some activities (camps, tournament games, etc.) must obtain the approval of the program coordinator for final cancellation of activity.

F. Some organizations (internal or external) may prefer to cancel their activity in the event of an extreme heat episode. An option to accommodate individuals displaced by the cancellation of an activity may be to offer program credits (i.e., pavilion picnic users) or an alternate date and time if
feasible. This accommodation would also include league teams working out scenarios with a sports manager.

G. Alert the Howard County Department Howard County Fire & Rescue of significant activities that could benefit from a presence from the HCDFR.

H. Department forced cancelation of any non-sponsored activity (SAG tournament. Pavilion rental, etc.) due to heat concerns requires the approval of the Director of Recreation & Parks or designee as the appointing authority. Park Rangers and specific Park Operations staff shall be notified of these cancellations.

II. Communications / Public Relations:

A. Similar to other weather and emergency incidents, the standard Status Lines are utilized. The opening statement on such recordings for outdoor activities is as follows: The following activity cancelations or adjustments have been determined as of xxx.pm. Please consult this line one hour before your activity or at intervals indicated in this recording for updates. All participation today in outdoor activities is voluntary and those with specific health
conditions should refrain from participation today. Now for the schedule adjustments...

B. The response options to the media questions include the following:

1. Standard Response
At this time, Parks are open for activities and services. Coordinators of Department activities are assessing precautionary heat measures in place. Participants are directed to the appropriate Status line for the latest decisions on activity modifications. These decisions may be updated as conditions change, during this Heat Advisory Warning, personnel directing activities reserve the right to change rules of play and make other modifications to mitigate heat conditions. All participation is voluntary and those with specific health conditions should refrain from participation today.

2. Extreme Measure Response
At this time, the County has deemed a health emergency until x pm. Howard County Recreation & Parks outdoor events and activities have been canceled, and sports fields are closed. Participants should contact the appropriate status line for re-start information on activities.

III. Summary of Heat Advisory / Warning

Below are key markers that kick in the Extreme Heat Plan preparation and discussions.

Forecast and Summary Plan 
105°+ Mobilizes the Community Sport plan utilizing Field Marshals and others equipped with cell phone applications. Alert reminder to program staff of on-call expectations. 115-degree heat index is the maximum temperature for cancellation per the Health Department.

94° + Automatically kicks in the discussion phase of Extreme Heat Plan Guidelines and begins preparation for additional activity specific pre-cautionary measures as well as provides flexibility to onsite personnel and officials to institute activity or rule modifications. Reminder: Individual participants who choose not to participate in these conditions will not be penalized.

84°- 93°Coaches, leaders, event directors, officials observe participants carefully for signs of heat injuries or exhaustion. Assure and schedule participants for water breaks. Water is to be available at all times. Individual participants are not required to participate in theseconditions.

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.

Howard County Code

Title 19 - Recreation and Parks

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. 

Playground Rules

Our playgrounds are for all children. Please help us keep them clean and safe by observing the following:

• No smoking
• No food or beverages on the playground 
• Use age-appropriate playground equipment only and for its intended purpose only 
• Bicycles, skateboards, etc. are not permitted 
• Pets (of any kind) are not permitted on playgrounds 

Centennial Lake is open for recreational boating March 1 through November 30. Boat permits are required for all watercraft.

* The Centennial Lake boat ramp has reopened for the season.

To Get a Boating Permit

All watercraft on Centennial Lake are required to have a boating permit for Centennial Lake. This is different from your Maryland boat registration. Only Class A boats are allowed, 16 feet in length or less, electric motors only. Includes rowboats, canoes, kayaks or rafts (rafts and inflatable canoes/kayaks must have at least three separate air chambers to be used on the lake). 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. For information on Maryland boating requirements visit dnr.maryland.gov/Boating/Pages/default.aspx All Centennial Lake boaters are subject to Maryland state boating regulations.

Daily Boat Permits are $5 per boat per visit, payable by cash only at the self-serve kiosk next to the boat launch area. Be sure to complete and save the tear off receipt from your daily permit and keep it with you while on the lake.

Annual Permits (Valid March 1 through November 30) are $55 per boat.

Annual permit sales available available for walk-up purchase between 6-7pm on scheduled Nite Bite Fishing dates (see link below) or by appointment only on weekdays from the Adventure & Outdoors office in Centennial Park South. Contact Matt Medicus, 410-313-1769 or mmedicus@howardcountymd.gov with questions or to schedule an appointment. Credit cards are accepted for annual permit sales (no cash or checks). Boaters may turn in up to three daily permit receipts from the current season toward the purchase of an annual permit.

Link Nite Bite Fishing to https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0545a4ab2fabfd0-nite#/

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! Visit www.safeboatingcampaign.com for more information from the National Safe Boating Council on how to stay safe on the water!

Centennial Lake Boating Rules & Regulations

1. All boats must have a daily lake permit or annual 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 instructions 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. Maryland state boating regulations can be found here: dnr.maryland.gov/Boating/Pages/default.aspx
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 may be available to rent at the boat dock located in the South area.

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? Post your catch on the Maryland Angler's Log from the Maryland Dept of Natural Resources. Be sure to put Centennial Lake your location and tag us on social media with #FishCentennial!

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.

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.

Click the link below to find out more about the Howard County Bird Club.

Click the link below for information about the garden plots and Columbia Gardeners.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources runs the Program Open Space program that provides financial and technical assistance to local subdivisions for the planning, acquisition, and/or development of recreation land or open space areas.