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Greetings,
Happy New Year from the team at Recreation and Parks! Before looking forward to the year ahead, here's a chance to look back at some highlights from this past year.
The department remained busy in 2024 -- from another successful Camp Fair in January and our first-ever National Women and Girls in Sports Day event in February to our annual Holiday Mart at Gary J. Arthur Community Center and Frozen Fest at Robinson Nature Center in December! In between, we enjoyed countless visitors to our parks and centers, fantastic Summer Camps, and beginning/completing projects that improve our parks and public spaces.
In 2025, we look forward to completing the projects we have begun and continuing to provide great programming to the residents of Howard County!
To kick things off, we are hosting a Job Fair from 10am-2pm on Jan. 4 at Howard County Recreation & Parks Headquarters, 7120 Oakland Mills Road, Columbia. Make a difference in your community and join our team!
We thank you for your continued support and can't wait for you to join us in 2025!
Sincerely,
Nick Mooneyhan
Director, Recreation and Parks
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Before & After School Programs | |
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See What Programs Are Offered At Your Child's School
Be sure to check out the many great opportunities offered by Howard County Recreation and Parks to keep your child learning and having fun before and after school. Our department offers a number of great programs at elementary schools across the county. We offer everything from science, music, drama, art, and chess to soccer, basketball, flag football, and lacrosse. Learn what's available this winter at your child's school HERE.
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What To Do When Schools Are Closed
Not sure what to do when your child is home because schools are closed? Looking for a great place for them to learn, play, and have fun? Come see what Howard County Recreation & Parks has to offer when school's out! We have science, sports, art, music, drama, chess, and more! Click the links below to find the perfect programs for your child.
Monday, January 20
Thursday January 23 (early dismissal)
Wednesday, January 29
Friday, February 7
Monday, February 17
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Latest News & Volunteer Opportunities | |
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Blandair Construction to Begin
Construction for Blandair Park Phase VI is set to begin in early January 2025. This phase includes adding two lighted basketball courts, six lighted pickleball courts, lighted skatepark, additional parking, and pathways. The project is expected to take 12 months to complete. More info: https://www.howardcountymd.gov/News090424.
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Join Our Tree Savers Program
Howard County is looking for volunteers year-round who are interested in our new Tree Savers program! Help protect the trees in our county parks by learning how to properly cut invasive vines off trees. Self-guided and self-paced volunteer opportunities are now available for those who like to work on their own schedule. Choose the dates, times, and location(s) that work best for you to volunteer. Group opportunities will also be available, guided by Howard County Natural Resources staff. For more information and training, visit the Howard County Forestry Page.
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Get Hired on the Spot
Apply, interview, and potentially be hired in one day! Join us from 10am-2pm on Jan. 4 at Howard County Recreation & Parks Headquarters, 7120 Oakland Mills Road, Columbia, for this unique job fair. (NOTE: In the event we have to postpone due to the weather, we will post on social media by 9am Saturday.)
Please make sure to bring two forms of government-issued identification (driver’s license, passport, social security card, birth certificate, etc.) and resume (preferred; not required). Note: Anyone interested in a full-time job needs to go through the traditional hiring process.
Flexible hours and schedules (enjoy a full day of work or just a few hours each day). Opportunities to work seasonally or yearly. Jobs range from summer camp counselors, lifeguards, park maintenance workers, scorekeepers, licensed child care, sports coaches, and more!
STUDENTS - Summer jobs provide a practical, meaningful experience to build your resume. If you are a college student considering a career in art, education, recreation and leisure, sports management, child development or psychology, tourism, hospitality, or management, then this is the right place for you! Your area of interest not listed? Please reach out and we are happy to work with you.
ADULTS & SENIORS - We want you! From camp counselors to child care to front desk staff and more. Flexible hours available!
For more information, please visit www.HowardCountyMD.gov/hcrpjobs or contact us at 410-313-4700.
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50+ Health & Wellness Open House
Join Howard County Recreation & Parks for the new 50+ Health & Wellness Open House from 11am-2pm on Jan. 8 at Roger Carter Community Center! Dive into wellness with interactive demonstrations in our pool, gym and dance studio. Learn how staying active enhances both the body and mind. Receive a complimentary pool pass, healthy snack and giveaway. Demonstrations include Zumba, yoga, volleyball, fitness training, rock climbing, archery, and dance. Engage with our staff representing the following: personal trainers, Active Aging, Therapeutic Recreation, Senior Naturalists, and Trips & Tours. Preregistration for this free event is not required, but is recommended for event updates. Learn more HERE.
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Smooth Jazz Fridays with Kim Maiden Music
Enjoy the sounds of Smooth Jazz Fridays with Kim Maiden Music at Harriet Tubman Cultural Center. Next show is from 6-9pm on Jan. 10. Doors open at 6pm, music starts at 7pm. Food and beverages available for purchase. Program is for those 18 years +. Limited childcare available for ages 5-11 years old. Cost: $35 in advance, $40 at the door. For additional dates, or to register, visit HERE.
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Sensory-Friendly Sunday: Soaring in Space
Stop by the Robinson Nature Center from 10:30am-noon on Jan. 12 and enjoy another Sensory-Friendly Sunday. These events are designed for families with kids, teens, and adults with sensory-processing differences, autism spectrum disorder, or developmental disabilities. Exhibits, trails and the outdoor play area open early. Enjoy self-paced activities including sensory bins and pathways, scavenger hunts, crafts, and games. Planetarium is open between 11am and noon. Preregistration is recommended, General admission is due the day of your visit. $5 for adults and $3 for children. Children under 3 years and Robinson Members are free. Learn more HERE.
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Snowflake Ball Family Dance
Shake, rock and roll the winter blues away from 6-8pm on Jan. 17. Parent (or special adult) and child, enjoy refreshments, DJ, dancing, crafts, ice cream sundae bar, and a photo of each couple. For 4-12 years old. Located at Gary J. Arthur Community Center. Registration is $40 for center member (1 child & 1 adult); $20 for additional child. For nonmembers, registration is $50 (1 child & 1 adult); $20 for additional child. Preregistration required. Learn more HERE.
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Camp Fair
Experience a sneak peek of the fun you can have in HC Recreation & Parks’ summer camps! Join us from 1-3pm on Jan. 25 and enjoy a variety of activities. Meet some of our instructors and get all your questions answered. Bring the whole family! (Children must always be accompanied by an adult.) Event is free and at the North Laurel Community Center. No preregistration required. Attendees get $5 off next camp registration fee! Learn more HERE.
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Family Sneaker Ball
This fun, family-friendly event is sure to knock your socks off! Join us from 5:30-7:30pm on Feb. 1 at North Laurel Community Center. Come dressed in semi-formal attire, but make sure to bring those dancing shoes (or sneakers) to dance the night away. For 3-12 years old. Cost: $25, center member (1 child & 1 adult); $15 (additional participant); $35, nonmember (1 child & 1 adult); $15 (additional participant). Learn more HERE.
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Wake Up Groundhog Tea Party
Celebrate Groundhog Day between 10am-4pm on Feb. 2 at Robinson Nature Center at the Wake Up Groundhog Tea Party! Learn about this holiday tradition and the furry creature that makes it possible. Create a cute groundhog craft, watch a puppet show about the groundhog's shadow, and embark on a nature walk to make your own prediction about the changing seasons. Afterwards, mingle with new friends and enjoy tea and treats catered by local Touche Touchet bakery. All children must be accompanied by a registered adult. For 4 years +. Choose a time slot that works best. Cost: $29. Learn more HERE.
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National Girls and Women in Sports Day
Celebrate the power and passion of girls and women in sports at the second annual HCRP National Girls and Women in Sports Day event from 11am-2pm on Feb. 2 at North Laurel Community Center! This event is part of a national movement celebrating the achievements and contributions of girls and women in sports. Participate in a multi-sport clinic led by expert coaches; try your hand at a variety of sports; and discover your hidden talents. All levels (and ages) welcome. Info/registration: Jamie Ponton, 410-313-1691 or jponton@howardcountymd.gov. More photos from last year HERE. Register Here!
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A list of all Recreation and Parks special events can be found HERE. | |
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Indian Street Food with Chef Ravi
Join Chef Ravi from 6:30-8pm on Jan. 15 for one of our most popular cooking classes. Venture into the fine details of making classic Indian street food appetizers. Indulge as we create an all-time favorite breakfast dish, puri bhaji. Deep-fried whole wheat bread served with garlic and curry leaf tempered mashed potatoes. Top it with garlicy peanut chutney and lemon-infused green chilies. Our journey continues with a spicy, mouthwatering masala chicken tender vindaloo pakora (for vegetarians it will be a paneer vindaloo pakora) marinated in a spicy paste of red chilies, vinegar and coriander. Yum! Dessert is a sweet samosa stuffed with a warm semolina and saffron pudding with almonds, raisins and strawberries, dusted with cinnamon sugar. Vegetarian options are available on request. Students may purchase a pre-measured organic spice kit that includes turmeric, coriander, chili powder, cumin, whole garam masala, garam masala powder and saffron. Cost: $39 + $35 materials fee/$50 materials fee with spice kit. Register HERE.
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Additional Adult Cooking classes can be found HERE. | |
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HCRP Archery Club
Maintain target archery technique and make new friends through practice and fun archery games with our USA Archery-certified instructors. Join us from 5:30-7pm on Jan. 25 for the first of four sessions at Gary J. Arthur Community Center. Adults and children welcome.
Prior completion of an HCRP introductory archery program required. Visit HERE for more Adventure & Outdoor opportunities! Cost: $85. Register HERE.
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Additional Adventure & Outdoors programs can be found HERE. | |
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Start Off the New Year Traveling
After a busy holiday season, leave the planning to us. Join us on one of our great trips planned this month through our Trips & Tours team. Enjoy the National Gallery of Art, Marvelous Mosaics at ClayGround in Ellicott City, a tour of the U.S. Capitol, and a day at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. Looking for something in February? We have a great lineup in store for you. Register HERE.
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Additional Trips & Tours can be found HERE. | |
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NEW! Mousetronaut’s Space Adventure
Join us from 10am-noon on Jan.18 for a parent/child (3 years +) program that is out of this world. Follow along with the story of Mousetronaut, a brave little mouse who had an incredible journey on the space shuttle Endeavour. Enjoy a reading of the book followed by a series of challenges to see who has what it takes to train to be an astronaut! Take off in the planetarium as you ride through the galaxy to the space station. Meet the heroes at Small Angels Rescue, an adoption organization that helps care for and rehome animals just like the mouse in the story. Cost: $35 (1 adult, 1 child). Register HERE.
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Additional Nature & Environment programs can be found HERE. | |
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Little & Junior TrackStars: Fundamentals
Running, jumping and mental focus are the basic athletic skills needed to excel at any sport. Classes begin Jan. 8 and March 5 (times vary) for participants 3-15 years old. In this class, your active runners learn the foundational skills of track & field aimed at fine-tuning their gross motor skills, balance/coordination, speed/agility and mental toughness. This fast paced 6-week, indoor session is a blend of interactive drills, fun games and competitive racing. Cost: $115. Register HERE.
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Additional Sports programs can be found HERE. | |
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NEW! Get Fit with the Ladies of MaxxFit
Start off the new year on the right foot and join one of these amazing fitness classes at Roger Carter Community Center.
* Teens and Fitness
Get your teenagers moving and having fun with a trainer for our exciting 45-minute teenager fitness class! Join us starting at noon on Jan. 12. Designed for 13-17-year-olds, this engaging session combines light weights and body weight exercises to promote strength, coordination, and healthy habits. Cost: $119 for 10 classes. Register HERE.
* Abs & Glutes
Join a trainer for a dynamic 45-minute Abs and Glutes class designed to tone and strengthen your core and glutes using just your body weight! For 15 years +. Classes begin at 11am on Jan. 12 This high-energy workout combines a variety of exercises, including planks, squats, lunges, and targeted ab routines, ensuring a comprehensive burn. Cost: $99 for six sessions. Register HERE.
* Women Only Full Body Fitness
Join a trainer for an energizing 45-minute women’s fitness class that blends light weights and body weight exercises for a full-body workout! This class is designed to empower and strengthen women of all fitness levels, focusing on building endurance, toning muscles, and enhancing overall fitness. For 15 years +. Classes begin at 6:30pm on Jan. 6. Cost: $132 for eight sessions. Register HERE.
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Additional Fitness programs can be found HERE. | |
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Dance on Broadway
Explore dance steps inspired by current and long-time Broadway musicals! Join us from 10-11am on Jan. 7 for the first of 11 sessions. Learn musical theater choreography that challenges your mind and body while you get a workout! Appropriate for all levels. Cost: $136. Register HERE.
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Additional 50+ programs can be found HERE. | |
Historic & Cultural Resources | |
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Guided Tours of the Museum
The B&O Ellicott City Station Museum is hosting a series of special guided museum tours Jan. 11, Feb. 8, and Feb. 22. Register today and learn about the history of the oldest surviving railroad station in America. In March, celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a special free presentation on the Irish railroad workers who built the B&O Railroad. Cost: $10 for tours in January/February. Register HERE.
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Historic & Cultural Resources programs can be found HERE. | |
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Now Hiring: Get Paid While You Play
Howard County Recreation and Parks is now hiring:
• Competitive pay
• Flexible hours
• Internship opportunities
• Leadership experience
To learn more, go to our jobs page HERE.
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In partnership with the Office on Aging and Independence, Recreation & Parks is introducing the HoCo Active App!
HoCo Active App Offers:
- A digital membership on your mobile phone, pad or tablet to be scanned at all Howard County Community and 50+ Centers;
- Check-in with quick, easy, and contactless access;
- Up-to-date notifications;
- Easy registration for programs and activities; and
- Fitness challenges that integrate with Apple’s HealthKit.
The app is available on both Apple and Android devices.
Everything you need in one, easy-to-use app. Download it now!
Apple App Store: HoCo Active
Google Play: HoCo Active
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We are concerned that you might not be receiving important emails from Howard County Recreation and Parks. We've learned that many emails from our staff announcing a class has been canceled, a location has been changed, or us welcoming you to a new class/program are not getting to you.
Please check your spam/junk folder periodically for emails from Recreation and Parks (name@howardcountymd.gov). If you do find a message that has been accidentally marked as spam/junk, you can fix this by selecting the “not spam/junk” button or by adding the email address to your safe sender list.
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Unsubscribing from our mailing list will remove you from all Recreation & Parks emails.
This advertisement was sent by Howard County Recreation & Parks.
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