Dear Friends,

As we get ready to celebrate Independence Day, we celebrate our nation and the opportunities we have. We are reminded of the importance of spending time with family and friends. Howard County’s time-honored tradition of spectacular fireworks in the heart of beautiful downtown Columbia creates the perfect backdrop for gathering together in a beautiful and safe area.

This year, as tens of thousands of residents and visitors make their way to the Columbia Lakefront, they can look forward to a bigger and better fireworks display, great musical entertainment, and plenty of food to keep energized throughout the evening. 

We are proud to offer expanded ADA parking. The lot at 10324 Little Patuxent Parkway will be open for ADA parking only starting at 2:00 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. An appropriate placard or license plate is needed for entry.

For all the details regarding the July 4th celebration, including parking, road closures, entertainment and food details, please check out our news release:

here.

Please enjoy the celebrations safely!

Sincerely,

Rental Assistance for Older Residents

Through the Housing Opportunities Meant for Everyone (HOME) initiative, we are thrilled to have launched the Older Adult Rental Assistance Program.

This program was specifically designed to help older Howard County residents remain safely and securely housed, especially those on limited and fixed incomes.

With a $2 million investment from our Housing Opportunities Trust Fund, eligible older adults can receive up to $400 per month in rental support for up to 24 months. The program is administered in partnership with the United Way of Central Maryland. For more information, visit https://www.howardcountymd.gov/News050825.

Save a Savage Buck

We’re working to make summer sweeter for shoppers and small businesses.

Our new Savage Mill Bucks program puts $10 in your hands to spend at any of the 70+ locally owned businesses inside Savage Mill. Whether you're discovering your new favorite café, buying handmade gifts, or supporting a neighborhood artist, these Bucks are a great way to connect with the heart of our local economy.

This investment helps offset the summer retail slowdown and encourages new visitors to experience everything Savage Mill has to offer. Show up for small business—pick up your Savage Mill Buck at the Visit Howard County, Welcome Center today!

You can learn more at www.howardcountymd.gov/News060225b.

Making Room for Behavioral Health Care

Howard County is continuing to lead with compassion and urgency. 

We recently broke ground on Sheppard Pratt’s new 16-bed residential crisis facility in Elkridge—an essential step toward transforming behavioral health care in Howard County.

This facility will provide short-term, high-level care for residents in crisis, reducing pressure on our emergency rooms and helping more people receive care in the right place, at the right time.

To support this project, we’ve invested $2.25 million, including $250,000 from our first-ever use of opioid restitution funds—because we know this work is overdue and deeply needed.

From expanding school-based mental health to launching 24/7 Mobile Crisis Teams, we are investing in real solutions. Our work is far from over, but we’re excited to share our progress so far. Together with Sheppard Pratt, we’re building a healthier, more responsive system where no one falls through the cracks.

Celebrating Our Young STEM Students

We celebrated curiosity, ingenuity, and the next generation of thought leaders at our 5th Annual Howard County STEM Awards!

Nearly 500 students from elementary to high school were recognized for competing at local, state, and national levels. From FIRST Robotics to the USA Biology Olympiad, these young innovators are already solving real-world problems in robotics, biology, engineering, and beyond.

In Howard County, we recognize that STEM is more than just popular fields of study, it’s a pathway to equity, progress, and opportunity.

To our students: keep leading, keep building, and keep dreaming big. We’re cheering you on every step of the way.

Hello, Gas-Powered Lawn Equipment

Howard County is officially home to Maryland’s first American Green Zone Alliance (AGZA) Certified Green Zone, right here at Savage Park! We are transitioning to electric lawncare and maintenance equipment. That means cleaner air, quieter mornings, and safer working conditions for our maintenance crews.

With this transformation, we’re eliminating hundreds of pounds of harmful emissions every year and setting a new standard for park sustainability across the region. Our parks should reflect the future we want, and this is just the beginning.

Where There is Help, There is Hope

Anxiety. Depression. Burnout.

Whatever you’re going through, you're not alone. Call 988 for free, confidential support 24/7.

It’s okay to ask for help.

Don't Face PTSD Alone

Today is National PTSD Awareness Day. It’s a reminder that many in our communities carry invisible wounds. Whether you're a veteran, first responder, survivor, or supporter, know that healing is possible and help is available.

In Howard County, we work to continue expanding mental health services and breaking the stigma surrounding PTSD.

Call 988 if you need help. You are never alone.

We Got You, Federal Employees

In 2025 we saw great change and uncertainty to our federal workforce. Howard County stepped up. In February, we held our first Federal Workers Career Fair at Howard Community College.

In a single evening, nearly 600 displaced employees and contractors connected with over 50 employers received personalized career counseling, on-site résumé reviews, and free professional headshots. In uncertain times, we committed to turning disruption into new opportunities for our residents.

Morgan State Wins Emmy

Please join me in congratulating our nation’s third largest HBCU, Morgan State University (MSU) on earning its first-ever Emmy Award for the awe-inspiring documentary “History of a National Treasure: The Documentary Story of Morgan State University.”

As a second-generation Morgan Man, former faculty member, and current member of the Morgan State University Alumni Association Howard County Chapter, this is a great honor for Bears throughout Howard County, and beyond!

Morgan has always been a place where Black excellence is lived, nurtured, and celebrated. This documentary celebrates that very story. This award is a recognition in the power of that storytelling. Congratulations to the brilliant creative minds at the Center for New Media and Strategic Initiatives who made this this project happen and to the MSU family as a whole. It's an honor to be a part of a university that has shaped, and will continue to shape generations of leaders, storytellers, and dreamers.

Read more at http://www.morgan.edu/.../historical-documentary-of... and watch the award-winning film here: https://youtu.be/4nvwJaQcLAo?si=6OZtpy7uyHXr1QNH.

Setting the Stage for Mixed-Use Affordable Housing

Through our Housing Opportunities Meant for Everyone (HOME) initiative, we’re making bold investments in long-term housing stability.

Through our Housing Opportunities Trust Fund, we’ve committed $1.6 million in gap financing for Patuxent Commons, a 76-unit mixed-income development for older adults, individuals with disabilities, and families. Construction on this innovative and inclusive housing model is underway and expected to be completed this fall!

To learn more about our HOME initiative, please visit https://www.howardcountymd.gov/housing.../home-initiatives.

Save Money During High Energy Use Days

With temperatures reaching extreme highs, energy use can climb quickly as your AC works overtime.

Starting June 2025, MyBGE customers will see an increase in electricity prices on their bills.

Be sure to monitor your energy use in your BGE account and consider simple energy-saving actions like raising your thermostat, setting up high usage alerts, and scheduling a home energy checkup. Start saving and learn more by visiting www.bge.com/heretohelp.

To help, the new Customer Relief Fund has arrived, offering one-time grants of $250–$750 to eligible residents. Apply starting July 1st at bge.com/relief.

Finding Housing While Getting Your Education

Our Housing Opportunities Meant for Everyone (HOME) initiative is about helping residents find security today so that they can invest in tomorrow. This work includes efforts to ensure that young people and students have access to secure housing as they complete their degrees and enter the workforce.

Through our HCC Rental Subsidy pilot program, 50 Howard Community College students and their families are being housed with monthly rental subsidies in partnership with Columbia Housing Center. This support helps students stay focused on completing their degrees while having access to safe, reliable housing.

Learn more about this program at HCC Student Housing Subsidy Program - The Columbia Housing Center.

Continuing Support for Affected Federal Workers

The ripple effects of proposed federal workforce cuts and uncertainty triggered concerns among our residents.

Immediately after our February 4th Federal Workers’ Forum, we launched a suite of supports: extended career-counseling hours, childcare expansions at 23 elementary sites, and a dedicated hocohelp@howardcountymd.gov hotline.

These services remain active and responsive for our federal workforce. In volatile times, we’re ensuring everyone impacted can access help, quickly and compassionately.

Expanding Our Economic Reach

Tradepoint Atlantic is bringing its bold vision and proven success to Howard County.

We are thrilled to announce “Tradepoint at Savage Crossing.” This development is a $100M investment in our people, our communities, and our place in Maryland’s economy. With 500 logistics and supply chain jobs, modern infrastructure, and strengthened regional connectivity, this expansion brings tangible benefits to the Route 1 corridor and beyond.

This is how we grow: with purpose, partnership, and a clear focus on opportunity. Thank you to Tradepoint, our business community, and all the leaders who made this possible.

Elkridge Public Art Survey

Attention Elkridge residents! You are invited to guide our Arts for All initiative. Our first permanent public art will be installed at the new Elkridge Community Center & 50+ Center. We want to hear what inspires you about Elkridge!

Share your ideas in a quick 5-minute survey at www.bit.ly/ElkridgeArtsforAllSurvey.

Learn more at https://www.hocoarts.org/support/arts-for-all/

Heat Safety Tips

With summer in full swing, temperatures will reach dangerously high temps in Howard County, and we all need to take care. If you’re outside, drink water often, wear lightweight clothing, and take breaks in the shade or indoors when you can.

Check in on your neighbors, especially older adults, kids, and those with health conditions. Never leave people or pets in parked cars, and look out for one another.

If you're suffering from mild heat exhaustion or feeling fatigued, find an urgent care center near you at http://www.howardcountymd.gov/.../urgent-health-and-wellness. If you're feeling faint, experiencing a high fever, or signs of heat stroke, CALL 911.

Stay alert, stay safe, and stay cool.

Everyone Deserves a HOME

Through our Housing Opportunities Meant for Everyone (HOME) initiative, we are addressing housing affordability head-on, providing resources, support, and funding that help ensure safe, stable homes for our residents. This includes our work to address homelessness among students in the Howard County Public School System.

As of May 1, 2025, we have supported 200 people, including 98 HCPSS students, to be rehoused through our Family Home Start program in partnership with Bridges to Housing Stability. Additional families are currently receiving case management and housing search assistance. Through this program, these students and families experiencing housing instability and homelessness are supported.

If you’re interested in the Family Home Start Program, learn more at https://bridges2hs.org/family-home-start/.

How to Report a Pothole

You see it. We fix it. Reporting a pothole with Tell HoCo only takes a minute, and our DPW crews respond as soon as possible. Keep our roads safe by visiting www.howardcountymd.gov/tell-hoco.

Our Community, Our Art

What role should arts and culture play in Howard County’s future?

We’re creating a community-driven plan to answer that question. If you care about the arts in our community, we need your help! From public art to performance spaces, your voice will help shape the vision.

Share your thoughts in the survey: www.hocoarts.org/support/arts-culture-plan.

50 Years of Brotherhood

We were blessed to join the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. - Columbia (MD) Alumni Chapter as they recognized brothers with 50 or more years of service, leadership, and brotherhood.

This White Coat Ceremony does not only mark decades of commitment but also highlights the values that have guided these distinguished men: achievement, mentorship, and a dedication to community.



Congratulations to each honoree for their incredible legacy. We are proud to call many of you longtime Howard County residents and community leaders.

Thank you for welcoming us to be part of this powerful moment in your chapter’s history. Here's to a lifetime of excellence, and the generations you continue to inspire.

Mental Health is Self Care

Struggling with your mental health doesn’t make you weak. If you need help, call 988 to connect with someone who understands.

Kick Back and Relax

Summer is here, and it's time to make the most of your weekends! Teen Kick Backs offers a free and exciting way to enjoy sports, entertainment, snacks, and most importantly, good company. Open to all ages 11-17, every Friday and Saturday. Learn more at www.howardcountymd.gov/teenkickbacks.

Boards and Commissions

Applicants Sought for Commission on Disabilities

If you are interested in assisting my administration in continuing our efforts to ensure Howard County is a welcoming and inclusive community and are a Howard County resident who is 18 years of age or older, have a disability and demonstrate broad-based experience with issues involving persons with disabilities, I encourage you to apply today to be a member of our Commission on Disabilities. To learn more about this commission and how to apply to be a part of it, check out our “Howard County Executive Ball Seeks Applicants for Commission on Disabilities” news release online. The deadline to apply is Monday, July 7th. 

Celebrating America’s Semiquincentennial

As we gear up to celebrate our nation’s 250th Anniversary near year, our HoCo250 Planning Group is hard at work planning events, programs, projects, and activities that reflect our nation’s unique history and contributions to society.

If you are interested in being an integral part of Howard County’s celebrations, here are ways that you can get involved:

1) Volunteer! If you are interested in serving on the HoCo250 Planning Group or any of its committees, email HoCo250@howardcountymd.gov and tell us a bit about your interest in this historic anniversary.

2) Attend a HoCo250 Planning Group meeting! Meetings are open to the public and all contain a virtual component if you are not able to join us in person.

3) As part of our nation’s initiative, America250:

• Nominate a History Unsung Champion! The American story is woven from the unique and varied narratives of our people, and every story is worth telling. Together, we can tell and celebrate these stories by nominating history’s unsung champion.
• Share Your Story! For nearly 250 years, Americans from all walks of life and every corner of the country have had a hand in shaping our nation’s history. America’s Invitation is your opportunity to get involved in the countdown to 2025 by sharing in your past, present, and future reflections to help tell the American story.

4) Plan an event! If you are a civic organization, school group, or non-profit that wishes to contribute to our celebration, email our HoCo250 Planning Group at hoco250@howardcountymd.gov to tell us about your activity, event, or programming. Special funding is available from many grant sources; learn more about Semiquincentennial related grants at MD Two Fifty.

Stay tuned to our HoCo250 Planning Group website to learn more.

Celebrating 50 Years

Join our Department of Community Resources and Services’ (DCRS) Director Jackie Scott and her staff, as they celebrate DCRS’s 50 years of excellence in providing vital human services. DCRS began as the Bureau of Citizen Services in 1975 and since then, has expanded its offerings to address the needs of multiple generations, tailored its services to encompass different cultural values, and pushed for the full inclusion for individuals with disabilities. 

To mark its golden anniversary, DCRS is holding a celebration of open houses and outreach events all year long. The next open house will be held on Tuesday, July 8, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Loan Closet, located at 7125 Riverwood Drive, Suite D1 in Columbia 21046. If you haven't visited the Loan Closet, join us for a tour of this unique facility to meet our staff and onsite community partners.  For more anniversary events and updates, stay tuned to DCRS’s website at www.howardcountymd.gov/DCRS and its social media platforms at @hococommunity.

Summer Fun Awaits Older Adults at 50+ Centers

Summer fun isn’t just for kids! I encourage county residents age 50+ to check out the wide variety of fitness, arts, cultural and health programs offered through our Department of Community Resources and Services’ (DCRS) Office on Aging and Independence (OAI). 

From chair yoga (learn more about this in the July issue of the 50+ Connection) to high energy Zumba, creative arts, history and live music programs, and nutrition and health resources to help you age well, OAI is offering these programs and plenty more at a 50+ Center near you. 

To register for one of OAI programs or to search for more options, check out the County’s ActiveNet registration site today!

Support for Children and Families

Now that school is out, summer is a great opportunity to learn more about DCRS's Office of Children and Family (OCF) resources to help families. Whether it's through family workshops, local resources, events, educational programs or more, OCF offers in-person activities at its Family Support Center, plus virtual programs to help Howard County families learn, grow and thrive all summer long.

Don't miss “Celebrating Fatherhood: Strengthening the Father-Child Bond” tonight at 6 p.m. This free, virtual workshop explores the impact of engaged fatherhood and offers practical tools to help you build strong, supportive relationships with your children. Register now to attend or email lrhodes@howardcountymd.gov for more information.

To learn about OCF’s workshops, activities, and programs for children and families being offered this summer, subscribe to their monthly Parent Pages newsletter to view the schedule of current offerings.

OCF’s “Parent’s Guide to Howard County” for 2025, is also a great resource for parents, caregivers, and others looking to learn more about and find services in our community to help children grow and thrive. If you need individual assistance, such as finding childcare, guidance with parenting issues, mental and emotional health support, special needs resources, food access, housing, and more, contact OCF’s free CARE line at 410-313-CARE (2273) to learn more about what’s available.

Vendor Applications Now Being Accepted for Veteran-Owned Small Biz Expo

Calling all local veteran and military spouse business owners, vendor applications are now being accepted for DCRS’s Office of Veterans and Military Families (OVMF) Veteran-Owned Small Biz Expo and Fall Festival. Set to take place Saturday, September 27th from noon to 4:00 p.m. at the Maryland Innovation Center, this free family-friendly event will feature live entertainment, food trucks, games, giveaways, videogaming, and an opportunity to interact with service dogs. If you are interested in showcasing your business, I encourage you to complete the event’s interest form online today.

For questions and/or more information about the Veteran-Owned Small Biz Expo and Fall Festival, please contact OVMF manager Lisa Terry at 410-313-0821 (voice/relay) or email lbterry@howardcountymd.gov. 

Office of Emergency Management

How to Stay Weather Aware

With summer underway, so begins the severe summer weather season. OEM is reminding Howard County of the importance of being prepared. 

To make sure you and your family stay weather aware this summer season and all year long, be sure "Emergency Alerts" are activated on your mobile devices; visit www.ready.gov/alerts to learn how. You can also subscribe to receive weather alerts to your email, phone and more through the U.S. National Weather Service's website at www.weather.gov/enterprise/. 

To learn more about the potential hazards that could affect Howard County and how you and your family can be/stay prepared, check out OEM's Ready HoCo website today at www.howardcountymd.gov/readyhoco.

2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season Underway

Hurricanes are among nature's most powerful and destructive phenomenon. As the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recently announced, its Climate Prediction Center forecasters are predicting above-normal hurricane activity in the Atlantic this year. NOAA is forecasting a likely range of 13 to 19 total named storms (winds of 39 miles per hour or higher), of which six to 10 are forecasted to become hurricanes (winds of 74 miles per hour or higher) and of these, three to five are expected to be major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 miles per hour). The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th.

With the start of hurricane season underway, OEM is reminding residents that early preparation and understanding your risk are key to being hurricane resilient and climate-ready. To make sure you, your family and home are prepared should a hurricane strike Maryland this season, visit OEM's “Hazard Information” website to learn more about our local hazards, including hurricanes. You can also find helpful information and tips about what to do before, during and after a hurricane, by visiting Federal Emergency Management Agency's website at www.ready.gov/hurricanes.

Department of Fire and Rescue Services

Staying Safe at the Pool

With summer pool season officially underway, our Department of Fire and Rescue Services is reminding parents/guardians to always keep an eye on kids in and around bodies of water as drowning can be quick and silent. If you own a pool, make sure your pool has secure barriers and rescue equipment is always kept nearby. Parents, if able, teach your children to swim early and when visiting a pool, establish pool rules.

For more water safety tips, be sure to check out the American Red Cross' "Water Safety" website.  

Department of Housing and Community Development

New Rental Assistance Program for Older Adult Households

Our Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has launched its new Older Adult Rental Assistance Program. This new program aims to assist low-income households consisting of at least one older adult that are housing cost burdened due to high rent payments, by providing a rental subsidy worth up to $400 per month. The subsidy will be paid directly to the landlord for up to 24 months for a total assistance amount of $9,600.  

To administer this rental assistance program, DHCD has partnered with the United Way of Central Maryland. To be eligible for the program, income-eligible households must have at least one household member who is 62 or older and spend more than 30 percent of the household’s gross monthly income on rent. 

Residents interested in applying, can either self-refer by calling 211, emailing housingquestions@uwcm.org, or completing the “Howard County Older Adult Rental Assistance Program Referral Form” online, or be referred by agencies serving in the community. A case manager from United Way will respond to calls, emails, and completed referral requests. Program eligibility will be based on a review of household income and rent payment amount. Additionally, as program funding is limited, funding will only be available to the first 100 qualified applicants who meet the program guidelines. 

Department of Planning and Zoning

Gateway’s Master Plan Draft is Ready for Review

With the release of its Gateway Master Plan Public Draft, the Department of Planning & Zoning is laying the groundwork for transformative change: turning Gateway into a leading innovation district.

Building on the bold direction of the County’s General Plan, HoCo By Design, this initiative charts an ambitious path to reimagine Gateway as a formative center for advancing research and technology, cultivating a strong startup ecosystem, and driving inclusive economic growth. It also responds to urgent community needs, including the rising demand for affordable housing and the expansion of opportunities for small businesses, ensuring practical and equitable progress.

Explore the plan to see how the vision has evolved and share your thoughts on how you would like to see it improved.

The public comment period is open now thru Tuesday, July 8th at 11:59pm. Share your feedback via the comment form on our website!

Police Department

Needed: Cat Food, Litter, and Dog Food

Your help is needed! HCPD’s Animal Control Division’s Pet Food Bank is in critical need of cat food and litter and dog food, as its supply is running extremely low. If you are able and interested in helping the Division restock its Pet Food Bank, please considering donating through the Division’s Amazon wishlist online or dropping off supplies at its Adoption Center at 8576 Davis Road in Columbia.

The County's Pet Food Bank allows the Division to assist county pet owners who may be on a fixed income, in between jobs or due to other financial strain, care and feed their pets instead of having to surrender or re-home their furry friend. 

We thank you in advance for your generosity.

National Night Out 2025

SAVE THE DATE and join HCPD on Tuesday, August 5th for this year’s National Night Out (NNO). This annual community-building campaign aims to enhance the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement by promoting police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie in an effort to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live.

If you are planning a neighborhood block party and would like HCPD or Department of Fire and Rescue Services resources or elected officials to visit, be sure to register your party online on the County’s “National Night Out” registration page by no later than Friday, July 18th at the latest. Parties registered by that date will receive priority for police attendance.  

Department of Public Works

Bureau of Environmental Services

Do You Live in a Condominium?

DPW’s Bureau of Environmental Services is currently researching how best to expand its “Feed the Green Bin” curbside food scrap collection program to condominium communities in the county. To help the Bureau gauge the level of program interest in these areas, the Bureau is seeking feedback from county residents currently residing in a condominium community through this quick online survey. We thank you in advance for your participation. 

Backyard Composting

Did you know that almost 30 percent of what we send to the landfill could be composted. Whether in your own backyard or through the Bureau of Environmental Service’s “Feed the Green Bin” curbside collection program, turning kitchen scraps and yard trim into useful compost positively impacts our soil and climate. If you are interested in learning how to compost in your backyard, our Bureau encourages you to check out one of the Howard County Master Gardeners backyard composting demonstration events this summer. Participants will learn how to recycle kitchen scraps and yard trimmings in their backyard, feed their garden organically, and improve their soil’s health. 

Construction Report

Below are details regarding new, upcoming, completed and/or delayed Capital Projects and/or maintenance project(s) that have been announced.

Elkridge/Hanover

• Hanover Road and Furnace Avenue Traffic Calming (Capital Project T-7089) – Project to install speed humps on Hanover Road from Old Washington Road to Anderson Avenue and Furnace Avenue from Main Street to Race Road. Signs will be posted and flagging operations will be in place to direct traffic through the work zone, as only one lane of traffic will be open during construction hours, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Weather permitting, the work is expected to be completed by late July 2025.

To learn about our Department of Public Works’ (DPW) projects currently underway, click HERE. Searchable by project category and street name, from this site you’ll find additional project details, including news releases about the project. You can also contact DPW’s Customer Service Office at 410-313-3440 or email publicworks@howardcountymd.gov for further assistance.

If you have questions or are interested in finding out about a State road (numbered roadway) project in your area, visit the Maryland State Highway Administration’s (SHA) “Project Portal” website.

Bureau of Utilities

Voluntary Water Restriction Lifted

Effective immediately, Baltimore City DPW has LIFTED its voluntary water restriction for public water customers in the surrounding area, including Howard County. Thanks to record-setting rainfall this past month, the water levels at Liberty, Loch Raven, and Prettyboy reservoirs have significantly recovered to near-normal seasonal conditions.

While conditions have improved, Baltimore City DPW is still emphasizing the importance of responsible water use year-round and offering up these everyday water conservation tips to help safeguard our region’s long-term water supply and reduce your water bill at home.

• Delay lawn and garden watering when possible;
• Turn off the tap while brushing teeth or shaving;
• Fix leaks in faucets, toilets, hoses, and sprinklers;
• Run dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads;
• Sweep driveways and sidewalks instead of using a hose; and 
• Water plants during early morning or evening to reduce evaporation.

Additionally, as water leaks are one of the largest sources of water waste, if you see any signs of running water outdoors that may indicate a leak or break in the County’s watermain, please contact our Bureau of Utilities at 410-313-4900 (Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) or 410-313-2200, select option #5 (afterhours).

Department of Recreation and Parks

Teen Summer Fun Program is Back

Calling all Howard County tweens and teens, age 11 to 17. Are you looking for a fun way to spend your free time this summer?

Be sure to check out Recreation & Parks’ Teen Kick Backs program at the County’s Gary J. Arthur, North Laurel, and Roger Carter community centers and Harriet Tubman Cultural Center and Howard County Public School System’s Thomas Viaduct Middle School and Wilde Lake Middle School (new location) through August. This FREE drop-in program features pizza and snacks, sports, video games, and lots of fun.

To learn more about this program, including this summer's kick back schedule, check out Recreation & Parks’ ““Teen Kick Backs” website.

Are You Still Looking for a Camp this Summer?

Still looking for camps to keep your little ones engaged, learning and having fun this summer? Our Department of Recreation & Parks team works year-round to ensure its Summer Camp Guide is packed with exciting new programs, while still offering everyone’s favorites.

If you still have a week of two where you are looking for a great camp to keep your child or teen active and engaged this summer, be sure to check out Recreation & Parks' “Camps By Week” webpage. Don’t be disheartened if a camp is marked “Full,” as Recreation & Parks might find they can accommodate more campers in a camp as its start date draws closer. So be sure to always join a camp’s waiting list. 

To register for a Recreation & Parks summer camp, simply visit the department’s online registration website  or give its registration line a call at 410-313-PARK.

Celebrate Rec and Parks Month with Free Programs

Celebrate Rec and Parks Month in July with our Department of Recreation and Parks! Join them throughout the month for special programs, including Art for All, summer concerts, bocce ball, and a performance by Shakespeare Beyond.

These free, family-friendly events highlight our wonderful team of dedicated staff and our pristine parks. For a full list of events, and additional details, please visit the Rec and Parks Month website.

Concerts Return this Summer 

Mark your calendars Howard County! Recreation & Parks’ free summer concert series is back and ready to rock your socks off all summer long. Concerts will take place on Wednesday nights starting at 7:00 p.m. at the Centennial Park South amphitheater, EXCEPT for the Thursday, July 31st concert, which will sound off at 7:00 p.m. at the County’s West Friendship Park. This year’s summer concert performance schedule features:

• Wednesday, July 9th: Grayson Moon (Soul & Motown)
• Wednesday, July 16th: Sons of Pirates (Jimmy Buffett Tribute Band)
• Wednesday, July 23rd: I & I Riddim (Reggae)
• Thursday, July 31st: Southland (Country)
• Wednesday, August 6th: Bach to Rock (Rock School Showcase)

To learn more about this FREE concert series, open to all ages, check our Recreation & Parks’ “Summer Concerts” website.

Experience July’s Belmont Blockbuster!

Join us at Belmont Manor & Historic Park on Thursday, July 17th, and select Thursdays throughout the summer and fall for family-friendly, outdoor movies.

Come July 17 to see Clifford The Big Red Dog. Enjoy each movie in the formal gardens located behind the manor. Entry time is 6:30 p.m.; showtime is at dusk. Snacks, water and lemonade will be for sale. All proceeds go to the preservation of beautiful Belmont!

Experience the serene setting of Belmont Manor & Historic Park with your family and friends. Bring your own picnic, blanket or lawn chairs. The event is FREE, but donations are welcomed. Advanced registration is encouraged as parking is limited.

Upcoming movies include:

• August 21 – Ratatouille
• September 18 - Lilo & Stitch
• October 30 – Halloween-themed (TBD)

Office of Community Sustainability

Community Charging Connections Grant Applications Open

Now through July 31, our Office of Community Sustainability welcomes nonprofit townhome and/or condo community associations to apply for the new Community Charging Connections grant for up to $10,000 to support the addition of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in common parking areas.

This limited pilot program is designed to address barriers to EV charging faced by townhome and condo communities that lack private garages and/or driveways. It is funded by a grant from the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA).

Program participants will be asked to provide feedback about the County’s permitting and approval process to help us identify further opportunities to streamline and simplify the process. Complete details and the online application are available on the Community Charging Connections website.

Office of Transportation

Let’s Ride with HoCo RapidRide

Since its launch in March, our new microtransit pilot program, HoCo RapidRide, has provided more than 500 rides to residents living in Elkridge, Jessup, and Savage. This technology-enabled public transit service connects residents living in the county’s Route One Corridor with a low-cost ride to a number of nearby popular destinations. Offered weekdays, Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., this shared ride service operates corner to corner instead of door to door, matching passengers headed in the same direction with a nearby “virtual bus stop” a short walking distance away. HoCo RapidRide branded vans will then pick up multiple passengers from one location to take to a selected destination, without adding a significant amount of time to each rider’s journey, creating efficient, shared trips.

The cost to RapidRide is $2 per trip (credit or debit card only), EXCEPT for Howard County Public School System and Howard Community College students and seniors age 60 and older with a valid ID will continue to ride HoCo RapidRide for free.

HoCo RapidRide also offers wheelchair accessible trips. Passengers who use a wheelchair, simply need to visit their account in the app, click 'Special Settings' and select 'Wheelchair Accessibility' to unlock a wheelchair accessible vehicle, or call 443-348-9572 to request an accessible ride.

To learn more about HoCo RapidRide, visit https://city.ridewithvia.com/rapidride or download the app today at Apple Store or Google Play to schedule your ride.