COLUMBIA, MD — Did you know there is a challenge course for teens and adults now open in Columbia? That was one of several amenities included in the second phase of development of Blandair Park.

Howard County officials held a ribbon cutting at the park recently to mark the completion of phase two. The park off MD 175 opened in 2012, and its first phase of development encompassed a sports facility with three turf fields, a playground, pavilion and restroom. County officials say the newly completed second phase of Blandair Park includes the following:

Challenge course specifically designed for teens and adults

Five tennis courts

Pavilion/shade structure

Two synthetic turf baseball fields with shaded bleacher seating

Restroom facilities

Open green space

New parking lot "The completion of this phase of the project delivers on my administration's promise to provide better recreational services and outdoor amenities to the Oakland Mills neighborhood," County Executive Allan Kittleman said at the March 10 ribbon cutting at Blandair Park. "I want to thank all who were involved in helping this phase come to fruition." The neighboring village boards and the Blandair Park planning committee played a role in the developments, according to Howard County Recreation and Parks Director John Byrd said in a statement.

"Their long involvement with this park has been greatly appreciated," Byrd said. In addition to offering new amenities for park users, county officials say this phase of development improved traffic flow by increasing connectivity and allowing park traffic direct access to MD 175.

Howard County officials said these were the traffic modifications made as part of phase two of Blandair Park:



Oakland Mills Road realignment from north of Kilimanjaro Road to east of Shadow Fall Terrace

New ramps from eastbound MD 175 (Rouse Parkway)

Two roundabouts installed

Driveway extensions created

Entrance parking lots added

Concrete sidewalks constructed