The North Laurel Community Center just wrapped up a major expansion with the completion of two indoor pools that will expand public swimming access across Howard County.
The $22 million renovated space opened for public use in March with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The facility, which opened in 2011 and sits along Whiskey Bottom Road, now features a large eight-lane lap pool and an adjacent smaller pool for therapy and leisure, with accessible entry options at both. The 23,000 square foot expansion includes new locker rooms, a reception area, office space, six family bathrooms and two playgrounds, including one for preschoolers, according to a Howard County press release.
For some residents, the opening was 30 years in the making.
“Just wow,” said Susan Garber, president and board chair of the Savage Community Association, who saw four county executives and recreation and parks leaders come and go since the project was proposed and completed. “I admit I wasn’t sure the pool would be here in my lifetime.”
The land for the project was purchased in 1997. Howard County broke ground on construction two years ago after about 30 years of community advocacy for a pool in North Laurel, said County Executive Calvin Ball.
“Oftentimes, great community projects take patience. They require perseverance. They require a community that refuses to allow a good idea to sink beneath the surface,” Ball said at the grand opening.
Before the renovations, Howard County had just one public pool at the Roger Carter Community Center in Ellicott City. Now, like the Roger Carter center, North Laurel will offer open swim times, swim classes, therapy programs, camps, exercise programs and party space.
The pools are expected to serve more than 300,000 swimmers each year and provide instruction to more than 3,000 participants, according to Nick Mooneyhan, director of the Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks. The leisure pool will range from 3 to 6 feet and feature a water slide and a smaller toddler slide.
“The two pools allow us to expand our swim lessons while offering the entire community a place to gather. And the two new playgrounds also include accessible features to break down any barriers to play,” Mooneyhan said.
The expansion is intended to serve residents of all ages and abilities.
“[North Laurel and Savage residents] advocated for a hub of recreation and leisure where community members can gather together … and seniors, especially those recovering from health challenges, can find healing,” said Howard County Councilmember Christiana Rigby, whose district includes North Laurel and Savage.
The new playgrounds include a ramped play structure for accessibility, climbing opportunities, sensory panels, swings, spinners, including a wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round, an inclusive seesaw and musical elements.
The “universal design restrooms” meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards and include adult changing tables for residents with limited mobility. On-site trails were also added as part of the reconstruction.
“We are proud to have this here because it moves us up the ladder,” said Bibi Foston, president of the Southeast Howard County Civic Association.