This long-awaited project features two indoor pools
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball today broke ground on the highly anticipated addition to the County’s Department of Recreation & Parks’ North Laurel Community Center (NLCC), which includes two indoor pools.
“Pools promote fitness and fun, help relieve stress and anxiety, provide a natural gathering spot for socializing, introduce people to learning how to swim and water safety programs, and help us cool off on those hot days, like today,” said Ball. “For years, our North Laurel residents have asked for a pool. Today, I’m glad to say we are finally able to fulfill their requests and bring them not one, but two pools. I’m proud of the teamwork we’ve all put forward to make this dream a reality and open the door to affordable aquatic amenities for our North Laurel residents.”
Located at 9411 Whiskey Bottom Road, the current 62,000 square foot plus NLCC features a gymnasium, fitness, multi-purpose, dance and game rooms, a Police Community Resource office, a Community Health Office, Infants & Children (WIC) office, playground and more. This nearly 23,000 square foot, one-story addition will include a competition lap pool, a therapy leisure pool, women’s and men’s locker rooms, six family restrooms, a reception area and office space.
“After years of public meetings with the North Laurel community, elected officials, and county staff, we have now received the necessary funding and support to start building these two, indoor pools,” commented Nick Mooneyhan Director, Department of Recreation and Parks. “My entire team looks forward to welcoming the community to take swim lessons, cool off on a hot day, walk in the warmer therapeutic pool, or just come to have some fun.”
At 4,600 square feet and five feet deep, the competition lap pool contains a zero-entry area with railings that will allow those with mobility disabilities to transition in and out of the water independently. This zero-entry area will not interfere with the lap lanes. The 3,000 square foot therapy leisure pool will range in depth from three to six feet, be kept at a warmer temperature, will feature a chair lift to assist with pool entry and exit, and a large water slide for all to enjoy.
“As you may know, I have championed North Laurel Park, the Community Center, and this pool for many, many years. I have worked to help secure almost $5 million in state funding for the park and the community center in the past and have now secured an additional $2 million for the pool,” said Maryland State Senator Guy Guzzone. “This embodies my commitment to enhancing recreational opportunities and fostering community spirit here in North Laurel. And I look forward to coming for a swim when the pool is completed!”
“The North Laurel Community pool will provide us all with a place to maintain a healthy lifestyle as we learn, grow, and connect. This groundbreaking represents North Laurel residents’ hard work, dedication, and passion for their community,” said Christiana Rigby, Councilmember, Howard County Council.
“Thank you to County Executive Ball for making this important community asset a priority! Today’s groundbreaking is a tremendous milestone,” said Jessica Feldmark, Delegate, Maryland General Assembly. “I’m excited to be celebrating our progress, and I look forward to seeing this long-awaited swimming pool completed and being enjoyed by residents of all ages.”
The Department of Recreation & Parks currently operates one pool at its Roger Carter Community Center in Ellicott City. Like its Roger Carter pool, the department plans to also offer open swim times, swim classes, therapeutic programs, camps and party space at its new NLCC pools. The NLCC pools will further expand affordable access to aquatics.
“The new pool at N. Laurel Community Center will help foster a bridge among generations. Its foundation will stand on community sustainability, providing resources, unity, and fond memories for everyone from the greats from The Silent Generation to Boomers to Gen Xers, Millennials, Gen Zers, the Alpha generation, and beyond,” said Roslyn Evans, President, Bowling Brook Homeowners Association.
“I am so excited because this project has been funded and defunded so many times over the years, so frankly, when it came up again, I was not yet convinced that I would see it in my lifetime. But when I got the invitation for today, I became enthusiastic that they were finally going to go through with it,” said Susan Garber, Community Advocate. “While I may be someone who doesn’t swim, I do understand from firsthand experience the benefits of a warm water therapy pool for residents who have limited or loss mobility, and how needed it is for rehabilitation. Thank you to everyone who has had a finger in finally making this happen.”
In addition, the project also includes site and stormwater management work, new onsite trails, a new paved access point for emergency vehicles and the relocation and rebuilding of the existing playground facilities.
For more information about the North Laurel Community Center, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/recreation-parks/nlcc.
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