Howard County Recreation & Parks offers a diverse assortment of facilities available to rent – everything from historical structures to a zero entry pool. We pride ourselves on keeping these venues in quality condition and have made every effort to insure that the permitting process is as simple and quick as possible. You can click here to see our Facility Locator Map.

Facilities can be reserved up to one year in advance and many are in high demand. Requests are reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis. While we make every effort to accommodate all requests, we must receive your signed and dated application and payment by the due date, or we will have to reject your reservation and give others the opportunity to reserve that date. Permit requests made less than two weeks from date of use must be made in person.

When you make your reservation, we will need to know:

• Which facility you wish to rent.
• Name, address and telephone number of responsible party.
• Name of party/group – either your last name or the name of the sponsoring business, organization or church, etc.
• Attendance – indicate the maximum number of people expected. Attendance cannot exceed the seating capacity of the venue.

Make checks or money orders payable to Howard County, Director of Finance. All fees are non-refundable.

Applicants must be at least 21 years of age and will be held responsible for their guests at the planned event.

If at the time of your arrival, someone is using a facility you reserved, show them your receipt; if necessary, call Central Communications at 410-313-2929 to page the On-Call Supervisor. Be sure to have your receipt with you.

Softball/baseball and multi-purpose fields are available by permit. For fee and permit information about baseball or softball fields, call 410-313-1689; for multi-purpose fields, call 410-313-4736.

Park pavilions are a great place to hold a birthday party, corporate event, large family gathering, school picnic or any other special occasion. Pavilions vary in size to accommodate any group, and many come equipped with cooking facilities. The pavilion rental season runs from April 1st through November 30th, rain or shine (there are no refunds for inclement weather). Pavilions are available free on a first-come, first-served basis during the remainder of the year. However, restroom water and water fountains are turned off during winter months and grills may not be available or accessible during this time due to winter maintenance.

Park/Pavilion Name	2009 Fee	2010*
Alpha Ridge Park Pavilion 1	$155	$155/$185
Alpha Ridge Park Pavilion 2	$155	$155/$185
Centennial Park Pavilion A	$130	$150/$180
Centennial Park Pavilion B	$130	$150/$180
Centennial Park Pavilion C	$130	$150/$180
Centennial Park Pavilion D	$325	$360/$390
Centennial Park Pavilion E	$130	$150/$180
Centennial Park Pavilion F	$130	$150/$180
Centennial Park Pavilion G	$130	$150/$180
Centennial Park Pavilion H	$850	$900/$930
Centennial Park Pavilion O	$155	$155/$185
Cedar Lane Park East Pavilion	$300	$320/$350
Cedar Lane Park West Pavilion	$380	$400/$430
Guilford Park Pavilion	$155	$155/$185
Hammond Park Pavilion	$155	$155/$195
High Ridge Park Pavilion	$300	$300/$330
Meadowbrook Park Hawksview Pavilion	$300	$350/$380
Rockburn Branch Park Pavilion	$215	$225/$255
Savage Park Pavilion	$300	$330/$360
Waterloo Park Large Pavilion	$155	$155/$185
Waterloo Park Small Pavilion	$130	$130/$160

*Resident/Non-Resident

This historic setting contains the stabilized ruin of an elegant finishing school for young women, a perfect backdrop for special events such as wedding receptions and open air theatre. The park is available from April through October. For more information, Click here.

Our indoor facilities include historical structures as well as modern community and recreation centers. You can click on each for a full description:

Applicants and their guests are expected to follow and enforce all policies included in the “Rules and Regulations for Howard County Parks” found in the Howard County Code. The Department reserves the right to deny or cancel any reservation for any reasonable cause or violation of these rules. Every attempt will be made to give the applicant adequate notice of cancellation or request denial.

Please read our guidelines and review with your guests. If you have any questions or concerns, you may call 410-313-4682.

• The applicant or another designated adult must be present at all times and will be responsible for the property and for the supervision and control of the event’s participants/spectators.

• No smoking in any enclosed areas, pavilions, playgrounds, restrooms, sports areas or at concerts and special events.

• No interference with employee or volunteer duties.

• No inappropriate or indecent conduct, harassment and/or language.

• No weapons or illegal drugs.

• Alcoholic beverages are prohibited outside the specified area. Glass containers are prohibited at pavilion events. Everyone who consumes alcoholic beverages MUST BE 21 YEARS OF AGE. Applicants are responsible to assure that members of their group conform to all rules and regulations of the Howard County Liquor Board. Permit holders may charge for alcoholic beverages if they obtain the required liquor license from the Howard County Liquor Board. (The telephone number for the Liquor Board is 410-313-2008.) Caterers are not issued liquor licenses in Howard County; they cannot sell alcohol, only serve it.

• No parking in unauthorized areas or driving or parking on field areas.

• No defacing of property. No staples, nails or signs, etc. Applicants cannot make alterations, install equipment, or otherwise change a facility aside from setting up temporary decorations. The facility must be returned to its original condition.

• Before use, inspect your facility for safe conditions. Report any problems to the Department immediately.

• No alteration or installation of equipment (volleyball nets, etc.) You must bring your own sporting goods such as horseshoes, volleyballs etc. We do not provide sporting goods.

• No conduct that may jeopardize the safety of others.

• Some recreational equipment, such as “Moonbounce” and other inflatables will require special permits and insurance. Please check with us if you will be using anything that might reasonably be assumed to involve unusual risks or liability issues.

• Noise level restrictions established by the Howard County Police Department will be enforced.

• Use of personal or rented charcoal grills or propane grills in pavilions is prohibited. Use Department on-site grills only. The Department reserves the right to inspect grills used by caterers.

• Full compliance with animal control laws is required. All pets must be on a lead. Pets are not allowed in pavilions or on athletic fields, courts or playgrounds.

• Applicants are prohibited from operating concessions without written approval from the Department.

• The applicant is responsible for the removal of all paper, cans, food, tape on walls, etc., used or deposited during or after an event. Refuse must be placed in trash bags and put in a dumpster. The Department charges a $50 per staff half-hour fee ($50 minimum charge) for excessive trash clean-up. Your reservation must include enough time for set-up and clean-up.

• Because over-crowded facilities are dangerous, the police will be asked to clear any venue that exceeds its stated capacity.

• Any activity other than that usually associated with a selected venue will require approval from the Department.

• Bees and insects are a potential problem and can spoil an outdoor event. Please keep food and beverages covered to discourage bees and other insects. Cleaning up any spills immediately and placing a ring of soap suds around the plastic liner of your trash bags can help. Bees are especially troublesome from August through October. The Department sprays for bees on a regular basis; unfortunately we cannot guarantee success. Applicants should bring a first-aid kit to treat bee stings and other minor injuries that may occur.