Proposed Dog Park at Blandair

Proposal for Dog Park at Blandair 

A proposal to include a dog park in Blandair Park was considered at a Public Hearing hosted by the Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks Advisory Board on Thursday, May 17 at 7 PM.  The meeting was held in the Conference Room of the Recreation and Parks Headquarters located at 7120 Oakland Mills Road, Columbia, MD 21046. The Advisory Board will take public comments on the Blandair dog park until June 15.

About the Blandair Dog Park Proposal: Department of Recreation and Parks has been successfully operating a dog park for a number of years near Ellicott City. The “Worthington Off-Leash Area” provides outdoor exercise space for pets that otherwise may not have room to run and play. It also enables pet owners to share outdoor activities and fun with their pets. In fact, it has been so popular that dog-owners would like to have more such facilities.

The County has been approached by many dog-owners who desire to have a new dog park in the vicinity of Columbia. In addition, the Columbia Association has had many requests for a facility, and has also approached the County for assistance in locating one nearby.  One of the places suggested for a new dog park is in the undeveloped area of Blandair Park. If you recall, a dog park was one of the amenities suggested by one of the sub-committees when the Master Plan for Blandair was being developed. At the time, the demand was not great.

Now, the need for a new dog park has grown substantially. We have investigated various possibilities, including Blandair Park. Two areas, one on the north and one on the south, could be well-suited for this usage, as shown on the attached map. Neither area has been earmarked for any specific feature. We have also been reminded that the previous owner, Nancy Smith, was devoted to the welfare of dogs, and cared for many dogs at Blandair.