Association Considers Locations for Community Playground
Columbia is a unique community because of its many community amenities, such as the walking paths, well-maintained swimming pools, and an abundance of recreational facilities. River Hill lacks one amenity which most other Columbia Villages have: a community playground.
The Columbia Association (CA) has two visions for playgrounds: tot lots, scattered along the walking paths, and community playgrounds. Community playgrounds are large, easily accessible by car or by foot, have street-visibility, and have more modern playground equipment, made with synthetic materials rather than wood and metal. They are generally located near community centers or pools. Good examples include the playgrounds near the Swansfield Pool in Harper’s Choice and the one near Hawthorn Pool in Hickory Ridge. In contrast, tot lots can only be reached by foot and are scattered amongst the walking paths in the open space between houses. These are small-scale playgrounds that tend to be more secluded and have very basic, older equipment, making them less inviting for young children to play.
The sheer number of tot lots in Columbia makes it financially impossible for the Columbia Association to modernize all tot lots. In contrast, building a single, modern, shared community playground is more affordable, and based on feedback would be welcomed by River Hill residents. If easily visible, a community playground would be a safe, fun place for young kids to play and would allow families the opportunity to get to know their neighbors and other members of the River Hill community, especially since many of our newer residents have young children.
River Hill has very limited open space for a playground, with only two viable site options for a community playground. One site is the grassy area, on the western side of Indian Summer Drive between Sunlit Water Way and Flowing Water Trail. The second site is between Linden-Linthicum United Methodist Church and the Whistling Winds Walk tot lot; however, this site would need further study from church administrators to determine if it is feasible and desirable to have a shared entrance to the playground and added parking spaces.
Since the Association has received frequent River Hill resident requests to build a community playground, we will hold a meeting on Thursday, September 14 from 6-7 p.m. at Claret Hall to further gauge interest and discuss these two sites. This is the first step in a process. If a decision is made to move forward, CA funding, further site analysis and engineering, and additional opportunities for resident input will be required. We invite River Hill residents to come and offer opinions and feedback. If you are unable to attend the meeting, input may be provided via email to dalia.shlash@gmail.com or by calling the Association at 410-531-1749.
Is there not a more central location we can find? It seems both of the options are on the outside of the village. It would be nice if they could do something near the pool. Maybe use some of the path space next to the pool that way the pool parking lot can be used and it also allows it to be used while at the pool.
Thank you for your comments. The community playground is only one of the options being considered. If a suitable location is not found, there are alternatives. Stay tuned as this is a process that will be unfolding over time.