Introducing the 2024 MACo Celebratory Blog Series: Showcasing the Remarkable Achievements of Maryland’s Award-Winning Counties!
Join us on this exciting journey as we embark on a special blog series dedicated to honoring the exceptional accomplishments of the counties that triumphed in the National Association of Counties (NACo) 2024 Achievement Awards. Each week, we will shine a well-deserved spotlight on a few remarkable counties, taking a deeper dive into their accomplishments, innovative initiatives, and the profound impact they have had on their communities.
Parks and Recreation
Howard County received five awards in this category.
AEDs in the Parks
Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death. Research shows that our community plays an important part in
the chain of survival and help slow down the clock that ultimately saves lives. Howard County Recreation & Parks is expanding its access to AED units so we can ensure bystanders and loved ones have the means to act fast to improve a sudden cardiac arrest patients’ survival. We can save more lives because we know every second matters. Through this expanded initiative and public awareness campaign, SaveStations are placed in our regional park system. They are designed to house any AED on the market, indoors and out, and provide 24/7 access to these life-saving units.
Backpacks and Fades
Backpacks and Fades program, a beacon of hope and support for families in Howard County. This initiative, hosted by
the Howard County Recreation and Parks Community Outreach Team, has made a significant impact on our community. But the benefits of this program extend beyond academics. The provision of haircuts and hairstyles offered at the event served a dual purpose. Not only did it alleviate the financial burden on families, but it also instilled a sense of confidence in the children. A fresh haircut or a new hairstyle can work wonders on a child’s self-esteem, and we believe this will positively influence their performance in school. Backpacks and Fades event was launched in Fall 2023 and served over 100 families, but its impact reverberates throughout the entire community. It’s not just about the number of backpacks distributed or haircuts given; it’s about the community partnerships developed, hope instilled, the confidence boosted, and the academic futures brightened.
Centennial Park South – Boat House Area ADA Improvements
Centennial Park is an iconic 337-acre public park located in Howard County (MD). It opened in 1987 and has won awards
for its natural design and sensitivity to nature. To ensure our parks are accessible and enjoyed by residents of all ages and abilities, several improvements were made to the boat house area located in the south area of the park. An in-house architect created a design that addressed ADA needs and topography challenges, repaired deteriorating retaining walls and enhanced parking and pathway connections.
National Girls and Women in Sports Day
Inspired by the Women’s Sports Foundation’s national movement the Howard County Recreation and Park National Girls and Women in Sports Day committee wants to instill confidence, strength, and character by emphasizing theses at
the local level to inspire and encourage girls and women to actively engage in sports throughout their lifetime. As recreation and park professionals we know the power of sports and how it teaches life lessons that include teamwork, perseverance, time management and so many more. The committee wants to help break down barriers and create a free opportunity and space for women and girls to feel welcomed and supported. The committee orchestrated a dynamic program, featuring a sports clinic lead by contractors, partners and staff of the department and showed an empowering female sports movie. The event catered to girls and women of all ages, encompassing 16 partners and 3 local sponsors. The diverse array of sports represented, include Field Hockey, Dance, Cheerleading, Soccer, Basketball, Flag Football, Tennis, Jump Rope, Track and Field, Roller Derby, Lacrosse, Karate, Volleyball, Poms, Zumba, and Fitness. The event had over 350 registrants from ages ranging from 2 to over 63 years old.
Play for All Fest
Howard County’s Play for All Fest is a new event launched in July 2023, created by the Therapeutic Recreation team of
Howard County Recreation and Parks. Their goal was to celebrate Disability Pride Month and embrace Howard County’s equitable and diverse community. Families of all abilities were invited to Laura’s Place, our premiere accessible inclusive playground at Blandair Park for a FREE event that featured games, vendors, resources and more. The primary goal was to raise awareness of the existing accessible and inclusive playgrounds in Howard County and across the state. Given their popularity, our hope is that more jurisdictions, nonprofits and entities are inspired to install new accessible and inclusive playgrounds and equipment, or to modify existing play areas to enhance experiences for all.
Together, let’s explore the remarkable stories behind these award-winning counties, and draw inspiration from their passion, creativity, and commitment to making a positive difference. View all 2024 NACo Achievement Award winners through their interactive and searchable map.