North Laurel's $22M Aquatic Dream: Pools Open After Decades | The Locally Times
Two state-of-the-art indoor pools and 23,000 square feet of new recreational space officially opened today, delivering on a multi-decade community vision for North Laurel.
After decades of anticipation, North Laurel residents today plunged into a new era of aquatic recreation as Howard County Executive Calvin Ball officially unveiled a sprawling $22 million expansion to the North Laurel Community Center (NLCC). The nearly 23,000 square-foot addition, opened on March 31, 2026, delivers two state-of-the-art indoor pools, fulfilling a long-standing community request for local aquatic amenities. County Executive Ball was joined by Department of Recreation & Parks Director Nick Mooneyhan at the ribbon-cutting for the new wing, located at 9411 Whiskey Bottom Road in Laurel. ## New Aquatic Amenities The heart of the expansion lies in its two distinct indoor pools, designed for diverse community needs. A spacious 4,600-square-foot lap pool, five feet deep, features a thoughtful zero-entry area with railings, ensuring independent access for individuals with mobility challenges without impeding lap swimmers. Complementing this is a 3,000-square-foot therapy leisure pool, ranging from three to six feet deep. This warmer pool is equipped with a chair lift for assisted entry and exit, alongside a large water slide and a toddler slide for family fun. These new NLCC pools are set to host a wide array of programs, including open swim times, swim classes, therapeutic programs, camps, exercise programs, and party space, mirroring the popular offerings at the Roger Carter Community Center in Ellicott City. ## Expanding Community Resources Beyond the shimmering pools, the 23,000 square-foot addition thoughtfully expands overall community access and usability. A welcoming reception area and essential office space complete the indoor facilities. Outdoors, the project introduces two new playgrounds – one for youth and another for preschoolers – both featuring accessible elements designed to remove barriers and ensure inclusive play for all children. These comprehensive additions are expected to significantly expand the center's capacity for swim lessons and solidify its role as a central gathering place for the North Laurel community. ## A Multi-Decade Vision Realized The opening of these new facilities marks the culmination of a multi-decade vision for the North Laurel Community Center. Howard County first acquired the land for the site in 1997, with planning for the center commencing in 2000. The North Laurel Planning Committee held its inaugural meeting on January 24, 2007, to shape the facility's future. The initial North Laurel Community Center first opened its doors in June 2011. The journey to the new aquatic center saw a event in June 2024, leading to today's official opening. This $22 million investment by Howard County for phase two represents years of dedicated community input and meticulous planning, finally expanding the local recreational infrastructure to meet growing demand. ## Key Questions **What types of programs will the new pools offer?** The North Laurel Community Center pools will offer open swim times, swim classes, therapeutic programs, camps, exercise programs, and party space. **What accessibility features are included in the new pool addition?** The lap pool features a zero-entry area with railings, and the therapy leisure pool includes a chair lift for entry and exit. Additionally, the new playgrounds have accessible features. **When did planning for the North Laurel Community Center begin?** Planning for the North Laurel Community Center began in 2000, with the initial center opening in June 2011 and the pool addition in June 2024.