Howard County Executive Calvin Ball Unveils County’s First Age-Friendly Fitness Lot

In 2019, Ball launched the Age-Friendly Initiative, joining AARP’s Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities. Howard County began working to implement AARP’s eight domains of livability, which include:

1. Outdoor spaces and buildings
2. Transportation
3. Housing
4. Social participation
5. Respect and social inclusion
6. Civic participation and employment
7. Communication and information
8. Community support and health services

Howard County’s Action Plan includes 50 recommendations across the eight domains. As part of the Outdoor Spaces and Buildings domain, Howard County expanded a, now nationally recognized, bike lane connecting neighbors to Blandair Regional Park. 

“Today highlights the importance of welcoming everyone to county parks – no matter one’s age or ability,” said Director of Recreation & Parks Nick Mooneyhan. “At this north entrance alone, the tennis court replacement was completed yesterday, the sensory path and inclusive playground were completed last November, the adjacent bathroom now has accessible parking in front of it, and we are continuing to make more improvements.”

Terri Hansen, Manager, Age-Friendly Howard County, invited the crowd to test the new equipment with the assistance of Recreation and Parks and OAI fitness staff. “The Age-Friendly Fitness Lot is a visual example of what your neighbors on the Outdoor Spaces and Buildings work group came up with nearly four years ago. We have delivered a piece of the Age-Friendly plan that addresses affordable and available community and health services.”

Guided by the Age-Friendly Action Plan, the fitness lot crosses multiple domains of livability determined to help ensure residents of all ages can live in a safe and healthy community.

For more information on Age-Friendly Howard County and how to get involved, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/agefriendly.