Downtown Columbia Update
Bailey Park Opens at Lakefront
Community leaders recently celebrated the ribbon cutting and opening of Vivian C. ‘Millie’ Bailey Park at Lake Kittamaqundi in Downtown Columbia. Bailey Park, named after the 102-year-old World War II veteran, was developed by The Howard Hughes Corporation and officially turned over to the Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks at the ceremony.
“Bailey Park is a direct result of the Downtown Columbia Plan, adopted by the County Council unanimously in 2010, recognizing the importance of freedom of speech in civic life,” said Greg Fitchitt, President, Columbia, The Howard Hughes Corporation. “The Plan called for the dedication to the public of an outdoor amenity space available for public assembly and discourse. Bailey Park couldn’t come at a better time to affirm the highest value that we, as Americans, place on our right to peaceably assemble and our rights of free speech. This area – with its playground, its connection to the beloved Columbia Lakefront, and its future as the site of the Howard County Veteran’s Monument – is truly a park for all people.”
Millie Bailey is being profiled on the Discovery Network’s American Heroes Channel, and the show can be seen here.
What’s Happening
Riders Up Hundreds of bicyclists turned out recently for the BikeAround organized by the Downtown Columbia Partnership in partnership with the Columbia Association. The ride featured a 7.8 mile course that started and ended in ColorBurst Park in the Merriweather District and moved along the paths of Downtown Columbia and the Village of Wilde Lake.
DTCRadio The arts in the Age of COVID is the topic of Downtown Columbia Partnership Executive Director Phillip Dodge’s conversation with Columbia Festival of the Arts Managing Director Bob Marshall and Director of Programming and Production Dave Simmons. The duo introduce the Columbia Arts Channel and discuss arts programming in 2021. Catch the podcast here.
Crafty The Town Center Holiday Craft Fair is set for Nov. 14 and 15, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. A limited number of vendors each day (10-15) will showcase their creations at Historic Oakland Manor, 5430 Vantage Point Road, Columbia. All vendors, staff and the general public will be required to wear masks and keep social distance. The number of people in the Manor at any one time will be monitored for safety. Register here for Saturday or Sunday.
Virtual Race The Howard Hospital Foundation’s virtual Race Across Howard County runs from Dec. 1-15. Participants run or walk on their own, submit race times and collect donations supporting Howard County General Hospital’s new Nursing Excellence Fund. Register here.
Oakland Access The Columbia Association is adding a new handicap accessible ramp to Historic Oakland Manor. Construction will end by Dec. 29. Access to the Manor during this time will be by appointment only, which must be scheduled in advance by calling 410-730-4801.
New Offices Inspira is offering flexible move-in ready office suites designed for creators, innovators and entrepreneurs at 6100 Merriweather Drive. For more information about the amenity rich offices—rooftop event and meeting space with an outdoor terrace overlooking Merriweather Post Pavilion, free parking garage, fitness facility and more – see here.