CA Chooses Option to Finish Lake Kittamaqundi Pathway

(Click the above image for a larger version.)

It’s official: There will soon be a pathway completing the loop around Lake Kittamaqundi, bringing walkers, bicyclists and runners for 2 miles alongside one of Downtown Columbia’s original gems.

That distance is the option Columbia Association (CA) selected for this oft-discussed project. CA had a feasibility study conducted by Hanover-based BayLand Consultants & Designers, and CA then presented the study’s three options in meetings earlier this year with Town Center residents and village board members. 

“This will allow residents to get closer to Columbia’s open space, which we’re very proud of,” said Dennis Mattey, CA’s director of construction. “And though this is a small piece of the revitalization of Columbia’s downtown, it will bring people to the lakefront and create more of a destination.”

The project will supplant an undesignated dirt path that runs along part of the eastern side of the lake, a route created by people who have walked through. Completing the 2-mile loop will involve paving 1,800 linear feet of existing trail, creating 670 feet of new trail meandering between trees, 90 feet of boardwalk in a flood-prone area, and 36 feet of bridge across a swale.

The earliest that construction could begin is summer 2014, according to Mattey. Work would be finished after about 90 days, he said.

The estimated cost of design and construction is about $513,000, according to BayLand. Maintenance costs for the project would be an estimated $2,110 a year. Both of those figures are less than the costs would have been for the other two options that the consultant suggested.

Help Stop Lung Cancer at Breathe Deep Columbia 5K Walk and Lung Awareness Fair

A good walk can make a great difference. That distance — 5 kilometers, or 3.1 miles — can go a long way toward helping the effort to stop lung cancer.

The Breathe Deep Columbia 5K Walk and Lung Awareness Fair is being held on Saturday, April 20, beginning at the Lakefront Plaza in Downtown Columbia. The fundraising event is made possible by the LUNGevity Foundation, in collaboration with Columbia Association (CA), Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Associates and Maryland Oncology Hematology.

Those attending will participate in a 5K walk on Columbia’s pathways from the Lakefront Plaza to and around Wilde Lake, and then back. Strollers are welcome, as are pets (but be sure to clean up after your pet). Only portions of the walk are wheelchair accessible. There is an alternative 1K route for those challenged by the longer walk. The event begins with team pictures at 8 a.m., registration at 8:30 a.m. and a program at 9 a.m. The walk starts at 10 a.m, and the fair ends at 2 p.m.

Participants will have the opportunity to celebrate and honor their loved ones, families and friends who have been affected by lung cancer, a devastating disease that impacts 1 in 14 Americans and claims more than 160,000 lives per year. They will leave Breathe Deep Columbia knowing that the money they raised will fund research to end lung cancer.

Research made possible by funding from LUNGevity is finding ways to expedite the development of an effective early detection strategy to discover all lung cancers while they are still localized and treatable, and to identify therapeutic agents that provide customized genetic intervention for lung cancer in order to extend patients’ lives and improve their quality of life post-diagnosis.

Breathe Deep Columbia is also a lung awareness fair with exhibitors and health screenings. For more information on registering, volunteering, sponsoring or donating to the event, go to Lungevity.org/Columbia. Enter code “icare” for $5 off the registration fee.

This year’s event honors the memory of the late Dr. Clement B. Knight, a local oncologist who passed away last August.

Columbia Association Looking to Complete the Lake Kittamaqundi Pathway Loop

The circle could soon be complete — in more ways than one.

Lake Kittamaqundi has been one of the gems of Columbia’s downtown area from the moment the community was officially founded in 1967. Yet while people can walk along most of the lake, there has never been a pathway going the entire way around it.

But now, as several other projects begin that will help bring the dreams of Columbia’s downtown to reality, Columbia Association (CA) is moving toward completing the loop around Kittamaqundi.

“The pathway around Lake Kittamaqundi has long been envisioned,” said Jane Dembner, CA’s director of community building and sustainability. “It has been in Howard County’s general plan for years and most recently was a highlighted recommended connection in CA’s Active Transportation Action Agenda. Nature lovers, runners, walkers, hikers and cyclists are enthusiastic supporters of this missing link around Lake Kittamaqundi. It is also an important part of providing better pedestrian and cycling connections in, to and around Downtown Columbia.”

Presently, there is an undesignated dirt path along part of the eastern side of the lake, a route created by people who have walked through. But that dirt path doesn’t encourage people to walk entirely around the lake, according to Dennis Mattey, CA’s director of construction.

A feasibility study conducted by Hanover-based BayLand Consultants & Designers — which can be seen online at bit.ly/kittamaqundi — produced three options for completing a pathway around Kittamaqundi:

• One option would loop entirely around the northern end of the lake. Completing that 2-mile loop would involve paving 1,800 linear feet of existing trail; creating 670 feet of new trail meandering between trees; 90 feet of boardwalk in a flood-prone area; and 36 feet of bridge across a swale.
• The second option would include a boardwalk crossing over a northern section of the lake. Completing that 1.8-mile loop would involve paving 1,470 linear feet of existing trail; adding a 280-foot boardwalk; and creating 330 feet of new trail.
• The third option would have a boardwalk and a landmark bridge over the lake that would create a “unique lake viewing experience.” Completing that 1.2-mile loop would involve paving 450 linear feet of existing trail; installing a 90-foot bridge; adding a 375-foot boardwalk; and creating 100 feet of new trail.

BayLand recommended the first option, which has the lowest upfront costs, the lowest long-term maintenance costs, and provides the longest route around the lake, Mattey said.

The estimated cost of design and construction for option one is $513,075, according to BayLand — which is less than option two ($644,925) and option three ($899,325). Infrastructure maintenance costs for option one would be an estimated $2,110 a year, contrasted with $4,520 a year for option two and $6,760 a year for option three.

CA staff will be making a presentation to Town Center residents on March 27 at 7:30 p.m. at Historic Oakland.

“We’re really looking for consensus from the Town Center village board,” Mattey said.

Construction on the loop could be completed by mid-2015.

Lake Kittamaqundi on a Snowy Morning After Christmas

Columbia Association to Open New Health and Fitness Club in Downtown Columbia

John DeWolf, Senior Vice President of Development for Howard Hughes Corp, and Columbia Association President Phil Nelson announce a new health and fitness club that will be coming to the Howard Hughes headquarters (and former Rouse Company building) in downtown Columbia.

Officials of Columbia Association (CA) and The Howard Hughes Corporation today announced that CA has signed an 11-year lease that will bring a new health and fitness club to the former Rouse Company headquarters overlooking Lake Kittamaqundi in downtown Columbia.

The facility will be located on the lake level of the iconic four-story, 151,000-square-foot buildin

“This is a great opportunity to partner with Columbia Association to bring another important amenity to our community,” said John DeWolf, Senior Vice President of Development for Howard Hughes.  “It is also appropriate for an institution such as CA to become part of the adaptive reuse of this iconic building in downtown.”g, which was designed by internationally renowned architect Frank Gehry. Opened in 1974, it is owned and currently occupied by The Howard Hughes Corporation. In July, it was announced that Whole Foods Market will be opening a store in 45,000 square feet on the main level of the building. The lease between CA and Howard Hughes was signed with the assistance of commercial real estate firm Cassidy Turley.

The 27,000-square-foot health and fitness club will be in the building’s lower level. With more than 5,500 new residential units and numerous new buildings slated for the revitalized downtown Columbia in the years to come, this health and fitness club will cater to those living and working in the community’s core and particularly to a market seeking facilities that are tailored to their individual desires.

“Who better than Columbia Association, which already operates three highly successful fitness facilities in the community, to open a club in this historic building,” said Columbia Association President Phil Nelson. “It will become another destination in a revitalized downtown Columbia.”

Construction on the health and fitness club is expected to begin in spring 2014. CA officials anticipate that the club would have its grand opening by fall 2014.

“When it was announced that Whole Foods would be leasing space in the former Rouse Company headquarters, I predicted that it would be a catalyst that would set in motion a series of projects that would dramatically enhance our revitalization efforts,” said County Executive Ken Ulman. “The announcement today that a health and fitness club will be located in the same building as Whole Foods only enhances our vision of what one of America’s best communities can be. I want to thank the Howard Hughes Corporation and the Columbia Association for their vision.”

Membership opportunities will be available in advance of the downtown club opening. Current CA members will be able to pay an additional fee for access to the downtown club, which will have picture windows overlooking Lake Kittamaqundi and the Columbia Lakefront Plaza.

Columbia Association offers a range of recreational, cultural and community services, including a welcome center; an art center; a youth and teen center; before and after school care; summer camps, free summer lakefront concerts; an archive; a volunteer center; an exchange program with sister cities in France and Spain; three fitness clubs; a roller rink; an ice rink; a skateboard facility; two golf clubs; three tennis clubs; 23 outdoor swimming pools (including two Mini WaterParks); an indoor swim center with a waterslide; a SportsPark with miniature golf and batting cages; and more than 3,500 acres of open space as a permanent asset for residents, including neighborhood amenities such as lakes and ponds, parks, tot lots, basketball and tennis courts and more than 93.5 miles of walking, jogging and biking pathways. For more information, visit ColumbiaAssociation.org.

The Howard Hughes Corporation owns, manages and develops commercial, residential and mixed-use real estate through the United States. Its properties include master planned communities, operating properties, development opportunities and other unique assets spanning 18 states from New York to Hawaii. The Howard Hughes Corporation is traded on the New York Stock Exchange as HHC and is headquartered in Dallas, Texas. For additional information about HHC, visit HowardHughes.com.

Photo: Blue Heron on Lake Kittamaqundi Boardwalk Wednesday Morning

Days After Hurricane Sandy, CA’s Pathways and Sidewalks Almost All Clear of Debris

Less than a week after the combination of a hurricane, a stalled high pressure system to the east, and an oncoming winter weather system to the west created what some were dubbing a “Perfect Storm,” Columbia Association’s (CA) recovery efforts will nearly be complete.

Columbia, Howard County and much of Central Maryland proved to be extremely fortunate when it came to the wrath of Hurricane Sandy, which particularly devastated parts of New Jersey and New York and has left many residents of those states without electricity and some without homes.

In Columbia, however, the damage left behind proved to be far, far less than that caused four months ago by the derecho, according to Sean Harbaugh, assistant director of CA’s Open Space Management Division.

“We were hit so much lighter than we expected,” Harbaugh said on Thursday morning, barely two days removed from when the brunt of the storm had moved out of the region.

Most of CA’s 93.5-mile pathway system, as well as sidewalks at its facilities and parks, will be cleared of debris — be it large branches or leaves and small twigs — by the end of Friday, Harbaugh said. Much of the debris has been moved to the side of the walkways.

“My hope is that we will have opened up 90 percent of the pathways by this weekend,” he said. “As with most storms, there are going to be a couple of issues that will take a bit longer for a variety of reasons.”

A couple dozen large trees came down in areas of CA’s open space where people go. In places where large debris remains, CA has either made those areas passable or has cordoned them off until they can be made safe for pedestrians.  To report a downed or dangerous tree on CA’s open space, call 410-312-6330 or email Open.Space@ColumbiaAssociation.org.

Meanwhile, the rising waters of Lake Kittamaqundi in downtown Columbia did temporarily submerge the boardwalk there. The section of the boardwalk leading to where the bell tower once stood had already been closed due to a reconstruction project, which remains on schedule. The remaining boardwalk sections, particularly the L-shaped section that runs parallel to the restaurants, will be pressure washed, according to Harbaugh.

Some CA facilities reopened Tuesday. The rest reopened Wednesday.

Next week, CA Today will spotlight how Columbia Association planned for and then responded to Hurricane Sandy, and how crews worked to get the facilities and pathways reopened safely and as soon as possible.

Gorgeous Colors and Weather – Go Enjoy CA Pathways!

As I drive down the streets, I take in the sea of color all around me; the reds, oranges, yellows, browns, greens and even purples. Some trees look like they are on fire, while others look like their leaves are turning to leather.

The colors started to pop and the last hurrah of warm weather (maybe?) hit at the same time. Why just look at the beauty through the windows of my car? It would be so much better to do it during a walk along Columbia Association (CA) pathways. So, that’s just what I did.

The leaves of some trees have already fallen, like the white ash. While others are bright red, like the flowering dogwood tree, and some untouched by fall as of yet, remain green.

When I took a walk around Wilde Lake, I found many people out enjoying the day and a couple photographers as well. I had to smile at the two small children carrying a handful of leaves they had gathered as pretty souvenirs from their walk. This is something I enjoy doing with my son too and I remember doing it as a child as well. I don’t know if I’ll ever outgrow the need to pick up a fallen, spectacularly-colored leaf.

The spring is beautiful and showy with the flowers and the fresh green, but the fall is what really captures me the most. It is brilliant and awe inspiring. Mother nature is putting on one last glorious fireworks display before settling in for the dark, grey winter.

The pathways around CA are a great place to take it all in. During a lunch break or after school is out, grab a friend, bring your camera along and catch the reflection of the trees in one of CAs lakes. Collect leaves to bring home and press. Take your children or grandchildren out and marvel at how differently each type of tree turns colors during the season or maybe take a paddle boat ride on Lake Kittamaqundi. Just get outside and enjoy one of my favorite parts of CA; the great Open Spaces.

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Melissa Sinclair works in the Communications & Engagement Division at Columbia Association (CA). Melissa recently moved to Columbia with her three-generation family. She has lived in more than a dozen cities and is looking forward to making Columbia, Md., her permanent home! Click here to read more of Melissa’s Getting to Know CA series.

2012 Hear My Voice Teen Idol Competition

I was very curious to hear the teens sing at the 10th Annual Hear My Voice Teen Idol Competition sponsored by the Columbia Association Youth and Teen Center (YTC) and held at the Downtown Columbia Lakefront on Lake Kittamaqundi. I had gone to several Teen Open Mic Nights during the summer, and some of those teens were really good. I wanted to see what happened when it was a competition among the teens who were singing for the title (and the money)!

First, we all got lucky with the weather. It was a gorgeous day on the 14th of October. The event started out at 3 p.m. with the local teen band, Black Pool Holiday. After their hour set, Sharod Hogue (18), an interpretive dancer, performed a piece for the crowd. These artists were fun to watch and very talented.

At 4 p.m. the big event began: the finals of the 2012 Hear My Voice Teen Idol Competition. There were 10 finalists from the pool of 33 contestants, all Howard County residents, competing for the grand prize of $500 and three months of private lessons from Columbia School of Rock. That’s a pretty nice prize package for an amateur competition. These teens had auditioned, made it through the semifinals (21 performers) and were now ready for the big event.

This year’s finalists, in performance order were: Keaira Maynor, Millan Bhatt, Maya Shapiro, Mea Agazio, Maggie Medoff, Kiessence Polk, Blair Waters, Miranda Judd, Joey Haavik and Christina Schumacher. The hosts for the show were Kevin Baker, who is a member of the YTC Middle School Advisory Committee, and Safire Windley, YTC program coordinator.

Most of the show was put on by teens. What great opportunities for all of them.

This is a competition though, not just a show. The judges this year were: celebrity guest judge: Maurette Brown Clark (award-winning gospel artist), 2011 Columbia Teen Idol winner Montria Walker; and community judges: Shelly Wilson (gospel singer), Cat Stratakis (vocal coach and performer) and Silvie Damskey (vocal and dance instructor).

While this was the third time in this competition these teens were being judged on their performances, this was the finals, and I was impressed with their poise and their confidence. I remember being a teenager. That is a time kids don’t like being singled out. I also have a teenage son, and there is no way he would voluntarily put himself on a stage, and he definitely wouldn’t want to be judged on his performance. Yet, here were these teens doing it — and doing it great.

What I know as a parent, though, is that this isn’t just about winning a prize. It is also about putting yourself out there and going for something. It’s about being critiqued. It’s about facing your fears and it’s about making mistakes, dealing with them and moving on. In an age when kids can get prizes for just showing up, this was a friendly competition that taught the teens some valuable life lessons, but in a supportive environment.

The winner of the event this year, winning $500 and three months of voice lessons, was Kiessence Polk, who sang “Encourage Yourself” by gospel artist Donald Lawrence. The runner-up, receiving three months of voice lessons as a prize, was Millan Bhatt, who sang “Imagine” by John Lennon. The People’s Choice winner, also winning three months of voice lessons, was Keaira Maynor, who sang “Ave Maria” by Beyonce.

I congratulate all the teens who were part of this competition. You have a lot to be proud of. And I congratulate the YTC for a great event. Want to see photos all the performers in the finals? Check out this slideshow.

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Melissa Sinclair works in the Communications & Engagement Division at Columbia Association (CA). Melissa recently moved to Columbia with her three-generation family. She has lived in more than a dozen cities and is looking forward to making Columbia, Md., her permanent home! Click here to read more of Melissa’s Getting to Know CA series.

Dock Renovations Continue at Lake Kittamaqundi

Crews are currently in the process of replacing the bell tower boardwalk, the third of four such projects at Lake Kittamaqundi in Downtown Columbia.

Work on this phase began in August and was expected to last six weeks, weather permitting. The first section to be completed was down by where paddle boats were being rented out. Some pilings had badly deteriorated and had to be replaced near to the water level,  according to Daniel D’Amore, Columbia Association’s (CA) director of open space management.

“It was by far the worst section,” he said.

The second section was the “L-shape” that runs parallel from Clyde’s to Sushi Sono. The deck boards were replaced there, though the underpinnings were in pretty good shape.

With the current section, “Some of the pilings need to be addressed, but most of them are in good shape,” said Craig Garrison, an operations manager for CA. “Forty percent of the main beams are being replaced. It’s age. The part we’re working on now is probably 40 years old.”

Coming up next will be the final phase, which is the curved section of the boardwalk that runs along the rock wall. Before that begins, however, there will be work done on the rock wall itself.