skip to main content

HCPSS / NEWS

HCPSS Partners with the Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks

April 24th, 2015

The Howard County Public School System has partnered with the Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks (HCRP) to expand opportunities for students to participate in tee ball and baseball. The partnership launched on Opening Day of the Columbia Baseball League, Saturday, April 25 at Cradlerock Elementary School, 6700 Cradlerock Way.

HCRP will collaborate with HCPSS staff to identify school areas that would benefit from developmental baseball programs and will provide opportunities for students to play tee ball and baseball through the Columbia Baseball League. HCRP will also provide each player with a uniform and hat in addition to team equipment and team management from HCRP trained coaching staff. Financial assistance is available for income eligible families.

“This partnership with Howard County Public Schools has allowed us to accommodate the rapid growth in the Columbia Baseball League, which now has 35 teams and more than 360 participants. Partnering is the best way to combine existing resources and facilities to maximize opportunities for more children to be involved in active programs closer to home. The HCPSS has really stepped up to the plate,” explained John Bryd, HCRP Director.

HCPSS staff will inform parents about the opportunities available through the HCRP Columbia Baseball League and will help identify students to participate in the programs. The partnership is aligned with Vision 2018 strategies to promote physical activity as a part of every child’s daily routine and to provide opportunities for students to build competencies in athletics.

Howard County Board of Education Vice Chairman Ann De Lacy, Board member Ellen Flynn Giles, and Executive Director School Improvement and Administration Frank Eastham joined Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks Director John Byrd and Superintendent of Sports and Adventure Services Division Allan Harden to participate in the Opening Day activities.

The Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks strives to deliver recreation and leisure opportunities that improve the health and well-being of the community and to serve as model stewards of the environment by managing, protecting, and conserving our resources for a sustainable future.

The Columbia Baseball League is designed to provide instruction and give players 4 to 12 years old a solid foundation of skills from which to build.

The Howard County Public School System’s Partnerships Office unites businesses and community organizations with schools to enhance the educational experience. Partnerships benefit schools, businesses, and the entire community by leveraging the resources of all participants. Partners may commit human or financial resources or other support.

For more information, contact Partnerships Office Manager Mary Schiller at 410-313-6655 or mary_schiller@hcpss.org.