There is no community park in Maryland that Kim or I have logged more miles in than Centennial Park in neighboring Howard County, MD. Centennial Park is home to Centennial Lake, a man-made lake with a 2.5 mile wide paved track encircling it. Unlike most man-made lakes, Centennial Lake had no other purpose than to provide an enjoyable place for people to hang out – and the design has been a resounding success.

Centennial Park is perfect for walking and jogging as its moderately rolling hills provide good variation and regularly changing scenery. While biking is allowed on the trail, at only 2.5 miles long and considering the number of walkers, it isn’t the best place to ride during the busy season.

On Wednesday nights in the summer, Centennial hosts free concerts (“Sunset Serenades”) for the community in the lakeside amphitheater, which typically draws a pretty good crowd.

Our kids also love it because it hosts a number of Pokemon Go gyms and Poke Stops with plenty of Magickarp pokemon to be caught around the lake.

We regularly drop by after church to walk the loop, hang out at Centennial’s giant playground, or just soak in the sun and enjoy watching people walking the trail. Even though J and B are getting a little too big for the playground, they humored us for this next picture.

The Fauth Five at the Centennial Park Playground

The Fauth Five at Centennial Park’s Large Playground – Accessible from the Main Entrance

Centennial Park Entrances

I had been visiting Centennial for more than five years before I realized there were four completely separate entrances to the park off of completely different roads. While each entrance does provide some path back to the lake, each also offers unique amenities. Here’s the addresses and list of what’s at each entrance, which we compiled by actually visiting them!

10000 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042  (Main/South Entrance)

  • Closest Lake Access
  • Canoe / Paddleboat Rentals
  • Snack Shop
  • Amphitheater
  • Large Playground
  • Pavilions w/ Grills

4800 Woodland Road, Ellicott City, MD 21042 (East Entrance)

  • Lake Access Near the Dam
  • Pavilion w/ Grills
  • Beach Volleyball Court
  • Horseshoe Pits (4)
  • Tennis Courts (2)
  • Basketball Court

4651 Centennial Lane, Ellicott City, MD 21042 (West Entrance)

  • Lake Access Opposite the Dam
  • Tennis Courts
  • Basketball Courts
  • Soccer Fields and Baseball Diamonds
  • Small Playground

9801 Old Annapolis Road, Ellicott City, MD 21042 (North Entrance)

  • Skateboard Park
  • Outdoor Racquetball Courts
  • Baseball Diamond

Pictures from Around the Park

East Entrance

The Family at the East Entrance with Pavilion, Beach Volley Ball Court, and Horseshoe Pits

Centennial Lake from the Bridge Near the West Entrance

Centennial Lake from the Bridge Near the West Entrance

The Tennis Courts at the West Entrance

The Tennis Courts at the West Entrance

View of the Lake from the Dam Near the

View of the Lake from the Dam Near the East Entrance

E and H on the Bench Near the East Entrance

E and H on the Bench Near the East Entrance