About This Playground
🌳 Blandair Regional Park West Playground is a modern, nature-inspired playground in Columbia, Maryland that features separate play areas for different age groups with inclusive design elements and numerous recreational amenities within the larger regional park.
Visitor Experience: The playground receives overwhelmingly positive reviews from families who appreciate the variety of equipment, cleanliness, and inclusive design. Many reviewers highlight the diverse play options for children of different ages and abilities.>
More about this playground
Playground Type
Address
5750 Oakland Mills Rd, Columbia, MD 21045, USA
Phone
(410) 313-4700
+1 410-313-4700
Coordinates
39.21104, -76.83625
Hours of Operation
Hours may vary during holidays. Please call ahead for confirmation.
Playground Features
Age Suitability
The playground has dedicated areas for children ages 2-5 and 5-12, with age-appropriate equipment in each section.
Equipment Available
Features include climbing structures, multiple slides, swings (including adaptive swings), sensory play panels, spinners, balance equipment, musical instruments, rope climbers, and nature-themed play elements.
Shaded Areas
Several shaded areas with pavilions and mature trees, though the main play equipment receives direct sunlight during peak hours.
Seating For Parents
Numerous benches throughout the playground area, plus picnic tables under pavilions for parents to supervise children comfortably.
Restroom Availability
Clean, permanent restroom facilities available near the playground with changing tables in both men's and women's restrooms.
Drinking Fountains
Multiple drinking fountains available, including accessible height options and bottle filling stations.
Safety Accessibility
Fencing
The playground is partially fenced with multiple entry/exit points. Complete enclosure is not present, but the design creates natural boundaries.
Surface Material
Engineered wood fiber (mulch) and poured-in-place rubber surfacing in high-traffic areas, providing good impact absorption and accessibility.
Ada Accessibility
Designed with inclusive play in mind, featuring accessible pathways, transfer stations for wheelchair users to access equipment, and sensory-friendly elements.
Cleanliness Maintenance
Well-maintained with regular cleaning schedules. The park staff promptly addresses maintenance issues, and the equipment appears in excellent condition.
Additional Amenities
Nearby Parking
Large, paved parking lot with ample spaces including designated accessible parking close to the playground entrance.
Pet Policy
Dogs are allowed in the park on leashes but are not permitted within the playground area. Pet waste stations are available throughout the park.
Bike Racks
Multiple bike racks located near the playground entrance encouraging alternative transportation.
Nearby Food Options
Picnic areas with tables and grills available, but no permanent food vendors. Visitors typically bring their own food or visit nearby restaurants in Columbia.
Sports Areas
The larger park features baseball/softball fields, multi-purpose fields, basketball courts, and tennis courts within walking distance of the playground.
Walking / Biking Trails Nearby
Extensive paved walking/biking trails connect different areas of Blandair Park, with connections to Columbia's broader trail network.
Community Reviews
User Submitted Photos
Abundant photos showcasing the diverse play equipment, children enjoying the space, and seasonal changes to the landscape.
Recent Reviews
Recent visitor reviews praise the cleanliness, variety of play options, and well-thought-out design that accommodates children of different abilities and interests.
Crowd Levels
Moderately busy on weekday afternoons; can become quite crowded on weekends and holidays, especially during pleasant weather. Early mornings typically offer the quietest experience.
Special Events
The park hosts seasonal events, community gatherings, and occasional recreational programs organized by Howard County Recreation & Parks.
User Experience
Entrance Fee
Free admission to the playground and park area.
Space For Groups
Accommodates small to medium groups well, with pavilions available for reservation for birthday parties and gatherings.
Nature Connection
Nature-inspired design elements with native plantings surrounding the play area, providing opportunities for children to interact with natural elements.
Noise Level
Moderate to high during peak hours, with the spacious design helping to dissipate sound.
Aesthetic Design
Modern design with nature-inspired themes, cohesive color scheme, and thoughtful layout that balances active and passive play areas.
Safety Regulations
Security Presence
Regular patrols by park rangers and county police, particularly during busy hours and scheduled events.
Rules Restrictions
Standard playground rules apply: adult supervision required, no smoking, no glass containers, and children must wear appropriate footwear. Clear signage displays rules throughout the area.
First Aid Availability
Staff trained in first aid during operational hours; emergency call boxes located within the park, though not directly at the playground.
Community Interaction
Community Activities
The playground serves as a community gathering space with organized play dates, homeschool groups, and informal meetups regularly occurring.
Social Interaction
Design encourages cooperative play with features that require multiple children to operate, fostering social skills development and community connections.
Sustainability Environment
Eco Friendly Practices
Native plant landscaping, rain gardens to manage stormwater, and use of sustainable materials in construction.
Renewable Energy
Some solar-powered lighting fixtures, though most park infrastructure uses conventional energy sources.
Walkability Bike Access
Well-connected to surrounding neighborhoods via sidewalks and trails, with designated bike lanes on adjacent roads making the playground accessible without a car from many parts of Columbia.
Reviews
Lauren Kwan
6 months ago
Great park for little and big kids! I went spring break weekend, so the park was pretty packed, as I assumed. Parking lot could have been a bit bigger, but I did find a spot after circling around once. Bathrooms were clean! Ice cream truck was parked. Playground was amazing. So many different structures, slides, stairs, etc. My kids spent a couple hours playing and exploring. One of our favorite parks!
View on GoogleKris N. Higdon
7 months ago
Great place to take the littles and big kids! The pavilion area is also nice if you like having lunch while there. Bathrooms and water fountains are close by, and the play area is gated. Some of the playground equipment can be hot in the summer, so use caution on the slides. Fairly crowded but still enjoyable.
View on GoogleJason Ewen
a year ago
First time here and it was a great park. We took advantage of the smaller 5-12 year old park and the obstacle course park. The larger North park was much too crowded and parking was crazy for a Sunday. People were parking on the grass and park police were giving out tickets. Expansion of that parking lot would be good considering the larger size of the other parking lots for the ball fields and playground areas. The kids had the best time and great equipment to keep them busy. Large clean bathrooms were a major positive. We will have to visit again but maybe during the week when it is less busy. Update May 12th 2023. 9am the park was empty. We had everything to ourselves till daycare and preschool bus pulled in. Still had a blast and what an amazing park.
View on GoogleGrant Peregoy
3 months ago
This place is incredible! No question the coolest playground our family has ever visited. It's almost an amusement park. Everything is clean, safe, and modern. Highly recommend for anyone in the area or looking for a day trip with the kids.
View on GoogleJermone Calloway
3 years ago
Kids enjoyed there time here. It's a huge playground with different sections. Playground is good for kids of all ages. They have the biggest slides I have ever seen at a playground. They also have a pavilion and bathrooms. Plenty of parking and there is also a field to play on as well.
View on Google