Residents of Howard County are fortunate to have access to many great parks. Alpha Ridge Park in Marriottsville is no exception. The park has many activities and features for area residents. The 72-acre park boasts a small inline hockey rink and a regulation-size rink with bleachers. In addition. There are 2 tennis courts, 3 ball diamonds, 2 multipurpose fields, 2 playgrounds and 2 identical 60-person capacity picnic pavilions. As great as that sounds, Alpha Ridge Park is about to even better.
The observatory is part of the Howard Astronomical League’s efforts to encourage the community to learn more about astronomical science in a direct, hands-on manner, according to a release announcing the project. It will feature a dome 15 feet in diameter, Watson telescope and an observing platform.
One of the structure’s four walls will be used as a projection screen to view live images captured by the telescope and for educational presentations.
“The Astronomical League is a great organization, and this project will help bring the wonder and beauty of our space to residents,” County Executive Ken Ulman said in the release. “This project is a great educational and an example of the type of partnership that helps our community.”
Other improvements coming to the park include a comfort station and parking lot improvements. Construction on the project is scheduled for completion in July.
The cost of the project for the comfort station, parking lot improvements and foundation for the observatory is about $843,000. That doesn’t include the cost of the actual observatory, as the Howard Astronomical League is paying for that, county officials said.
Alpha Ridge Park is home to a variety of wildlife and is a favorite spot for bird watchers. Photography is encouraged but be cautious to not disturb them.
Now, that we have a break in weather we been having (I have my fingers crossed on that one) come out to Alpha Ridge Park. Bring your hiking shoes and your camera. Or bring your friends and your skates. It’s a great place to spend a warm spring afternoon.