Accessible Gyms and Pools in Howard County: Where Fitness Meets Inclusivity
Columbia Association – Columbia
Members with disabilities can enjoy a full body workout at any of the three Columbia Association gyms, and a warm soak or workout in the warm water therapy and lap pools. Specialized equipment with removable seats allows for seamless wheelchair access.
Columbia Athletic Club – Columbia
Strength machines at the Columbia Athletic Club include an accessible chest press and shoulder press, and a ski erg, seated elliptical, and an arm cycling ergometer for a solid cardio workout. Downstairs, enjoy warm water therapy and adaptive exercise classes designed for mobility support. A pool wheelchair and ADA-compliant pool lift make it easy for swimmers with mobility challenges to enter and exit the water.
The Columbia Gym – Clarksville
This gym features accessible strength and cardio equipment, including two arm ergometers and a NuStep elliptical, and a zero-slope entry warm water pool equipped with an ADA-compliant pool lift for easy access to the adjacent lap lanes. A pool wheelchair is also available for those who need one.
Supreme Sports Club – Columbia
Also offers wheelchair-accessible cardio and strength machines with seats that slide out so your wheelchair can slide right in. Accessible Life Fitness machines include the chest press, rower, and shoulder press. Get your cardio on with the arm ergs, ski erg, or NuStep elliptical. The main swimming pool also has a pool wheelchair and ADA-compliant pool lift so you can get right on in and enjoy your swim.
Roger Carter Pool – Ellicott City
Grab your goggles and come and enjoy indoor/outdoor year-round swimming in this warm, sun-drenched pool with a retractable roof and zero-slope entry in historic Ellicott City. With an ADA-compliant pool lift, handrails, and a pool wheelchair, swimmers with mobility challenges can easily enter and exit the water, enjoying enhanced movement, relaxation, and low-impact exercise.
Roger Carter Community Center
For swimming and splashing in the sunshine all summer long check out these accessible outdoor Columbia Association Pools:
- Fully ADA-compliant pools: Dorsey Hall, Kendall Ridge, Longfellow, River Hill
- Pools with lifts: Clary’s Forest, Clemens Crossing, Dickinson Pool, Hawthorn, Hopewell Mini-Water Park, Huntington, Stevens Forest, Swansfield Mini-Water Park
Therapeutic Recreation for People with Disabilities
Howard County’s Therapeutic Recreation (TR) programs and services are designed to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities and develop leisure and recreation skills such as socialization, decision making, independent life skills, self-confidence and self-esteem, and enhance one’s quality of life. Programs are highly structured, outcome-based, and offer a high staff-to-participant ratio for individualized support.
Programs include adaptive cheerleading, aquatics, culinary classes, art, book clubs, duck pin bowling, fitness, Zumba, and more! Virtual, in person, and sensory friendly programs are available.
Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks is a recognized leader in opportunities for individuals with disabilities and is pleased to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations.
For more information, reach out to Emily Pendleton, Therapeutic Recreation Supervisor at 410-313-4623 or by email at Ependleton@howardcountymd.gov. Two weeks’ notice is required to request accommodation services for any of the programs.
Adventure Shack & Rentals at Centennial Park - Columbia
Adventure Shack & Rentals at Centennial Park provides accessible parking, accessible restrooms, and ramps to the concessions and boat rental area. Guests can enjoy a hand-operated, ADA-compliant paddleboat as well as an accessible EZ Launch for canoes & kayaks with a transfer slide bench and grab rail. The accessible fishing pier is located a short distance down a paved pathway. Additional accessible parking is also located near the accessible fishing pier. Visit www.howardcountymd.gov/rentals for more information.
The Adventure Shack is managed by the Adventure, Nature & Outdoor unit of the Howard County Department of Recreation & Parks. This unit offers programs and classes in target archery, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, rock climbing and more, including classes that partner with the Therapeutic Recreation and Accommodation Services team (see our section on Therapeutic Recreation) to provide wonderful outdoor experiences for all.
A great option for visitors with disabilities is the Friends & Family Adventures program. This option provides private lessons for families or small groups and includes all equipment and instruction. These programs are personalized to your experience and ability and planned around your schedule. For more information, visit www.tinyurl.com/FriendsandFamilyAdventures.
Adaptive Sports & Fitness
iCan Bike and iCan Swim
iCan Swim is a week-long program that teaches children with disabilities to swim independently and learn valuable water safety skills. The iCan Bike program teaches children, adolescents, and adults with disabilities to learn to ride a conventional two-wheel bicycle. Both of these programs are offered as summer camps. Look for the Howard County Recreation and Parks Summer Camp 2025 Guide for details. For additional information, please visit https://www.howardcountymd.gov/tr.
Yoga
Staff at the Yoga Center of Columbia are very accustomed to working with people with disabilities. Highly trained staff are able to support guests with movement and sensory disabilities, and visual disabilities.The center also offers free online classes for people with movement disorders, adaptive yoga for amputees, and sensory-friendly sessions in collaboration with the Howard County Autism Society. Visit their website for class schedules and details.
The building is accessible through the southwest entrance, with no stairs, and wheelchair friendly. Restrooms are accessible. Accessible parking spaces can be found in the paved parking lot.
