​Every day, many families, joggers, bike riders, and nature lovers visit beautiful Lake Elkhorn in Columbia, Maryland. From dawn until dusk, it is a vibrant hub for our community.

​But there is a disgusting, hidden crisis happening right in our park.

​The Lake Elkhorn Pavilion houses the only public restroom facility around the lake. Yet, the Columbia Association keeps it locked virtually all the time, with only a small window of open hours that aren't even posted. Because visitors have nowhere to go, local residents have spent the last several years finding human waste, wipes, and hygiene products littered around the outside of the facility. Several neighbors have even witnessed people relieving themselves in public.

​This isn't just an issue of public indecency—it is a serious biohazard and health concern for everyone walking the trails, for our children playing nearby, and for the delicate ecosystem of Lake Elkhorn itself.

This crisis is magnified for parents and young children. On the exact opposite side of the lake sits the popular Lake Elkhorn playground. There are no public restrooms there at all. When a child suddenly needs a restroom, parents either embark on a frantic walk halfway around the lake often to only find the pavilion locked, cut their park trip short and head home, or possibly leverage a commercial location (such as McDonald's, or Giant) across Cradlerock Way. All this when a public bathroom should just be available on site. 

A premier community space like Lake Elkhorn should support families, not force parents to navigate a public sanitation gamble just to let their kids play outside.

​The Solution is Simple and Affordable

​Up until now, the Columbia Association's only response has been sending someone out to occasionally clean up the waste. This is a band-aid on a gaping wound.

​The Columbia Association has cited fears of vandalism as the reason for keeping the doors locked. We understand that concern, but locking the community out is not the answer. We are calling on the Columbia Association to implement the same common-sense solutions used successfully by Howard County Parks and Rec:

• ​Install outdoor security cameras to deter bad behavior and identify vandals.
• Utilize anti-vandalism products and materials inside the facility.
• ​Open the restrooms daily from dawn to dusk, aligning with park hours.
• Consider the addition of porta potties at the playground area for families. 

​As a community, we would much rather see a small recurring budget allocated for building upkeep and security, or even porta potties than continue to leave our community members with no where to go.

​Restoring the Pavilion to the Community

​Opening the pavilion isn't just about solving a sanitation crisis, it’s about reclaiming a wonderful community asset. By simply opening the existing facility daily, the Columbia Association can give us back:

• ​The beautiful upper seating area to watch the sunrise, meet for lunch, or play games.
• ​A vibrant space for community crafting and socializing.
• ​A fantastic outdoor remote work station by utilizing the public Wi-Fi options available in the county.

​Why Your Sign Matter:

​We deserve a park that is safe, clean, and accessible. It is a simple ask that does not require a massive budget, but it will dramatically improve the quality of life for every single person who visits Lake Elkhorn.

​Sign this petition today to demand that the Columbia Association open the Lake Elkhorn Pavilion restrooms from dawn to dusk. Let’s protect our health, our lake, and our community’s dignity!