Ilchester Park – Ellicott City, Maryland
Client: Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks
Design Firm: RK&K
Design Duration: March 2024 – January 2025
Estimated Construction Cost: $5.2M
Design Contract Value: $443K
Project Overview
Ilchester Park is a transformative redevelopment project that reimagines a former Girl Scout campground into a vibrant, accessible public park. Located in Ellicott City, Maryland, the project was commissioned by Howard County Recreation and Parks and designed by RK&K with a strong emphasis on environmental preservation, community connectivity, and phased infrastructure planning.
The park design reflects a thoughtful balance between preserving the site's mature forest canopy and introducing modern amenities that support public use, safety, and long-term growth. The site’s natural character was maintained through strategic layout decisions informed by a comprehensive Natural Resource Inventory and Forest Stand Delineation.
Design Scope and Features
RK&K’s civil engineering scope included:
Topographic and utility surveys
Traffic analysis and APFO compliance
Stormwater management and grading
Utility layout and future-ready infrastructure
Key features of the design include:
Green Infrastructure:
Focal point rain gardens for water quality
Underground R-tank systems for stormwater quantity control
Permeable pavers to promote infiltration and reduce runoff
Accessibility and Circulation:
ADA-compliant sidewalks and trails
Parking areas for passenger vehicles, school buses, and emergency vehicles
Utility-ready pads for future pavilions and restrooms
Community Connectivity:
A crosswalk across Ilchester Road connects the park to Ilchester Elementary and Bonnie Branch Middle School, enabling safe pedestrian access and shared programming opportunities.
Client Objectives and Phased Implementation
The design was tailored to meet Howard County’s phased funding strategy. RK&K incorporated utility stub-outs and stormwater infrastructure in the initial phase to support future vertical structures without requiring rework. This forward-thinking approach ensures cost-effective expansion and protects early investments.
Collaborative site optimization workshops allowed the team to evaluate multiple layout scenarios in real time, prioritizing critical infrastructure while deferring non-essential elements. The result is a park that meets immediate public access needs and lays the groundwork for future enhancements.
Design Challenges and Solutions
Forest Preservation:
The heavily wooded site required careful planning to minimize tree removal. RK&K used detailed tree surveys and interactive design tools to shift alignments and reduce the project footprint, preserving specimen trees and sensitive areas.
Stormwater Management in a Sensitive Environment:
The site’s topography and ecological context demanded a minimally invasive approach. RK&K’s integrated stormwater systems were sited to avoid steep slopes and coordinated with future development plans to ensure long-term functionality.
Alignment with County CIP Goals
Ilchester Park supports Howard County’s Capital Improvement Program by delivering sustainable public infrastructure that enhances environmental stewardship, community access, and long-term value. The design reflects the County’s commitment to cost-effective, phased development and resilient green infrastructure.