Columbia Real Estate > Columbia Community Info

The Town Center of Columbia and all the villages have residential community associations. These independent, incorporated, non-profit civic associations are formed exclusively for the promotion of the common good and welfare of the residents and property owners. Each has similar but separate Articles of Incorporation, By-laws and Covenants. Each has its own community elected Board of Directors.

The community associations administer the village covenants, manage community buildings, advocate for their residents in all aspects of community life, and foster community participation on a grassroots level. Each community center has a unique design and "personality." Each center offers classes for everyone from tots to senior citizens and space to rent for meetings, parties and special events. The community associations also sponsor free seminars, political forums, fairs and holiday parties.

One of the highlights of the year is the annual Columbia Festival of the Arts. Each year the festival presents a brand new season of world-class events including gala performances, exhibitions, free concerts, family events and activities, master classes, workshops and community dialogues.

Columbia features four lakes that provide residents with recreational opportunities and a chance to relax and enjoy nature. Lake Kittamaqundi is a 27-acre man-made lake. It was named for the first recorded Indian settlement in Howard County. Centennial Lake in Centennial Park is surrounded by a beautiful park and a paved jogging path, tennis courts, canoes and paddle boats and a nearby children's playground. Lake Elkhorn in Owen Brown Village is a 37-acre lake located within a 23-acre park. The lake is stocked in the spring with trout and bass and features a pavilion for picnicking. Wilde Lake in Columbia's First Village is a 22-acre man-made lake. The site was originally a low-lying meadow covered with rough grass, with a small stream running through it.