Gary J. Arthur Community Center: Hours, Admission, Activities & Rentals
Gary J. Arthur Community Center is a Howard County recreation and community facility at 2400 Route 97, Cooksville, MD 21723, within Western Regional Park.
The center serves western Howard County, including Cooksville, Glenwood and surrounding communities. It combines indoor basketball, a walking track, fitness facilities, youth and adult recreation programs, meeting rooms and a 50+ activity center.
Visitors can purchase daily admission, join through several membership plans, register for programs or reserve approved event spaces. The appropriate fee depends on how you plan to use the building.
Information reviewed October 20, 2026. Membership prices, programs and rental availability can change. Always verify a specific activity before traveling.
Gary J. Arthur Community Center Opening Hours
Howard County Recreation & Parks publishes the following standard schedule.
| Day | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 7:00 AM–9:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 7:00 AM–9:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 7:00 AM–9:00 PM |
| Thursday | 7:00 AM–9:00 PM |
| Friday | 7:00 AM–9:00 PM |
| Saturday | 7:00 AM–9:00 PM |
| Sunday | 9:00 AM–6:00 PM |
Holiday Closures
The official facility page lists closures on:
- New Year’s Day, January 1.
- Easter Sunday.
- Memorial Day.
- Independence Day, July 4, except for specially announced programming or access.
- Labor Day.
- Thanksgiving Day and the following Friday.
- Christmas Day, December 25.
On December 24 and December 31, the center normally closes at 5 PM.
Inclement Weather
Howard County adjusts facility operations based on school delays and snow emergencies.
| Weather Situation | Center Response |
|---|---|
| One-hour school delay | Center opens at approximately 9:30 AM. |
| Two-hour school delay | Center opens at approximately 10:30 AM. |
| Schools closed for weather | County aims to open the center at approximately 10:30 AM when conditions permit. |
| Howard County snow emergency plan active | Center closes while the emergency plan is in effect. |
Weather status line: 410-313-4452, option 1.
Daily Admission: How Much Does Entry Cost?
Visitors without an applicable membership or program registration generally pay daily admission to enter the community center.
Howard County requires visitors to check in at the front desk. Nonmembers and daily drop-in users must present photo identification.
Important Building Rules
- Every visitor must report to the front desk upon arrival.
- Drop-in users and nonmembers need photo identification.
- Children ages 15 and younger must be accompanied by an adult, except during permitted Teen Zone activities.
- Unauthorized food or drinks are not allowed in restricted areas.
- Glass containers, smoking and prohibited substances are not permitted.
- Gym and fitness activities must follow applicable staff instructions.
- Locker locks must be removed after use; lockers are not intended as permanent storage.
Community Center Membership Prices
Howard County offers a basic annual Center Membership that provides access to the gymnasium and indoor walking track at Gary J. Arthur, Roger Carter and North Laurel Community Centers.
Basic Center Membership
| Membership | County Resident | Nonresident |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Center Membership, ages 3+ | $40 | $60 |
This membership does not provide the same fitness-room and pool benefits as a Fit4U or Go50+ package.
Fit4U Membership: Ages 3–12
| Duration | Resident | Nonresident |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month | $20 | $25 |
| 3 months | $45 | $55 |
| 6 months | $70 | $90 |
| 12 months | $105 | $130 |
For ages 3–12, permitted benefits include pool, gymnasium and walking-track use, with required adult supervision.
Fit4U Membership: Ages 13–49
| Duration | Resident | Nonresident |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month | $50 | $65 |
| 3 months | $130 | $170 |
| 6 months | $225 | $280 |
| 12 months | $375 | $450 |
Fit4U expands access to eligible fitness and aerobics rooms, gym activities and the swimming pools at Roger Carter and North Laurel Community Centers.
Members aged 13–15 require a fitness orientation and adult supervision under county rules, except during applicable Teen Zone arrangements.
Go50+ Memberships for Adults Age 50 and Older
Gary J. Arthur Community Center houses the Glenwood 50+ Center, part of Howard County’s broader network of services for older adults.
| Go50+ Option | Resident | Nonresident |
|---|---|---|
| 50+ Centers Membership | Free | Free |
| Go50+ Fitness, annual | $89 | $125 |
| Go50+ Pool, annual | $210 | $270 |
What Each Level Includes
Access to participating 50+ centers and eligible game rooms, gymnasiums, walking tracks and wellness programs.
Free-tier benefits plus eligible fitness rooms and aerobics or dance areas across participating community and 50+ centers.
Fitness-tier benefits plus swimming access at eligible Howard County community-center pools during open swim hours.
How to Buy a Membership or Visit for the First Time
Decide whether you need one-day access, basic gym/track membership, Fit4U fitness privileges, or a Go50+ package.
Howard County residents and nonresidents pay different membership rates. Ask which address verification documents are accepted.
Photo ID is required for drop-in users and nonmembers. Bring supporting documents when requested for registration.
Go to Gary J. Arthur Community Center at 2400 Route 97, Cooksville.
Purchase daily admission or the desired membership through the authorized Howard County process.
Confirm whether your pass covers gym courts, track, fitness room or activities at other participating centers.
Follow the center’s required entry and identification procedures.
Sports, Fitness & Recreation Facilities
Gary J. Arthur Community Center has a variety of indoor spaces used for general recreation, classes and organized activities.
Basketball Courts
Two indoor basketball courts, used for open recreation, scheduled programs and approved court rentals.
Indoor Walking Track
An indoor walking space suitable for exercise independent of outdoor weather.
Fitness Room
Cardiovascular and strength-training equipment, with access dependent on appropriate membership benefits.
Volleyball
Scheduled adult drop-in volleyball and other gym-based programs.
Pickleball
Pickleball nets and court setups are among the listed amenities. Verify the current play schedule.
Dance & Aerobics
Space for movement, fitness, dance and instructor-led recreation classes.
Table Tennis
Ping-pong tables for recreation during available periods.
Preschool & Activity Rooms
Rooms used for children’s activities, arts, classes and educational programming.
Outdoor Recreation Nearby
Direct proximity to Western Regional Park and its outdoor recreation facilities.
Basketball, Volleyball & Family Fun Night
The official facility page lists these regular drop-in activities.
| Program | Published Schedule |
|---|---|
| Drop-in Basketball, ages 16+ | Monday, 7–9 PM |
| Drop-in Volleyball, ages 16+ | Wednesday, 7–9 PM |
| Family Fun Night, all ages | Friday, 5:30–7 PM |
Preparing for Drop-In Sports
- Call 410-313-4840 before leaving home.
- Confirm the sport is scheduled for that day.
- Ask whether daily admission or a particular membership is required.
- Bring athletic clothing and appropriate indoor shoes.
- Ask about equipment, skill-level requirements and participation capacity.
- Arrive early enough to complete front-desk check-in.
Classes, Children’s Programs & Glenwood 50+ Activities
Howard County Recreation & Parks uses Gary J. Arthur for programs covering a wide range of ages and interests.
Youth & Preschool Activities
Preschool classrooms, creative activities, introductory recreation and seasonal children’s programs.
Sports & Movement
Basketball, volleyball, fitness, dance and other scheduled sports or exercise classes.
Arts & Enrichment
Drawing, painting, crafts, workshops and educational programming when listed in the activity catalog.
Glenwood 50+ Center
Wellness, social programs, lifelong learning, arts, community services and activities for older residents.
The exact class lineup changes by season. Some programs require online registration and an additional fee, while activities connected with the free 50+ Center membership may have different participation rules.
How to Find an Upcoming Class
Use the County’s official program or activity registration pages.
Look for Gary J. Arthur Community Center, Cooksville or Glenwood in the location filters.
Review programs for children, teens, adults, families or older adults.
Check the exact schedule, fees, eligibility, instructor, remaining spaces and required equipment.
Use the authorized county registration system and keep your confirmation.
Gary J. Arthur Community Center Room Rentals
Gary J. Arthur Community Center has meeting rooms, multipurpose spaces, a kitchen and gym courts available through the county’s facility-rental process.
Tables and chairs are included with rentals and arranged according to the approved setup.
Official Hourly Rental Rates
| Space | Capacity | Resident | Nonresident | Nonprofit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Friendship Room | 50 | $70 | $80 | $60 |
| Multipurpose Room | 40 each | $60 | $70 | $50 |
| Dayton or Patapsco Room | 40 each | $60 | $70 | $50 |
| Haymeadow Room | 20 | $50 | $60 | $40 |
| Kitchen | Not applicable | $40 | $50 | $30 |
| Gym, per court | Ask staff | $90 | $100 | $80 |
Side parking lot: the official county rate is $500 for Howard County residents, $600 for nonresidents or $400 for qualifying nonprofits for a six-hour rental period.
How to Reserve an Event Room or Gym Court
Compare the published capacity and hourly fee for meeting rooms, multipurpose spaces, kitchen use or gym courts.
Have your event type, preferred date, attendance, start and end times, setup requirements and organizer contact information ready.
Call Gary J. Arthur Community Center at 410-313-4840 to ask whether the desired space can be booked.
Ask about deposits, cleanup, catering, decorations, event insurance, alcohol restrictions and permitted use of the room.
Use the rental request form linked through the county facility page or rental directory.
Confirm the applicable resident, nonresident or nonprofit pricing and any additional charges.
Follow the County’s reservation instructions and keep written approval before making event commitments.
Follow approved setup and cleanup procedures, building rules and staff instructions.
Depending on the event, special permits, additional approvals or equipment restrictions may apply. A submitted request is not the same as a confirmed reservation.
20th Anniversary Open House: November 7, 2026
Howard County has announced a 20th Anniversary Open House celebrating Gary J. Arthur Community Center.
Planned Activities
- Community center tours.
- Membership information and promotions.
- Rental information.
- Fitness and recreation demonstrations.
- Arts displays and creative activities.
- Children’s crafts.
- 50+ Center service information.
- Anniversary cupcakes and community celebration.
Special Membership Promotion
Howard County advertises a $20 new Center Membership promotion during the open house, plus a special $2 fitness-room drop-in rate during the event.
There are also announced promotional drawings connected with visits on November 6 and 7. Participation rules and age restrictions apply.
Western Regional Park & Nearby Facilities
Gary J. Arthur Community Center is situated within Western Regional Park, giving visitors access to a larger recreation destination rather than a standalone indoor gym.
Outdoor activities in the broader park area may include athletic fields, trails, playgrounds and other county recreation amenities.
The community center is also adjacent to the western regional library area, making the site convenient for families combining recreation with other activities.
Planning a Family Visit
- Check the indoor center’s activity schedule first.
- Confirm whether outdoor facilities require a separate reservation.
- Bring appropriate clothing for both indoor and outdoor activities.
- Check weather conditions before planning an extended park visit.
- For organized sports teams, ask about field and gym booking procedures.
- Use the appropriate park or building entrance for your destination.
Outdoor recreation spaces may have different operating rules from the community center.
Location, Parking & Driving Directions
Gary J. Arthur Community Center
2400 Route 97
Cooksville, MD 21723
Main phone: 410-313-4840
Fax: 410-313-4846
Weather information: 410-313-4452, option 1.
Parking & Accessibility
The center is located within the Western Regional Park complex. Ask staff about the most convenient parking area and entrance for your activity, especially if attending a large tournament or rental event.
The County welcomes participants with disabilities in Recreation & Parks programs. Contact the facility or registration staff before an event if you need accessible equipment, entry assistance or a program accommodation.
Other Howard County Community Centers
Memberships at Gary J. Arthur may also provide access to other Howard County community centers, depending on the membership type.
Roger Carter Community Center
3000 Milltowne Drive
Ellicott City, MD 21043
Provides community recreation and an indoor swimming pool. The pool is included in eligible Fit4U and Go50+ packages.
Official Roger Carter DetailsNorth Laurel Community Center
9411 Whiskey Bottom Road
Laurel, MD 20723
Offers recreation, fitness and aquatics opportunities with its own hours and activity schedule.
Official North Laurel DetailsA shared membership does not mean every activity is available at all three centers. Check pool hours, registration requirements, fitness access and local schedules before traveling.
Before You Visit: Quick Checklist
- Confirm that you are going to 2400 Route 97 in Cooksville.
- Check the center’s operating hours and holiday changes.
- Bring photo identification if using drop-in admission.
- Choose daily admission or the correct membership tier.
- Remember the adult supervision rule for children ages 15 and under.
- Call ahead to confirm basketball, volleyball or pickleball availability.
- Ask which fitness areas your membership includes.
- For rentals, verify room capacity, fees and written approval.
- Check winter-weather announcements before traveling.
- Confirm accessibility arrangements when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is Gary J. Arthur Community Center located?
Gary J. Arthur Community Center is at 2400 Route 97, Cooksville, MD 21723, within Western Regional Park in western Howard County.
2. What are Gary J. Arthur Community Center hours?
The center’s regular hours are Monday through Saturday, 7 AM–9 PM, and Sunday, 9 AM–6 PM. Holidays and inclement weather may affect the schedule.
3. What is the Gary J. Arthur Community Center phone number?
Call 410-313-4840 for general information, memberships, gym schedules, programs and rentals. For weather-related closure information, call 410-313-4452, option 1.
4. How much is daily admission?
Daily admission is $7 for visitors ages 3 and older. Children ages 2 and younger are admitted free. Members and registered program participants follow their applicable access rules.
5. How much does a basic community center membership cost?
The annual basic Center Membership costs $40 for Howard County residents and $60 for nonresidents. It includes access to the gymnasium and walking track at participating county community centers.
6. Does Gary J. Arthur Community Center have a gym and walking track?
Yes. The facility has a gymnasium with two basketball courts and an indoor walking track. It also offers a fitness room, activity rooms and multipurpose spaces.
7. Does Gary J. Arthur Community Center have a pool?
No on-site swimming pool is advertised for Gary J. Arthur. Certain Fit4U and Go50+ memberships include swimming at the separate Roger Carter and North Laurel Community Centers.
8. When are drop-in basketball and volleyball offered?
The published schedule lists basketball for ages 16 and older on Mondays from 7–9 PM and volleyball for ages 16 and older on Wednesdays from 7–9 PM. Call ahead to confirm current availability.
9. How much does it cost to rent a room?
For Howard County residents, published hourly rates include $50 for the Haymeadow Room, $60 for a multipurpose room, and $70 for the West Friendship Room. Nonresident and nonprofit rates differ, and additional requirements may apply.
10. Does the center offer programs for adults over 50?
Yes. Gary J. Arthur houses the Glenwood 50+ Center. The free 50+ Centers membership includes eligible social, wellness and recreation opportunities, with paid Go50+ fitness and pool options available.
Official Sources & Visitor Resources
- Gary J. Arthur Community Center — Hours, Rules, Memberships & Rentals
- Howard County Facilities & Membership Comparison
- Official County Facility Rental Forms
- Recreation & Parks Programs and Registration
- November 7, 2026 Anniversary Open House
- Roger Carter Community Center
- North Laurel Community Center
Independent visitor guide. Howard County Recreation & Parks operates the facility and manages all admissions, classes, memberships and reservations. Verify availability and fees before making travel or booking arrangements.