Columbia strives to be a community that welcomes diversity, respects the land and fosters the growth of individuals. To sustain that vision Columbia boasts a full complement of services. There is a vibrant town center featuring Lake Kittamaqundi, a promenade, restaurants, a mall with a variety of shops, department stores and a megaplex movie cinema. There are quality recreational and childcare services, schools that rank among the highest in the state, and acres of parks, lakes, ponds and wooded pathways.

Despite the breadth and variety of our services, what makes Columbia truly special is an ongoing commitment to the vision espoused by James Rouse, our founding father. As he stated, "By creating the image of the rational potential of a city, we generate the power to carry it forward. Without vision, there is no power." At the Columbia Association, we consider ourselves keepers of Columbia's vision. Our symbol, the People Tree, is a reminder that our job is to create a place where people can grow.

In support of this vision, the Columbia Association offers recreational, cultural and community services including a welcome center, an art center, a teen center, before and after school care, summer camps, free summer lakefront concerts, an archive, a volunteer center, an exchange program with our sister cities in France and Spain, three fitness clubs, a roller rink, an ice rink, a skateboard facility, two golf clubs, three tennis clubs, 23 outdoor swimming pools (including two Mini WaterParks), an indoor swim center with a waterslide and a SportsPark with miniature golf and batting cages. And that's just the short list!

In addition, CA maintains more than 3,500 acres of open space as a permanent asset for residents. Neighborhood amenities include lakes, parks, tot lots, basketball and tennis courts and more than 93.5 miles of walking, jogging and biking pathways.

I invite you to enjoy the pages of this website and see how CA's programs and services can benefit you. If ever you have a concern or a need, please email me to let me know what you are thinking so that I can help.

We are your community association. Together — with your input and commitment — we will keep Columbia the special community that James Rouse envisioned.