We are Columbia Association

Columbia Association (CA) is a nonprofit community services organization dedicated to enhancing the health, wellness and quality of life of those who call Columbia, Maryland home. Founded in 1967 as part of James Rouse’s visionary plan, Columbia is a vibrant and thoughtfully designed community of approximately 100,000 residents created to be more than a place to live, but a place where people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities can thrive together.

CA’s mission is to engage our diverse community, cultivate a unique sense of place and enhance quality of life.

This mission guides everything CA does — from preserving open space and operating community facilities to providing programs and services that bring people together.

As stewards of the community, Columbia Association:

• Operates and maintains over 60 community facilities, including: 3 full-service fitness clubs, indoor pools and 23 outdoor pools, 5 tennis clubs, 2 golf courses, ice rink, art center, dog park, archives, sports park and skatepark, and a youth and teen center.
• Preserves natural spaces and pathways — nearly 3,600 acres of open space, three lakes, parks, play areas, and 95 miles of pathways for walking, biking and jogging.
• Offers programs, activities and services for all ages and interests — from health and fitness classes, arts and cultural events, childcare, camps, multicultural programs, volunteer opportunities and sustainability initiatives.
• Encourages community engagement and inclusion, striving to make all programs accessible regardless of age, income, ability or background, and fostering a sense of belonging throughout Columbia.

By nurturing a unique sense of place and offering opportunities for recreation, connection and growth, CA cultivates the dynamic, special community that Columbia is today — and will continue to be for generations to come.

Nestled between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., Columbia is made up of 10 distinct villages connected by wooded pathways and conveniently located near parks, lakes, pools, play areas and open space. With access to top-rated schools, walkable amenities, arts and entertainment experiences and a welcoming sense of community, Columbia blends convenience with a deep connection to neighbors and natural surroundings.

Columbia is nationally recognized for its cultural diversity, robust job market and family-centered quality of life. In recent years, Columbia has been named:

• #1 City for Women (WalletHub, 2026)
• #1 City for Home & Community Safety (WalletHub, 2024)
• #3 City for Job Seekers (WalletHub, 2025)
• #5 City to Raise a Family (Niche, 2025)
• #6 Best Place to Live (Money, 2023)
• #8 Safest Cities in America (WalletHub 2026)
• #16 Happiest Cities in America (WalletHub 2026)
• #1 Least Sinful City in America (WalletHub 2026)

Columbia also scored a perfect 100 score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality index scorecard in 2025.

At CA, we believe that community happens where people feel welcomed, engaged and empowered to participate. There are many ways to get involved with Columbia Association, including:  

• Partner or Volunteer: Explore the Engage page to see how to get involved in volunteerism, partnership and more. 
• Serve or Engage with the Board: CA’s Board of Directors representatives are elected by their respective villages. Village residents can play an active role in the Columbia community by running for their village board seat or sharing their voice at  board meetings. 
• Find a CA Contact: Looking to contact a specific department at CA? Explore CA contacts to direct your inquiries to the right team. If you’re not sure where to call, contact CA’s Customer Care team,. You can also send a message to the President’s Office.  
• Discover CA Tool: Explore all that CA has to offer in Columbia, from pools to playgrounds, to events and programming, through our online mapping tool. Use Discover CA to show nearby amenities in the community and take advantage of what’s going on right now.