The City of Westminster Recreation & Parks Department has canceled its Bumper Boat activities for the entire summer of 2026, citing voluntary water restrictions currently in effect across Carroll, Baltimore, Baltimore City, Howard, and Harford counties.
In a Facebook post, the department said the decision was difficult given the activity's popularity, but that conserving water was the priority. “While we're disappointed to cancel this popular activity, we believe it's important to do our part to conserve water,” stated the post.
The Maryland Department of the Environment has placed the region under a Drought Warning, one step below a Drought Emergency, following drier-than-normal conditions across Central Maryland. Under these warnings, residents and businesses are asked to voluntarily limit nonessential water use, including outdoor watering, car washing, and recreational water activities.
In place of the Bumper Boats, Recreation & Parks is launching a new Playground Pop-Up: Crafts & Popsicles series, rotating through five city parks throughout July. Each pop-up runs for two hours and is free and open to the public.
The schedule:
July 2 — City Park, 11 Longwell Ave | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
July 9 — King Park | 1:00 PM–3:00 PM
July 16 — Dutterer Park | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
July 23 — Charles Street Tot Lot | 1:00 PM–3:00 PM
July 30 — Tahoma Farm Park | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
For more information, follow the City of Westminster Recreation & Parks Department on Facebook.
Photo: from Playground Pop-Up: Crafts & Popsicles Facebook event page