Greenbelt Lake Feels the Love

Even with the un-fall-like snow and sleet on Saturday, Greenbelt Lake had a few devotees—among them were walkers, a jogger, dogs, a bald eagle and a kayaker. On Sunday, the sun warmed things up and with temperatures in the 50s, the crowd returned.

Admirers share why they keep coming back to Greenbelt Lake

Bonnie and Gary, from Beltsville (formerly from Greenbelt): Six years ago, Gary proposed to Bonnie on a bench near the dam, so they call it their bench now. For 10 years, they've been coming back and walking around the lake, enjoying the view. And what a view. They've seen blue herons and have even deer.

Chris Flurer, from West Lanham: He has fished this lake since 1983. He loves fishing for trout and says he gets his limit of five trout a day, then he tries to catch sunfish. He may well be able to claim a spot as one of the best deaf anglers in Maryland, possibly in the country. But his lake enjoyment doesn't stop with fish, Flurer is also a birdwatcher and has seen all kinds of them on Greenbelt Lake, including owls, ducks and even a swan once. A brave wren likes to sit on the tip of his fishing rod. While talking Flurer kept an eye on two poles, as the trout he caught flopped around in a cage suspended in the lake, bearing witness to his fishing skills.

Darrell Ashe and Lynette Holcomb, from Hyattsville: Darrell grew up in Springhill Lake and has watched Chris Flurer fish on the lake for many years. This weekend was the first time he and Lynette brought their granddaughter, one-year-old Zaharra Holcomb, to the lake. They brought her to see the water and the ducks.

Pernille Levine, from College Park: He thinks it's a beautiful place to walk his dog and get some exercise. Even though he knows it's man-made, it doesn't feel man-made to him. Levine enjoys the seasons, as all having a charm of their own, but he particularly likes it when the leaves are changing colors.

Dan Zanin, from Greenbelt: He feels Greenbelt Lake is our treasured green space. He was at the lake with friends for a 20-year reunion, the friends included: Bill Rich, still in Greenbelt; Jon Pogorelskin—born and raised in Greenbelt, now living in Pacifica, California, his wife Vivian, and his daughters Olivia and Tessa; and Jim Baluch, now living in Norfolk, Virginia.

Stacey and Eric Mickens, from Greenbelt: They come to the lake often to walk with their children—1 year-old Elianni and 2-year-old Elijah. They like it because it's scenic, nice, quiet and close-by. While the children collect sticks and play, Stacey and Eric enjoy the changing leaves—and when the walk comes to an end, they reach the playground.

Jimmie Green, from Hyattsville: He likes the peacefulness of the lake and watching the leaves change colors. In the summer, he likes jogging there. Coming to the lake gets him out of the house and away from the TV. Mostly, it's the calmness that he enjoys—it takes him away from everything.

Eric Hays and Liz Melin, from Greenbelt:  They think the lake is one of the better features of being in Greenbelt. They used to come just on weekends, but now that they have Tabitha, who is 6 1/2-weeks old, they come everyday—to give her fresh air.