Historical Renaissance
With the formation of the Mountain Lake Park Historical Association and the full support of the Mayor and Town Council, Mountain Lake Park is undergoing a Renaissance of sorts. Several initiatives have contributed to a new wave of enthusiasm around the Park and its amenities. Leo Martin Memorial Park Stage, Splash Pad, and Pavilion saw extensive upgrades in the fall with additional sidewalks, live turf, and pavers around the stage and seating area. The Victorian Chautauqua Festival continues to be a hallmark event to kick off the summer, and The resurgence of the Tennis Club at the Historic Clay Courts now stays busy throughout the season. Anyone is welcome to play for a nominal fee. The Town Trolley, The new exhibition at the Ticket Office Museum, the installation of Pickel Ball Courts at Veteran’s Park, upgrades at Wooddell Park’s Basket Ball Courts, the formation of Mountain Lake Partners, and the relocation and restoration of Bethel Center have all been products of a collaborative effort between the town, MLPHA, and ambitious volunteers.
What’s coming up?
In cooperation with the Garrett County Health Department, Mountain Lake Partners brings more family fun events to the town. An outdoor family movie night with popcorn is scheduled for Friday, May 17th, at Veteran’s Park from 7:00-9:00 PM. In the event of bad weather, the screening will be moved to Mountain Lake Park Town Hall next to the tennis courts. On June 8th from 1:00-4:00 PM, the Splash Pad at Leo Martin Memorial Park will officially reopen, weather pending. A rain date is planned for June 9th. Free meals for the first 150 guests and plenty of games and prizes will be available.
The town has become abuzz with activity, particularly during the warm season. The first Garret County Pride Festival will unfold at Leo Martin Memorial Park on June 15. The coordinators are excited to promote equity and diversity while advocating for the LGBTQIA+ community residing in and visiting the county. The festival will include entertainment, music, food and refreshments, face painting, interactive projects, and multiple vendors and information booths. A Pride Bike event hosted by Tiny Corner Bike Shop will bookend the main afternoon event with a morning and after-party evening event. The nonprofit Garrett County Pride, Inc. organizes the festival.
On June 22, the Mountain Laurel Garden Club Victorian Garden Club Tours will showcase cottage gardens along G Street. This will be the first time the club has selected a single neighborhood for its tours. Traditionally, garden tours are scattered throughout the county with a variety of styles and ages of homes with accompanying gardens. With guests being invited to one location, the tours will focus on a particular residential garden era. The tours will include historical information about horticulture, varieties of plants, and general information about home gardens. The Ticket Office Museum will be open during the tours, and food trucks will offer lunch items.
Following the Garden Club Tours will be the Victorian Chautauqua Festival, a free, family-friendly event on July 6th and 7th. The weekend-long festival includes live historical portrayals, lectures, music, food, artisans row, and Vaudeville In The Street. A Model T and vintage car showcase will line G Street on Saturday, and horse-drawn carriage rides on Sunday. There is plenty for the kids to do at Kid-Tauquau, which has programming, workshops, face painting, make-and-take, and more, all geared toward youngsters. Trolley Tours of the registered Historic District will run throughout both days.
First floor space with a doorway view of the kitchen.
View of the first floor bathroom and stairs.
Second floor space spans the first floor.
The Latest Project.
The latest project is the remodel of the little white cottage, sitting on the corner of Leo Martin Memorial Park along G Street. Purchased by the town over a year ago, the humble dwelling will become a public-use building with a common space, two small rooms, kitchen, and bathroom. The second floor will be reserved for town business use. The history of the cottage can be found HERE. Centrally located in the Historic District, the cottage is the first building residents see as they turn into the Historic District. Dressing it up will make a good first impression while providing a place to congregate for special events.
The renovation is in the early stages and began by removing the original fireplace and chimney. This opened up the first floor, doubling the size of the main room. Once completed, the space will accommodate medium-sized meetings, gatherings, and indoor/outdoor functions for special events. Prior to the remodel, the cottage served as changing rooms for performers of the Victorian Chautauqua. Two small rooms in the back will continue to offer performers privacy.
Additional plans include installing permanent public restrooms centrally located in the park which will be convenient to the Splash Pad Pavilion and the outdoor stage. The restrooms will offer men’s, women’s, and family facilities, with the family bathroom handicap-accessible.
