Park of the Month: Lake Whetstone Park

One of most well-known parks in Montgomery Village is the 37-acre Lake Whetstone Park. This park is easily seen from Montgomery Village Avenue entering and leaving Montgomery Village in the direction of Gaithersburg. The park’s most notable feature is its 27-acre lake for which the park is named. The lake was first designed as a recreational lake when it was built in 1967, however in the 1970s the lake’s designation changed to a storm water management pond by Montgomery County due to the storm water management benefits of the lake. The lake is part of the Great Seneca Creek Watershed and is fed by Whetstone Run on the southern end of the lake.

The park hosts a variety of activities for visitors of all ages. One of the most relaxing and popular activities is the Yoga on the Dock series during the summer months. These special yoga sessions on Saturday mornings take place on the dock and overlook scenic Lake Whetstone. Montgomery Village’s 2019 Boating Safety Day will take place on Saturday, June 8 at Lake Whetstone Boat Dock. During the event the US Coast Guard Auxiliary Division 054-24 will teach visitors about boating safety and boating tips. Also during the event, visitors will be able to try out their new skills with free boat rentals.

Fishing is a popular activity in this park during the warmer months. Fishing is allowed on Lake Whetstone; however, Maryland State Fishing Regulations are in effect for all MVF lakes and ponds. With this in mind, anyone over the age 16 is required to have a Maryland Fishing License in order to fish on Lake Whetstone.

From the beginning of May until the end of September boats may be rented on weekends by both residents and non-residents. The boats currently available for rental include: paddleboats, kayaks, canoes and rowboats. In addition, residents are able to purchase an annual sticker ($10) allowing them to use a private boat on the lake. Stickers can be purchased at the MVF Office, 10120 Apple Ridge Road, or at the dock during weekend operating hours. There are also boat storage racks available for rental on a first-come, first-served basis. Storage racks may be rented by calling the MVF Office at 301-948-0110.

In addition, to all the water-related activities that can be enjoyed at Lake Whetstone, there are a variety of activities for those who prefer to keep their feet dry. Montgomery Village’s only sand volleyball court can be found at Lake Whetstone Park, next to the large picnicking area. Lake Whetstone Park has approximately one mile of paved walking path that runs from Montgomery Village Avenue, near the Village Center, to MidCounty Highway near the Horizon Run Condominiums. Along the walking path visitors can rest and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature at the many benches, or at the Kettler Brothers Memorial, which features a stone sitting area.

As part of the Montgomery Village’s 50th Anniversary, a natural-themed play area was installed at Lake Whetstone. This new play area features elements that are made to look like natural rocks and logs, as well as a few old friends—the concrete dolphin and turtle— which have made Lake Whetstone Park their home for many years.

The park is a great place to spend some time enjoying the water, the natural surroundings, observing wildlife or just a nice place to enjoy lunch!