by Mike Conroy
Now that summer is in full swing, there’s plenty of time to spend outdoors before or after work, on the weekends or while taking a much needed vacation day with your family.
Montgomery Village has no shortage of close-by attractions. There are, of course, amusement parks, national museums, historical landmarks, thousands of restaurants, shopping opportunities and countless other things to do within a short driving distance. But what about things to do right here in Montgomery Village—where instead of spending money on gas, you could walk or bike to a park or pool, tennis court or event, and enjoy a day out in your own community?
There are seven MVF-owned community pools for you to enjoy, either solo or with family and friends. All pools are open to residents with a valid activity card—there’s no restriction as to which pool you can visit; try a new one every day! The newly renovated Apple Ridge Pool has plenty of fun features for kids of all ages, including a body slide, a double slide, spray ground, current channel, dumping buckets, in-water sun shelf lounging area, underwater bench with cool water jets, an island pool deck and much more. Apartment and condominium residents also have use of their own community pools.
Or try Coffee-to-Go (early morning lap swimming) at Hurley Park Pool before or after a jog or bike ride along some of the trails throughout the Village; it’s a good way to see how the Village “wakes up.” If you’re looking for a little more action before you jump in the pool, check out one of the tennis or basketball courts and challenge friends neighbors or other residents to a friendly game.
Need a bigger challenge? Check out The Amazing Race pool challenge! This fun activity styled after the popular television show has participants visit MVF pools and complete swimming tasks and trivia, competing against other individuals in the Village. Finish the game and claim a sweet prize—get the details from any pool manager!
You can easily reconnect with nature around one of the Village’s lakes. Put a picnic lunch together and head on down to Lake Whetstone. Take a long walk around the lake and through the woods on the path, and end up back at the park area for your lunch. Make use of the new climbing features or rent a paddle boat or canoe in the afternoon and finish the day with a little fishing along the shore. In fact, you can make a day of visiting Lake Whetstone, North Creek Lake and Lake Marion—don’t forget your camera, there’s plenty of unique and photogenic wildlife who call the Village home, too!
Or spend an evening at a free concert to help you relax. Every Sunday evening through July 30 features a different genre of music. Bring a chair or blanket and a dinner or your favorite snacks to Bowie Music Pavilion and listen to some great bands as the sun goes down. Join us at 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 4 for a special showing of Disney’s “Moana” on the lawn under the stars. Bring some snacks and relax!
Also at the music pavilion are the Wednesday morning KidJam programs. Bring the kids to the pavilion at 10:30 a.m. for a great variety of fun and entertainment. Check out the petting zoo, comedy and music for your youngsters.
If you’re looking for another weekend treat, check out the MV Farmers’ Market every Saturday morning through Oct. 28. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. you can find fresh local produce, products and goods in the Christ the Servant Lutheran Church parking lot, 9801 Centerway Road. Check out market specials and winery visits online at www.mvfarmersmarket.com.
There’s plenty more to enjoy around the Village, or ways to create your own fun and memories. To learn more about what you can find, or for information about specific events or activities, visit www.montgomeryvillage.com.