We finally checked out that park near us that we found a few days ago, Echo Lake Park. Beyond appearing as a beautiful little hideaway, it has some history behind it as well. Originally, the lake helped power a mill until it was bought in 1909 by Jacob E. Lewis. Shortly after, it became a hot-spot community center for the black community in the area, remaining so until around the 1940s. It said on the sign at the front of the park that the name ‘Echo Lake’ was given to the park because your voice would echo if you called out over the water (which I am definitely going to try next time!)

It has a space playground too, otherwise the name on the equipment is misleading.. We were really confused by the majority of it, but there was a spinning thing that was the bee’s knees. I’m still not sure how you’re supposed to use over half of it, but I can’t wait to go back and find out!

After Jared tore me away from the playground we walked around the 12-acre lake. We spotted catfish, sunfish, and another fish that I can’t recall the name of. It’s all catch-and-release at this park for the next few years, I believe, since they depleted the fish population when they had to drain the lake back in 2008. The fish were actually the least interesting thing at the park today though…

When we were fixing to leave, we came across some Muscovy ducks getting it on! Most disturbing yet hilarious thing I’ve seen in a while, believe you me. The male looked like he was trying to drown the female, even biting her neck and pushing her head under water! Yikes. They’re not people-shy either! I walked by them to get a better photo and they started walking towards me. Not going to lie, I ran a little bit. Maybe a lot. Let’s just say I have had a bad experience with a bird before? All in all, most exciting waterfowl adventure to date!

Next time we go to the park I’m going to be prepared – Chucks, jeans, and my camera! Anyone else live right around the corner from a little hidden treasure like this place?

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