Spring sunshine inspires residents to visit area lake

Spring has arrived and people are returning to lakes in Cass County, especially the Cass County Park With a View.

This park is level with Wright Patman Lake, and the view and peacefulness are spectacular.

Boaters can park their craft along the bank and step ashore. Fishing enthusiasts can sit in reclining chairs and cast their lines into the lake. Daybreaks and sunsets are inspiring. Nighttime stars and the moon are enchanting.

The park is especially welcoming at this time because, after severe flooding that put the park underwater, its sites are now open, clear and clean.

In a new convenience move, park officials say the public can call in advance and reserve a spot for up to 30 days. No more driving up with hope of finding an opening. And nearly every one of the the hook-up sites will be of the modern 50-amp variety.

A new restroom building, a covered assembly shed, freshly painted ground fixtures and play equipment— all accomplished by volunteers—will welcome the visitor.

The park is still a little hard to find because it requires descending through old woods to get to the level of the lake. But it is, as the saying goes, worth it.

The telephone number is 903-796-9254. The hosts are Aderice Sinyard and Jesse Deese.

Expect to hear of some fundraising activities for the park in June, officials say.

Here are some spring views of the lake and park last Saturday.

Staff photos by Neil Abeles ■ There’s a place for everyone along the shores and in the parks of Wright Patman Lake. Here a bicycle rider joins people who are boating and fishing.

■ William Martin of Atlanta, Texas, said the weather is good and the lake is beautiful, but he wishes the fish were biting just a little better. He has one in the basket.■ The sparkles of sunlight reflecting in the waters of Wright Patman Lake are among the broad lake’s charms.

■ Jason Matlock seems able to walk right into Wright Patman Lake from the shore of Cass County Park.

■ Even in daylight, the moon in the sky and the budding of trees seem connected to each other in Cass County parks.

■ The sign for Cass County’s Park with a View is appropriately welcoming.