Lake Shore Thrives In The Heart Of The ‘Dena

By Judy Tacyn

Drive along Woods Road from Magothy Bridge to Mountain Road and you will be struck by the sky-high maple and oak trees that shield homes and sprawling yards. Small ponds attract wildlife of all kinds, making this small community feel far more rural than it is.

Almost at the midpoint of Woods Roads is one of Anne Arundel County’s most popular parks, the Lake Shore Athletic Complex. The site has 12 baseball diamonds, four multipurpose fields, two basketball courts, a paved walking trail, an equestrian trail and playground equipment. The area falls under the Department of Natural Resources’ Program Open Space, which means the land is dedicated to public recreational use. Thousands of children and adults are enrolled in the various Lake Shore athletic programs, while many more use the grounds for gatherings, walking, biking or other recreational activities.

Although individual properties are large, the community does come together for monthly meetings, holiday events, community yard sales, and, of course, sporting events. The community utilizes the public areas, as well as a beach and boat ramp.

The Lake Shore community has easy access to both Mountain and Fort Smallwood roads, so no matter where in Pasadena or throughout the county residents may need to travel, the fastest route requires just a turn left or turn right. Residents are just moments away from all of the shopping and dining options Pasadena has to offer.

Shay Phelps
Resident for Three Years

Shay Phelps’ in-laws have lived their entire lives in Lake Shore, so when it was time for Phelps to settle down with her husband, the couple considered the schools, the water access, the sports activities for kids, and, of course, proximity to family. The choice to continue the Lake Shore tradition was obvious.

“Lake Shore is unique because it has such a small-town homey feel to it, which is something I enjoy,” Phelps said. “I grew up in a smaller town and it is comforting to feel home.”

Now that she has children, Phelps loves Lake Shore Elementary School. “The school has great events, they are great with children and their teaching techniques have had a huge impact on my son’s education,” she added.

Phelps loves Lake Shore so much that she routinely recommends the area to friends considering a move.

“Pasadena is special because it’s a large yet close-knit community where everyone knows everyone,” she said. “You will always have a helping hand one way or another. Someone will always step up to the plate or knows someone who can fix it. Also, the crime rate is low, the schools are great and the community activities are widespread.”

Phelps and her husband both volunteer at Lake Shore Elementary School and through Lake Shore Baseball.

Sharon Ambrose                          
Resident for 19 Years

“We had family and friends living in Pasadena and were impressed with the reputation of the community and schools,” said Sharon Ambrose. “Then there were few homes available for sale. When one became available, large enough to accommodate our family, we jumped on it.”

Over the years, more than a dozen Ambrose children and grandchildren have taken advantage of the parks, playgrounds and Lake Shore Elementary School.

“Lake Shore is such a family-friendly, water-oriented community with so much to do, from parks, playgrounds, boating, fishing, camping and much more,” Sharon said. “Pasadena is home to us now. Pasadena is where our now adult children formed friendships through school and sports. Pasadena is where they found their significant others and where they have chosen to raise their own families.”

As for their neighbors, Sharon said she’s met many great families.

“When we get snow, neighbors tend to come out and help clear paths or plow our street,” she added. “We had a few community events where neighbors would meet at the park just to get to know one another and share their favorite dish.”

Sharon’s husband, Wayne Ambrose Sr., spent many years coaching for Panthers Football and also a few years coaching basketball. Her sons, Wayne Jr. and Dustin, followed in their father’s footsteps by coaching football and wrestling. Sharon and Wayne’s daughter, Lyndsay, coached young cheerleaders. And, for about nine years, the Ambrose family managed the community playground in Chelsea Beach, where they planted flowers, held community cleanups and hosted holiday parties.

Kelly Fleshman
Resident for 17 Years

“We wanted to live in a community that was near the water, as we had a boat at the time,” Kelly Fleshman said. “Pasadena was our choice, and it turned out to be a wonderful decision. We hope that when our children are older, they stay in the area.”

Fleshman and her husband wanted to live in the Chesapeake school district to ensure their children received a good education, and be in a community that had strong youth organizations. Naturally, Lake Shore fit the bill. “Lake Shore had everything we were looking for!” she exclaimed. Fleshman also likes that Pasadena is a peninsula and that the community is safe.

Her family is heavily involved in local youth athletics, most notably the annual Lake Shore Youth Baseball Opening Day parade and the annual Panthers Athletic Club homecoming celebration.

The active family appreciates the multiple parks, local beaches, sports fields, lakes and ponds for fishing, the Y, and, she said, “Honestly, just about any activity and resource is available and close by. It truly is the perfect place to raise a family.”

Fleshman said she doesn’t have neighbors in close proximity, however, her extended Lake Shore Baseball family has pulled together to help others in need.

Fleshman’s husband is a Lake Shore Youth Baseball coach. Her oldest son just joined the Chesapeake Bay Middle School National Junior Honor Society, and both children are active in multiple sports organizations such as Lake Shore Baseball, Panthers Football, Pasadena Soccer and Lake Shore Basketball.

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