Come For The Water Access, Stay Because Of The Neighbors In Cypress Creek

Those of us lucky enough to live in Severna Park know what a special place it is. Two gorgeous rivers and easy access to the Chesapeake Bay, walking distance to the well-maintained B&A Bike Trail, the library and Severna Park Marketplace, activities for the entire family, good schools...the list is seemingly endless. Though we can choose our home, our neighbors are like our family; we don’t get to pick them.

The Severna Park Voice caught up with three families who live in the coveted Cypress Creek neighborhood, families who all moved to the community because of the amenities, lot size or home style or some other tangible characteristic. Once these families moved into their new homes, they learned of the community parties; the midnight kayak excursions; get-togethers at the dock where residents can fish, swim or launch their kayak; and most importantly, the warmth of their neighbors.

The Cypress Improvement Association is made up of residents along the nearly mile-long Cypress Creek Drive between Richie Highway and a community pier at Cypress Creek. There are approximately 400 homes of all styles and ages. Homes range from original 1930s cottages to large colonial new constructions. Water access can be found at the Cypress Creek Road pier, Struble’s Marina and off Amoss Road.

Lori and Brian Powdrell
Residents for Six Years

Lori Powdrell and her husband met in Baltimore but wanted to move to the burbs before starting a family.

“We wanted a good school district, and we wanted to live on the water,” said Lori. “We loved the quaint Cypress Creek neighborhood, and the neighbors seemed incredibly friendly.”

The Powdrell family feels lucky to have a supportive community. “We can borrow tools or get a helping hand at any time, or even have someone watch our dog or kids if we needed. They are all helpful and considerate,” said Lori. “When our dog got hurt, all of the neighbors came out to help. One of the neighbors watched our son so I could focus on making sure our dog was OK, and then they took our son to their house while another neighbor drove me to the vet to have my dog checked out. I felt like the whole neighborhood took care of us that day.”

The oldest of the Powdrell children will start kindergarten at Folger McKinsey Elementary School in the fall, which is almost the same time as the family’s favorite community event.

“Our Halloween party is the biggest community event,” said Lori. “It is a lot of fun; we have it in an open field and the entire community comes together.”

Other family friendly community events include a summer ice cream social, a crab feast and impromptu kayak gatherings throughout the year.

Ron and Mandi Lowman
Lifetime Area Residents

Severna Park native Ron Lowman grew up in Chartwell, and he and his Cape St. Claire bride, Mandi, lived in Chartridge before choosing Cypress Creek just five years ago.

“We loved Chartridge, but we were looking for more outdoor space,” explained Ron. “We looked at quite a few properties in Severna Park before choosing Cypress Creek.”

Along with a much larger wooded yard, the Lowmans got quite a bit of wildlife, including a visiting hawk, foxes and an overly friendly Mallard duck family.

“We like the area because there really isn’t any traffic,” said Mandi. “My kids can walk to many places. It’s such a quiet neighborhood with really great neighbors.”

Ron said he especially appreciates the easy water access. The Lowmans do not own a boat now, but Ron said with the multiple easy water access points, including the community pier, he doesn’t need a boat to get out on the sparkling water.

“I’ve had buddies from Kent Island or other nearby places bring their boats to our pier to pick us up,” said Ron. “I don’t need a boat to get to The Point Crab House in Arnold or to the Chesapeake Bay when water access is so easy for our friends.”

Michael and Lorrie Horman
Residents for 25 Years

Michael and Lorrie Horman were not familiar with Severna Park when they moved to Cypress Creek 25 years ago, but they liked being near Annapolis and Baltimore and they liked the school system and the neighborhood’s proximity to stores, the library and their church, St. John the Evangelist.

As their family grew to four children, the Hormans came to appreciate the schools; all four of their children attended Folger McKinsey, Severna Park Middle and Severna Park High schools. They also liked the “blend of people from different aspects of life,” said Michael. “You will see some very old homes and some very new ones. Some of our neighbors have been here since the roads were dirt.”

The Hormans may have found their perfect neighborhood, but they certainly couldn’t have chosen better neighbors.

“Over the years, we have made a great number of good friends who have become like family to us,” said Michael. “We have also seen a great turn over families. It’s great seeing younger families coming in and bringing youth back into the community. Friends become like family. You live through the blessings of life, such as weddings, births, etc., and unfortunately, too, the sad times. Our neighbors have been there for each other throughout all times.”