Severn Heights Is A Tiny Hidden Gem On The Severn River

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By Judy Tacyn

Severn Heights is relatively small, and perhaps not as well-known as other neighborhoods in Severna Park. The community sits on Ringgold Cove, which faces Round Bay on the Severn River. It has great water views of the widest part of the Severn, providing lovely sunsets year-round. The only access is via Rio Lane, off Hillcrest and Old County roads.

Residents actively address water quality through projects that have included the removal of phragmites along the shoreline and replacing them with native plants and grasses. A clogged stormwater pipe was replaced with a bioswale to slow drainage to allow native plants to soak up nutrients before the water reaches the river. Severn Heights residents are also helping Maryland oyster restoration efforts.

In April, Severn Heights residents hold a sock burning party, an Annapolis tradition where watermen would wear the same socks all winter, then burn them in the spring. Get-togethers for holidays and spur-of-the-moment potlucks are always on the agenda.

The tranquil beach has a tot lot, a volleyball net, a barbecue pit, and a sandy area with plenty of room to relax and watch the Severn River. A dock has boat slips and spaces for kayaks and paddleboards.

Jeanine Woods
Resident for Nearly Three Years

Jeanine Woods left Minnesota, “the land of 10,000 lakes,” and knew she wanted water access for her family after her husband took a job in Baltimore.

“While we were researching towns in Baltimore County, my husband’s co-worker suggested Severna Park,” said Woods. “As we were trying to decide between [Severn Heights and a neighborhood] in Lutherville, our realtor suggested we walk down to the beach. When we saw it, I knew this was the neighborhood for us, where my children could continue to grow up close to water and all the fun that brings.”

Woods loves the fact that Severn Heights is a small community with lots of privacy. “We like to think that our beach has the prettiest view in Severna Park,” she added.

As a parent of young children, Woods appreciates Jones Elementary School.

“It’s a small school, and we love it. It is like an extended family, where everyone knows everyone else,” said Woods. “Jones has a rich history in Severna Park, recently celebrating the current school building’s 60th anniversary. Jones has always been a community school and it shows.”

As for Severna Park, Woods believes the town’s uniqueness comes from distinct neighborhoods.

“Everyone takes pride in their own special piece of ‘The Park,’” she added. “The boating culture, access to the Baltimore-Annapolis bike trail, and proximity to major cities makes living here like living in a resort town.

“We love that our neighborhood is a mixture of longtime residents and newcomers. Everyone is kind and welcoming,” Woods added. “We feel comfortable telling our kids to call on any of the neighbors in an emergency. Everyone looks out for the neighborhood kids and keeps an eye out for them.”

Woods is part of the Jones Elementary School PTA, and her family is active at St. John the Evangelist Church. “Our children also play soccer for the Green Hornets (Greater Severna Park Athletic Association), and we have met many wonderful people through that organization,” Woods concluded.

Sherry Hewitt
Lifelong Resident

Sherry Hewitt’s family moved to Severn Heights from Baltimore the summer before her fifth birthday because her father had family who lived in the neighborhood. “After we moved to Severn Heights, our family owned four homes on Rio Lane along the waterfront,” she said.

Hewitt purchased one of those family homes in 2003, and since then, the home she grew up in was sold following a complete rebuild by her brother-in-law and sister, who purchased it from her father.

“For me, the choice [to live in Severn Heights] was made due to my family’s history in the neighborhood,” said Hewitt. “My dad worked along with his cousin for a marine construction company that was owned by the McGeady family, who also own a few homes in our neighborhood. I have never considered moving any place else permanently, even with a commute to Bethesda three to four times per week for my job with Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic.

“I would recommend Severn Heights as a great place to live. Many of the homeowners on the waterfront have lived here since I was a kid,” she said. “We have very friendly neighbors who are willing to help each other out and who gather socially throughout the year.”

Hewitt has been on the Severn Heights board for almost 15 years; her parents and other family members served on the board for many years, too.

Jon Korin
Resident for Eight Years

Jon and Kathy Korin moved to Severna Park from Olney in 2011, after the newly empty-nesters explored retirement locations throughout the mid-Atlantic. They wanted water and bike trail access, so Severn Heights perfectly completed their wish list.

“After settling in on the greater Annapolis area, we looked for a place with water and bike trail access and that would allow space for Kathy’s fiber art studio,” said Jon. “The house we chose needed a small expansion but otherwise fit perfectly. We were familiar with biking on the B&A Trail but had never ventured into the neighborhoods until our house search.”

Jon became a community board member soon after he moved in and became president soon after.

“We have neighbors who have been here as long as 60 years or so who know a great deal about the history and folklore of the community and surrounding area. It is great to hear their stories,” said Jon. “We have pictures of the history of our own home from its start around the original summer cottage circa 1930.”

Jon, an avid bike rider, has participated in Bike to School Day at Jones Elementary School and other area schools through his work in bicycle advocacy with BikeAAA.

“I participated in Leadership, Anne Arundel’s flagship program, from 2012 to 2013 and launched BikeAAA in 2013,” added Jon. “I also chair the Anne Arundel County Bicycle Advisory Commission, am on the county transportation commission and am now participating on a transition team. I’ve built wonderful relationships with a diverse range of people and organizations and love that I can bike to most of the places where we meet.”

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