Burger's Lake Serving Up Sunshine, Nostalgia For Generations
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TARRANT COUNTY (CBS11) - It's summer in North Texas—and that means Burger's Lake is serving up sunshine and nostalgia: with cars lining up for miles to share those memories and make even more.
"We've got people who have been coming here for years," says owner Sharon Mahan. "For generations."
Tucked away in a wooded corner of Tarrant County not far from Lake Worth, Burger's Lake is a spring-fed, sandy bottom slice of yesterday that's been serving up memories since 1929.
"It's probably the best place you could go to," insists 13-year-old Neviah Gathright, as she directs us to the diving board. But, the appeal of Burger's Lake is definitely multi-generational.
"We have people in their 70s and 80s that come in and say, 'can I please just drive thru? I got my first kiss out there under the high dock'," says Mahan with a smile. "It is that special to some people."
Tiffany Parker grew up coming to Burger's Lake on Fourth of July and says can relate to the nostalgia. "Every year we come here," says Parker, who by the way, drove in from Midland to be in line at 5 AM to claim a prized spot. "We have our own little island! She gushed with enthusiasm, "all our family comes. I was little, now I have my own little son coming here."
Parker particularly likes the lake's no alcohol policy and family friendly environment. "You can't drink…it's a fun family time. No craziness."
Officer Meza makes certain of it. The off-duty River Oaks officer works security—checking vehicles for contraband at the entrance. You could say he started his on-the-job training early.
"A couple of times we snuck in as little kids," he admits with a grin, "now, I'm making sure there's no 8 year old versions of me sneaking in!" And then when reminded that some of those little sneaks grow up to be police officers, the grin turns to laughter, "they do sometimes, yes ma'am."
My, how times do change. But, the spring fed swimming hole remains a pretty constantly 69 degrees.
"It's like 400 gallons a minute," says Mahan, "so it's nice and cold when it's 100 degrees outside and you get in there and it's like ahhhh…it's refreshing." And then adding, "it's just nice, it's just relaxing."
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