Maywood Beach facts for kids

Maywood Beach was a popular water park located in Olive Branch, Mississippi. It was just a short drive from Memphis, Tennessee. People loved it because it felt like a real beach, even though it was far from the ocean!

History of Maywood Beach

How the Park Started

Maywood Beach first opened its doors on July 4, 1931. It was created by a couple named Maurice and May Woodson. They lived in Memphis but wanted a change from city life. Maurice was a businessman who worked with cotton. His doctor told him to take a break for his health.

So, the Woodsons bought about 400 acres of land in DeSoto County, Mississippi. On this land, they found a clear lake fed by natural springs. With the help of mules, they dug the lake deeper. They even brought in hundreds of tons of white sand from Destin, Florida, to make it feel like a real beach! Then, they filled the lake with cold, clear water from underground. This water also fed two other lakes on their property.

The lake was first called Lake Shahkoka. This name came from a Chickasaw Indian who once lived there. Soon, the area around the lake grew. The Woodsons added picnic tables, barbecue spots, and covered areas called pavilions. There was also a bowling alley and a mini golf course. Kids could play on playgrounds. There was even a snack bar and a tearoom near the swimming pool. The pool was later renamed Maywood, after Mrs. Woodson.

Fun Times at the Beach

The Maywood pool quickly became a huge hit! People from Memphis came all summer long, from May to September. It was like a substitute beach for those who wished they were at the ocean. Many fun events happened there. Companies like Coppertone filmed TV commercials at Maywood. Beauty queens took publicity photos. People held weddings, baptisms, and church picnics. Even parachutists landed there! Class reunions and company parties were also common.

The pavilion at Maywood was a popular place for dancing. It was busy from the 1930s onwards. Many famous musicians played there early in their careers. These included Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Johnny Cash.

For over 50 years, Maywood Beach stayed mostly the same. It was known as a "swimming beach." It wasn't called a "water park" until the 1990s. Over time, some water slides were added. But the clear, spring-fed lake remained. You could still see your feet even when standing in five feet of water!

Why Maywood Beach Closed

The news that Maywood Beach was closing came as a surprise. The owner at the time, Hugh Armistead, announced it. He explained in a Memphis newspaper that the cost of insurance had become too high.

After it closed, the lake and the land around it were turned into a private neighborhood. Maywood Beach closed its gates for good in July 2003.