Point Mallard Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Point Mallard Park |
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| Type | Public Park |
| Location | Decatur, Alabama |
| Area | 500 acres (200 ha) |
| Created | 1970 |
| Operated by | City of Decatur |
| Status | Open all year; Aquatic Center open only in summer |
Point Mallard Park is a huge park in Decatur, Alabama. It covers 500 acres (about 2 square kilometers) along the Flint Creek shoreline. Flint Creek flows into the nearby Tennessee River. The park is open all year, though its water park is only open in summer. It sits next to the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge and is run by the City of Decatur. The park got its name from the many mallard ducks that visit the Wildlife Refuge.
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Discover Point Mallard Park
Point Mallard Park is a popular spot for fun and relaxation. It offers many activities for families and friends. From swimming to golf, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
The Park's Exciting History
Point Mallard Park has a cool story behind it. It all started with a big idea to bring something new to Decatur.
How the Wave Pool Idea Started
The park's famous J. Gilmer Blackburn Aquatic Center began with a trip to Germany. Gilmer Blackburn, who was the mayor of Decatur from 1962 to 1968, saw special swimming pools there that made waves. He thought a wave pool would be a great tourist attraction for his city in the United States.
An Ohio pool maker, J. Austin Smith, helped design the pool. In 1967, a group called the Point Mallard Authority was created. Their goal was to build a new park around this exciting water attraction. The land used to be for industrial purposes by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).
Construction on the park started in September 1969. It officially opened on August 8, 1970. The park featured the wave pool, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and a public golf course. Decatur claims to have built one of the nation's first wave pools. However, Big Surf in Tempe, Arizona opened its wave pool a little earlier in 1969.
A few years later, in 1972, a campground was added. An outdoor ice rink opened in 1973. This was quite rare for a southern climate! In 1987, the wave pool was renamed the J. Gilmer Blackburn Aquatic Center to honor Mayor Blackburn.
Famous Divers and Olympic Training
A 10-meter-tall diving tower was built a few years after the park opened. It has three platforms and is named after Olympic gold medalist Jennifer Chandler. She trained there with the U.S. Olympic Diving Team before winning her medal in the 1976 Summer Olympics.
Another famous diver, Greg Louganis, also trained at the pool. He won gold medals in the 1984 Summer Olympics and 1988 Summer Olympics. He trained at Point Mallard from 1976 to 1979.
In 2013, the Aquatic Center got even more exciting. A lazy river and two new speed slides were added for visitors to enjoy. In 2016, over 165,000 people visited the Aquatic Center.
Fun Festivals and Special Events
In 1976, the Spirit of America Festival moved to Point Mallard. This festival celebrates the Fourth of July each year. It moved just in time to celebrate the U.S. Bicentennial. A small outdoor stage was built for music, awards, and a beauty pageant. The festival still uses this stage for special events. The festival ends with a huge fireworks show on July 4th.
On July 4, 1984, President Ronald Reagan visited the festival. He was campaigning for reelection and spoke to about 60,000 people. This was a huge event for Decatur!
In 1978, another annual event started at Point Mallard. The Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic happens every year around Memorial Day. It features hot-air balloon racing, car shows, tractor shows, and arts and crafts.
Since the 1990s, Civil War reenactors have held an annual event at the park. They put on mock battles each September.
What to Do at Point Mallard
Point Mallard Park has many different areas for fun and sports.
- Point Mallard Golf Course
- This course covers 200 acres (about 0.8 square kilometers).
- It has 18 holes, a driving range, and a clubhouse.
- Point Mallard Campgrounds
- There are 210 campsites, with 115 offering sewer hookups.
- The campgrounds cover 25 acres (about 100,000 square meters).
- They have laundry facilities and pavilions with showers and restrooms.
- Point Mallard Ice Complex
- Jimmy Johns Tennis Center
- Named after a famous local tennis player.
- It has 12 outdoor championship hard courts and 4 clay courts.
- There are also 2 indoor hard courts inside a special dome.
- Spirit of America Soccer Park
- Includes Ronald Reagan Field, named after the president's visit.
- T.C. Almon Recreation Center
- Named after a former judge.
- Offers basketball, table tennis, racquetball, and a weight room.
- Bill J. Dukes Athletic Complex
- Hiking, Jogging, and Biking Trails
- Spirit of America Stage
Annual Celebrations and Fun Events
Point Mallard Park hosts several exciting events each year.
- Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic: This colorful festival takes place on Memorial Day weekend in May.
- Spirit of America Festival: Celebrated on July 3rd and 4th, this festival includes music, awards, and a spectacular fireworks display.
- September Civil War Reenactment/Skirmish: Held around the first week of September, this event features historical reenactments.
