Point Mallard Park

Point Mallard Park is a park in Decatur, Alabama. It sits on 500 acres (2.0 km2) of the Flint Creek shoreline. The park also borders the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge and is operated by the Decatur Parks and Recreation Board. The park is open 365 days a year, and is owned and operated by the City of Decatur.

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Point Mallard Aquatic Center

Point Mallard Park's J. Gilmer Blackburn Aquatic Center was developed in the early 1970s after Mayor Gilmer Blackburn saw enclosed "wave-making" swimming pools in Germany and thought one could be a tourist attraction in the United States. J. Austin Smith, an Ohio Wave Pool manufacturer, worked with the city of Decatur to design and install the nation's first wave pool in 1970.

Between 130,000 to 180,000 people visit between Memorial Day and Labor Day, making it one of the state's most popular seasonal attractions. In 1987 the park was named after Mayor Blackburn.

On May 30, 2011, the park was shut down early due to an altercation between visitors. [1] The local media also reported concerns that the park was dangerously overcrowded on this day. [2]

Activities at Point Mallard Aquatic Center

Activities and recreation centers

Celebrations/festivals

References

  1. ^ WAFF "Water park closes on Memorial Day due to fight"
  2. ^ WHNT "Crowded Point Mallard Worries Huntsville Dad"

External links

North Alabama, United States landmarks
Huntsville area
Decatur area
Florence area