Currently, the Magnolia State doesn’t have any amusement parks. However, that wasn’t always the case. At one time, there were a couple of amusement parks in Mississippi, and Maywood was one of them. Though small, it was a beloved fixture for decades. Its closure saddened many. Luckily, though, its memory lives on through photos and vintage footage, which will no doubt have you longing for the good old days.
A former Olive Branch staple, Maywood opened in 1931 and didn’t close until decades later, in 2003.
Friends of Maywood/Facebook
It was opened by Maurice and May Woodson, Memphis natives who re-located to Mississippi after Maurice’s doctor advised him to give up his family business in exchange for a slower paced lifestyle.
Friends of Maywood/Facebook
Once in Mississippi, the couple bought a piece of property that boasted 400 acres and a clear, spring-fed lake.
Friends of Maywood/Facebook Using a mule team, they dug out the lake and lined it with white sand imported from Destin, Florida.
The cold spring water combined with the pristine white sand quickly transformed the lake into a popular swim spot.
Friends of Maywood/Facebook
Before long, Maywood grew to include picnic tables, BBQ pits, pavilions, a bowling alley, a mini golf course, playgrounds, a snack bar, and a tea room.
Friends of Maywood/Facebook
One of the pavilions actually doubled as a “dance arena.” A popular spot, several legendary artists played at the arena, including Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash.
Of course, the lake remained the highlight of park.
Friends of Maywood/Facebook Touted as “the beach within reach,” it attracted visitors from all over Mississippi as well as Tennessee.
Maywood’s successful run came to an end in 2003, due to the high cost of insurance.
Friends of Maywood/Facebook Over time, the park has been replaced with a private residential development. Though gone, Maywood is not lost forever, thanks, in part, to videos like this one:
Want to learn more about Maywood? Visit the Friends of Maywood Facebook page.
Friends of Maywood/Facebook
Using a mule team, they dug out the lake and lined it with white sand imported from Destin, Florida.
Friends of Maywood/Facebook
One of the pavilions actually doubled as a “dance arena.” A popular spot, several legendary artists played at the arena, including Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash.
Touted as “the beach within reach,” it attracted visitors from all over Mississippi as well as Tennessee.
Over time, the park has been replaced with a private residential development. Though gone, Maywood is not lost forever, thanks, in part, to videos like this one:
So, did you know about this classic water park? Ever visited Maywood? If so, when and how was it? Know of another now-defunct park? Whatever it is, tell us!
Want more Mississippi history? Then you’re sure to love the oldest photos taken in Mississippi.
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