By Jan Penton Miller

Item Correspondent

 

If you are looking for some inexpensive fun and relaxation close to home, then look no further. McLeod Water Park is located just minutes from Picayune on the beautiful, tranquil Jordan River, and day passes are only $2 per vehicle. This lovely property on Texas Flat Road has amenities for every member of the family.

On any given day one can find youngsters squealing with delight as they cool off at the facility’s splash pad. Parents and grandparents can be found swapping stories while patiently watching their children play. Many smile as they enjoy a little adult conversation while their charges run off some pent-up energy.

Nature lovers have wonderful opportunities to snap pictures of flora and fauna as they stroll under the moss covered live oaks.  Squirrels can be seen scurrying through the trees and playing hide-and-seek as birds twitter at their antics. The park offers 2.5-mile long nature trail that runs through a southern mixed hardwood forest and traverses a bayhead swamp.

The Audubon Society, a national conservation group named after John James Audubon-notable wildlife artist (1785-1851), has designated McLeod as a Mississippi Coastal Birding Trail. The habitat is varied and mature. It supports two fairly large mixed winter flocks.  During the winter months a stroll along the trails may reward bird watchers with a glimpse of Blue-headed Virea, Brown Creeper, and Golden-crowned Kinglet along with other species. The numerous lookouts along the river provide a magnificent viewing area of the Creator’s bounty.

Sports and recreation enthusiasts can find many things to whet their appetites at McLeod Park.  Whether it’s a walk in the woodland or something more physically challenging like a game of one-on-one basketball at the outdoor court, fun is waiting.

Other recreational opportunities include fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking, tubing and hiking. Canoes and paddleboats may be rented for a nominal fee.

The concrete boat launch provides easy access to the river.

McLeod has opportunities to set up camp on several gorgeous sites, both off and on the river.  Primitive camping and RV sites with utility hookups are available for a fee of $20 for a river site and $18 for an off-river site.

Two young fishermen, Carter and Ian Cuevas, sons of Garred and Lydia Cuevas, were at the water park this week. As they donned big smiles, they said they were having great time fishing.

Tony Necaise, a retired business owner from Kiln, said, “We bring our camper here four or five times a year.  We have eight grandkids, and we love to take them out on the boat to a sandbar”.

Laughingly he added, “We let them play, and wear themselves out.  Then we bring them back and feed them!”

Tony’s wife, Deanie, said, “I love family time.  It is so important to spend time with children and grandchildren and try to influence them the right way.”