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Point Mallard Park: Decatur's Recreational Oasis

Discover year-round fun at Point Mallard Park in Decatur, AL: wave pool, golf, trails, ice complex, and family adventures await!

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Point Mallard Park is a 750-acre park in Decatur, Alabama, offering diverse recreational activities. Established in 1970, it features the J. Gilmer Blackburn Aquatic Center with one of America's first wave pools, a golf course, ice complex, and more, making it a year-round destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts [2, 6].

A brief summary to Point Mallard Park

  • Monday 10 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-6 pm
  • Friday 10 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the week for smaller crowds at the waterpark, especially during Twilight Admission hours for discounted rates [6].
  • Check the park's event calendar for festivals and special events like the Alabama Jubilee or Spirit of America Festival [6].
  • Consider renting a cabana at the waterpark for a comfortable and shaded home base, especially with a large group [6].
  • Explore the Native American Indian Interpretive Walking Trails to learn about the area's rich indigenous history [6, 8].
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Point Mallard Park is easily accessible by car, located a few minutes from I-65 [2, 6]. From I-65, take either Exit 340 or Exit 334 towards Decatur [2, 6]. Follow the signs for Point Mallard Park [2, 6]. Once you're on Point Mallard Drive SE, continue until you see the park entrance on Point Mallard Circle SE [2]. Parking is free within the park [2, 6, 12]. During major events like the Alabama Jubilee, traffic can be heavy, so arrive early or consider using the remote parking with shuttle service from the General Electric Appliances parking lot at 2328 Point Mallard Drive SE [6, 13]. The shuttle costs $5 per person round trip [6, 13].

  • Ride Share

    From anywhere in Decatur, a taxi or ride-share service (Uber/Lyft) provides a convenient way to reach Point Mallard Park [2, 6]. A ride from downtown Decatur to the park entrance typically costs between $10 and $15, depending on traffic and demand [2, 6]. Direct your driver to 2901 Point Mallard Cir SE [2, 6].

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Discover more about Point Mallard Park

Point Mallard Park, a sprawling 750-acre recreational complex in Decatur, Alabama, has been a beloved destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts since its opening in August 1970 [2, 6]. Situated on the Flint Creek shoreline, a tributary of the Tennessee River, the park is named after the Point Mallard duck, a frequent visitor to the neighboring Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge [2, 4, 6]. The park's centerpiece is the J. Gilmer Blackburn Aquatic Center, renowned for housing one of the first wave pools in the United States [2, 5, 6]. Decatur's mayor, Gilmer Blackburn, inspired by wave-making pools he observed in Germany, envisioned this innovative attraction [2, 4, 8]. The aquatic center also features an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a lazy river, towering water slides, and dedicated kiddie pools, ensuring a splashing good time for the whole family [2, 3, 6]. Beyond the aquatic center, Point Mallard Park boasts an 18-hole championship golf course that challenges golfers of all skill levels [2, 5, 6]. For those seeking a different kind of challenge, the Strike Zone Driving Range and Batting Cages offer opportunities to hone your swing [2, 6]. For outdoor enthusiasts, Point Mallard Park features an extensive network of hiking and biking trails that meander through the park's diverse terrain [2, 3]. These trails provide a chance to immerse yourself in nature, observe local wildlife, and enjoy the beauty of the Flint Creek shoreline [2]. Point Mallard Park also offers a unique attraction: an open-air ice-skating arena [2, 9]. This facility provides a rare opportunity to enjoy ice skating in the mild Southern climate. The ice-skating arena is open seasonally, typically from November through January [2]. The park's campground provides 217 campsites with full hookups, offering a convenient and comfortable option for overnight stays [2, 9, 15]. The campground is open year-round, making Point Mallard Park a popular destination for RV travelers and camping enthusiasts [2, 15]. The Native American Indian Interpretive Walking Trails offer a unique opportunity to learn about the rich history and cultural heritage of the region's indigenous peoples [6, 8]. The park also hosts several annual events, including the Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic and the Spirit of America Festival on July 4th [6, 14].

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