Point Mallard Water Park

I decided to take an evening this past week and go unwind over at Point Mallard, a water park in Decatur, Alabama. Their half price offer on select days and times, made the jaunt that much more appealing. Oh, who am I kidding? I've been jonesing to ride a bowl slide and this was a golden opportunity!

For those interested, you can see more pictures from my trip HERE.

It's been about 17 years (1992) since my last visit and I vaguely remember the water slides, Olympic pool, and wave pool. Well, a few things have changed since. They've added a ProBowl slide, Squirt Factory (mini water fort for little kids), and Skypond (family raft slide). Other improvements include Papa John's Pizza on site (as well as the resident snack shop), colorful signs and a clever park map shaped like a scuba mask. The park is well landscaped, well manicured, well maintained, and very clean. Between the wave pool side and the slide side (aka the West Entrance) there are some scenic picnic areas near the river inlet and in amongst the shady trees. Don't forget the sand beach, volley ball court, and boat dock for your favorite watercraft.

So how WAS the first ride on the bowl slide? Fun and freaky. When you come out of the tube, you're high up on the wall and you wonder partially what's keeping you up. As you slow down, and drift to center, it's a little unnerving. Then, sploosh! You drop down into the eight foot deep catch pool and you have no clue what direction you're facing. Once you get your bearings, exit quickly, then you realize, "Hey, that was fun!"

Adjacent to the bowl were older (but still fun) tube slides that offered tunnels and much twisting. They had some good speed to them and almost flipped me over going through the S curves. Got several good runs on all before a pizza dinner.

Overall, I had a fun time and would definitely recommend the half price days (Monday and Wednesday 10am-6pm, Tuesday and Thursday 5pm-8pm). Normal admission is $16, so $8 is truly a bargain.

Thanks to Point Mallard for their hospitality.

For more information check out http://www.pointmallardpark.com/waterpark/index.shtml.