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McLEOD MEMORIAL PARK
The 328-acre property being transferred today is named in honor of Albert J. and Virginia (Aunt Gin) McLeod. The pioneer timberman from South Carolina settled on this Jourdan River location upon arrival in Hancock County. In the early 1900’s, a large sawmill, stave mill, planer mill, turpentine plant and general mercantile store were operated by Albert McLeod employing around 500 people. After his death in 1931, the operation of the old store was continued on a limited basis by his wife “Aunt Gin”, until her death in 1973 at the age of 95.
Albert McLeod was also a member of the Board of Supervisors and a member of the original commission appointed to build the Hancock County Seawall.
The property itself was part of the National Space Technology Laboratories and is still within the limits of its buffer zone. The Pearl River Basin Development District will accept possession of the deed and develop the park faciliies. Phase one development has been applied for. Total development cost for all three phases will be over $1 million.
The Pearl River Basin Development District is a Special Fund Agency of the State of Mississippi engaged in programs of pollution abatement, recreation development, soil conservation and other programs of development throughout its fifteen member-county area.
The McLeod Park Development is being accomplished under the District’s Pearl River Boatway program. This bold plan envisions a series of water parks adjacent to and near the Pearl River and its main tributaries, from “Nanih Waiya to NASA”.