Critters’ Creek

Early in 1979, Mr. Melvin Ward entered into an agreement with the city of Monroe to build a water park in Chennault Park. Construction began that spring, with a planned opening of July 1, 1979. (The park actually opened on July 21st) The crown jewel of the park would be a large water slide at the top of a hill. To build that hill, dirt was dug up from the site, leaving a deep hole. In later testimony, the contractor said he was paid very little and wasn’t told to fill it back up, so he left it. It became a pond for geese and ducks. This would prove to be a disastrous decision.

The park became wildly successful once it opened. For four and a half summers, families came from all over northeast Louisiana to cool off in the water. On June 29, 1983 disaster struck the park.

On June 29th, KTVE gave away free entrance tickets to the park. Hundreds had packed the park and many set out picnic blankets to enjoy the area around the pond. Some young kids decided to wade around in the pond. Swimming was not allowed, but according to witnesses, there were no signs up. Three boys, aged 10 to 14, accidentally stepped into a deep hole in the pond and began to struggle. The 14 year old managed to get himself out, but the 10 and 11 year olds went under.

Near the pond, playing catch with some area kids, was 24 year old Kansas City Chiefs Running Back Joe Delaney. He heard the 14 year old scream for help. Even though he couldn’t swim, he heroically dove in to rescue the drowning boys. One of the boys was pulled out of the water but died the next day. Joe and the other boy tragically drowned in the pond.

Joe Delaney Memorial: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/6567472/joe-delaney

Harry Leon Holland, Jr. Memorial: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/160863839/harry-leon-holland

Lancer “Lancy” Bernard Perkins Memorial: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/160863896/lancer-bernard-perkins

Critters Creek, the City of Monroe, KTVE and Kentucky Fried Chicken (a sponsor) were sued by the families for negligence and the families were compensated. The park managed to stay open several more years until finally closing for good in 1989. Today, no traces of the water park remain. A memorial was recently placed near the site of Joe’s heroic death. The people of Monroe who were there that day, will never forget the horror.