The McCoy Family: Farewell Lakeside

A few months aqo the NWA online had this article about my great grandparents. I was going to share it but never got around to it. I decided to add it since we had our farewell to the pool and restraunt/family reuniun tonight at Lakeside.

Lake Atalanta was completed in 1938, but for almost 10 years, the Lake Atalanta area was undeveloped and mainly used by fishermen. In July 1947, the first step was taken to develop the lake into a recreational center when the city granted a lease for part of the south shore to J.D. (Cactus) Clark and Ed M. Bautts. Clark and Bautts proposed to build a large swimming pool and other attractions in return for a 25-year lease. The rent for the first five years was $1 per year, but after that it was 2 percent of the gross of any revenue derived from the improvements. Bautts and Clark planned to spend approximately $20,000 to $25,000 on the recreational park.
The first project to be completed was the Lakeside Skating Rink that opened in the spring of 1948 and was operated by Mr. and Mrs. Ed. M. Bautts (Bautts later became mayor of Rogers in 1964).
The swimming pool and restaurant was the next project and opened on July 1, 1948. It was 50 feet by 140 feet and one of the most modern in northwest Arkansas. The pool was supplied with cold clear water from Diamond Springs and had a 25 foot by 125 foot terrace along the east side for spectators and for serving lunches and drinks. Along the south side of the pool were the dressing room and a restaurant that specialized in fried chicken and pit barbecue. The restaurant facilities included a coffee shop, private dining room and terrace. The building also housed a sporting goods store that sold outboard motors, fishing tackle and other sporting supplies.
Cactus and Lavonne "Ma" Clark built the Lakeside Restaurant in conjunction with the pool in the late 1940s. Originally, the restaurant had a breezeway through the middle that was the only entrance to the pool. There was an outside dining patio along the east side of the pool with 14 tables and umbrellas with a fence separating the diners from the swimmers. The restaurant served delicious meals specializing in steaks, fried chicken and open pit barbecue from 1947 until 1979. Around 1960, you could gorge yourself on the special noon buffet for only $1.50. Lavonne Clark was in charge of the kitchen and was famous for her rolls and pies. Hungry patrons had the choice of eating in the spacious dining room, outside on the patio by the pool or the cafe area. In 1949, a miniature golf course operated by Bryan Morton was added to the growing list of Lakeside attractions.
At the southwest corner of the Lakeside area was the popular, well-kept Atalanta Park. The park had picnic tables, children's playground equipment and two asphalt tennis courts. Lake Atalanta was projected to become an increasingly popular Ozark resort. (Rogers Daily News, July 1, 1950)
By 1960, some people were getting tired of swimming in the cold, fresh, spring water that was added to the pool at the rate of 30,000 gallons per day. The water was not recirculated, but fresh water was continuously added to keep the water clean. In June 1960, Cactus Clark announced that a new heating system had been installed to keep the water at a comfortable 80 degrees. The new gas fired heating system allowed a longer swimming season. (Rogers Daily News, June 16, 1960)
Other improvements were made to the Lake Atalanta Park. In 1949, two tennis courts were added. The tennis courts were later replaced with a stage for musical performances.
Since the 1970s, many civic organizations and others have worked to preserve the park and improve on its natural beauty. In 1985, with several businesses and industries cooperating, crews constructed a pavilion at the south end of the park for large group outings.
A nature walk and exercise trail were built in the late 1980s to connect downtown Rogers to the park. This is a beautiful walk today with the trail passing by both Frisco and Diamond Springs. You can get a glimpse of the historic railroad era of Rogers as you pass Frisco (Pump) Springs, as there are still remnants of the structure used by the Frisco Railroad to pump water up to the water tanks for the trains. The Lake Atalanta area is a true blessing for the people of Rogers.

Here is a picture of my great grandparents Cactus and Lavonne Clark