LEAKESVILLE — Mikel Franks has spent years watching storefronts open and close in Leakesville, a small city where steady jobs are hard to come by and economic growth always seems just out of reach.

However, after years of stalled development and missed opportunities, Franks said something may finally be changing — thanks to a new water park that could bring life back to the town.

Efforts to bring new business and revenue to the area have fallen short in recent years. In April 2023, city officials applied for $1.3 million in federal funding for infrastructure projects — including sidewalks, transportation and economic development initiatives — but were denied.

Another proposal, which would have allowed the city to take over water treatment services for the local prison, was also rejected. Each “no” marked another failed initiative city leaders said could have provided a much-needed financial boost.

Now, in the wake of news that a water park is coming to town, Franks said he sees potential.

“It’ll be good for the community,” Franks said. “I think it will draw in so much attention.”

New draw for the area

Scheduled to open this summer, ChickasaWaves Water Park will be the second-largest inflatable water park in the U.S. — and the largest in the South. With water attractions, sandy areas, gazebos and a family-friendly atmosphere, the park is expected to attract visitors from across the region.

Additionally, next door to the park, a new restaurant called The Haven Bar and Grill will offer food and drink delivery services to guests.

For Franks and others, the project represents more than summer fun — it offers hope for economic momentum.

Owner Davey Busby told the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center he plans to hire between 20-30 workers from the local community.

“We’re going to have lifeguards on duty, cashiers on duty, directors on duty,” Busby said, adding that resumes and applications will be accepted starting in April before the grand opening in June.

Business owners and residents alike said they see ChickasaWaves as a potential turning point.

“I’m hoping we get a lot of visitors (that have) never been to Leakesville before or (to) Greene County,” Busby said. “They’ll be able to come here and enjoy themselves, and it’ll be like a small vacation.”

A chance for growth

Local leaders said they hope ChickasaWaves will help Leakesville capture a larger share of tourism spending and eventually spark other growth. Their goal is to position the city as a full-fledged destination.

With a small population — 3,775 as of 2020 — and a limited tax base, tourism plays a critical role in Leakesville’s economy. According to a report from economic development consulting firm Camoin Associates, tourism boosts revenue, supports small businesses, creates jobs, enhances infrastructure and helps revitalize communities.

“Tourism and just visitors in general — I would say that hunters and fishermen — they inject a fair amount of money into the local economy and just people coming for special events,” said Lee Turner, Leakesville’s special projects counsel.

In 2023, a Visit Mississippi report showed that Greene County — of which Leakesville is the county seat — generated nearly $4.4 million in tourism revenue. Visitors spent money on lodging, food and beverages, retail, transportation, and recreation.

Olli Franks, a Leakesville resident, said the water park’s impact could ripple far beyond its gates.

“It would bring a lot of money to the local businesses … (it would also bring) a lot of tourism here,” he said.

City leaders agreed, saying the potential is there — in fact, thousands of vehicles already pass through Leakesville each day.

“(Officials) can tell us that there are about 7,000 cars that go across the bridge a day. They count that. So, we have a lot of traffic in and out, but of course, there’s more when we have big events, like our Independence Day celebration or our Christmas event. So, we’ve had upwards of 8,000,” said Arrixie Sproul, the secretary for the Main Street Leakesville Organization. 

Leakesville does have its own set of challenges, officials said — including its lack of lodging and scant restaurant options. However, they said they hope to change that by partnering with companies to expand business options.

Hidden attractions

While ChickasaWaves may become the area’s largest attraction, Greene County already offers a variety of recreational and cultural destinations that support the local economy.

City leaders with the Main Street Leakesville Organization, noted several of them, including: 

— Turkey Fork Reservoir: A spot for fishing, swimming and boating.

— Old Time Greene County Fair: A seasonal event featuring arts and crafts, a mechanical bull, food trucks and car shows.

— Rural Events Center: A venue hosting the county fair, rodeos and entertainment gatherings.

— Wild Country Off-Road Park: A venue for off-roading, racing, events and lodging.

— Chickasa-Leaf Barn Quilt Trail: A self-guided tour of barn quilts.

— Chickasawhay River RV Park: A camping venue that also offers river access for fishing and canoeing.

“We’re just a bedroom community; we’re kind of a day trip for people that live in Mobile, the Gulf Coast, Hattiesburg, Laurel,” Turner said. “We’re just a nice kind of a rural setting that’s kind of being surrounded by suburban growth on pretty much every side.”