Cascade Falls
Located on Warren Avenue, this park occupies 465 acres and contains the illuminated Cascades, a giant waterfall and six fountains over which water tumbles in continually changing patterns. There also is a small museum depicting the history of Cascades Falls, two golf courses, a picnic area, and lagoons.
The Cascades are operated by the Jackson County Parks Department. They are open nightly from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., Memorial Day through Labor Day.
The Falls were built in the early spring of the 1930s. Its first display to the public was on May 10, 1932. The Cascades Falls are 500 feet in length, a vertical height of 64 feet, and a total width of 60 feet. There are 6 fountains, 16 Falls (11 are illuminated), 1,230 Colored Electric Lights, and a 2,000 gallon per minute water pump that filters, chlorinates, and recycles water in a closed loop system. There are 126 steps along each side of the Falls. This walkways passes 3 main pools of water that are 30 feet by 90 feet.
RENOVATIONS
The original "Save the Cascades" campaign was in 1969-1970. The Falls amphitheater was built and the grounds enclosed to protect the Falls from vandalism. School children collected pennies to help the renovations.
New computerized lighting systems and new sound systems were installed as a result of the "Cascades Rebirth" in 1982-1983. In addition, the "Buy A Seat" campaign bought new stadium seats for the amphitheater in 1985. There are currently 1,491 stadium seats along with benches that will seat 360 people. For special events, additional seating is available to allow for 3,000 persons to watch a show.
During 1992-1993, the most ambitious Cascades renovation project was initiated. Extensive concrete repairs, new walkways, new filtered and a chlorinated well water system were installed. All light sockets were also replaced and rewired.
The most recent renovation was in 1998-1999. The outdated lighting, fountain controls, and fountain pumps were replaced with state-of-the-art, high-speed controls. A new high-speed computer now operates the system.
BIRTH AND HISTORY OF A LANDMARK
More than any other structure in Jackson, Cascades is a monument of beauty and distinction that has been a source of enjoyment and fond memories to the millions of people who have visited it for over half a century.
The Cascades is the result of a man's dream to do something for the people of Jackson and to build an attraction that would provide visitors with a positive impression of the city. That man was William Sparks.
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