Saying Goodbye to West Melbourne's Max K. Rodes Park

It's the grand opening day of the new Max K. Rodes park.

I'm not there. But I'm close.

It's just before sunrise and I'm parking the car at a location that used to buzz with activity: The old Max K. Rodes Park located at 3000 Minton Road, directly across the street from the massive Calvary Chapel of Melbourne. The 'new' Rodes park is a mere minute away to the west, and at 134-acres in size, it's now Brevard County's third-largest park. Impressive? You know it. The new park is monstrous in its scope and generous in its amenities.

But I'm not at the new park yet, for the old one still has stories to tell.

Stories of little leaguers tossing balls in a light summer rain. Stories of birthday celebrations swarming over pavilions and spilling out onto the grass beneath shady trees on the park's southern side. Swimming and splashing in the lake, the occasional duck squawking his disapproval. Barbeques, rummage sales, basketball and activities at the small community building. The playground and swings. The concession stand hot dogs and cheering crowds. Wooden benches around the water.

The activity has waned. The retirement has come.

It's quieter now on this early morning. The sun squints over the horizon spilling golden light on hushed, dew covered ground. And here I am. Ready with my Nikon D40. (Set on "P" for "Professional Mode" as one of my favorite photographer/writer's Ken Rockwell puts it.) Waiting for the moment, to capture the history.

With the new Rodes park open, I don't know what will become of this 18-acre area. The newspaper mentioned that it will be turned over to the city of West Melbourne around the beginning of August 2011. Does that mean eventual destruction? The two construction vehicles nearby hint at that possible fate.

For now, as dawn turns to morning, I'll frame another photo. Coax life and memories from another click of the camera. Remember and savor the times of old.

There's life in old places. They still have stories to tell -- if one has ears to hear.

It's the first day of the old Max K. Rodes park's abandonment.

So long, quiet old friend. I look forward to enjoying your new park, but thanks for speaking to me through the years and even now, again, on this early, quiet morning.

Let me never forget the stories of the past.

More Info:

Ron Masters' Photography - See more close-up photos of this beautiful park (on Facebook) taken on the morning of this article's writing.

Aerial view of Max K. Rodes Park -- pictures of both the old and the new