America 250: Hamel's Park

In response, Hamel transformed the property into a whimsical roadside attraction, famously importing an elephant named Lady Lima from Thailand. The elephant became a fixture of the Hamel household, occasionally walking around the yard with her owner, lounging with him in the grass, and once famously using her trunk to unlatch a doorknob and wander directly into the family home.

The park's animal roster grew to include chimpanzees and bears, leading to antics that became local lore.

Carolyn Hamel recalls a day when the park's bears escaped into the family's front yard. Her father successfully coaxed the animals back into their enclosure by laying down a literal trail of the park’s signature ice cream sandwiches, dropping one every few steps.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Hamel raised a chimpanzee that became a frequent guest at local Shreveport establishments, sitting in high chairs at area restaurants like Haynes and Strawn's.

"They loved to see a smile on a child's face," Carolyn Hamel said of her parents' dedication to creating a family-first environment.

But for most patrons, the crown jewel of Hamel’s was the log ride.

Though the park has been closed for 30 years, nostalgia for the water attraction remains potent. A home video of the log ride posted online by the local creators "Twin Blend" recently amassed more than 250,000 views, becoming their most-watched feature to date.

Today, the park property has been converted into River Park Church. The former bumper car arena now serves as a gathering space for the church's youth ministry, while the old kiddie barn has been expanded into a large worship center.

The transformation keeps the original spirit of the Hamel family property alive by continuing to focus on building strong families and bringing joy to thousands of visitors each week.