Lake Maurer, once a popular amusement park, has a rich history that spans more than a century. The park officially opened on Aug. 30, 1923, but its popularity as an amusement spot for boating, fishing, and skating dates back even earlier to native tribes and early settlers who frequented the area.
Over the years, Lake Maurer changed hands several times. Jacob and John Maurer purchased the property, then called “Wales Lake,” from the Wales family in April 1923. The park continued to attract visitors from all over the greater Kansas City area throughout the 1920s and early 1960s. One of the park’s main attractions was the world’s largest mineral water swimming pool, which used water from a saline spring on the property. The skating rink, located on the island in the middle of the lake, also doubled as a dance hall, hosting proms and sock hops.
You can still explore the park’s past by visiting the Lake Maurer featured exhibit at the Excelsior Springs Museum and Archives, on display through the summer. In addition to the photographs, and memorabilia from the park, the museum has a replica of the kiddie train that once operated in the park on permanent display. The train was built in 2011 by Ray Fernandez, a retired NASA engineer who also worked on the Gemini project. The train was donated in honor of Mary Katherine Maurer Dixon Martz, a local teacher and granddaughter of Jacob Maurer. Mrs. Martz also founded the Maurer Foundation, which provides support for larger projects around the museum.
Today, the property operates as a private campground owned by the Northern Missouri Assemblies of God Church and is managed by Josh and Heather Emmons who grew up attending camp at Lake Maurer. The couple runs everything except the financial side of the property, which is handled by a home office in Columbia, MO.
The Emmons, who studied to become full-time ministers, grew up in Excelsior Springs and moved away in 2017. After living in St. Louis for almost three years and then in Maryville for a year and a half, they returned to their hometown with plans to work “regular jobs.” However, when the former directors of Lake Maurer Campground decided to retire, the district reached out to the Emmons and asked if they would be interested in taking on the job. They submitted their resumes in January 2021 and moved onto the grounds in March of the same year.
“We worked alongside the former directors until June and then they left,” said Heather Emmons. “It’s been crazy. We never imagined ourselves doing something like this.” The couple manages all on-site operations, including the maintenance of the facilities and the organization of events, activities, and programs for campers. Despite not owning the property, the Emmons take great pride in managing Lake Maurer Campground and ensuring that all visitors have a memorable experience.
The Campground has been undergoing significant renovations and improvements since Josh and Heather Emmons took over as the directors. The couple has been working tirelessly to improve the facilities and grounds, and to create new programs and activities for visitors. In their first year at the campground, the Emmons developed a master maintenance plan and identified immediate needs for renovations and upgrades. They then launched a project called Kingdom Projects, which aimed to address these needs and raise funds from their churches in the northern Missouri district.
Thanks to the support from their church family, the Emmons were able to complete almost the entire Kingdom Projects list, which included a complete kitchen renovation in the dining hall, the replacement of windows throughout the campsite, the purchase of new tables and chairs, and the renovation of the Petit Lodge. They also undertook significant landscape work and infrastructure upgrades, including the upgrade of electrical systems. But, the Emmons’ vision for Lake Maurer Campground goes beyond just renovating and upgrading the facilities. They want to re-establish the campground as a beloved community gathering place, and to that end, they are planning a big celebration for Memorial Day weekend.
On Saturday, May 27th, 2023 from 10 AM to 5 PM the community is invited to a centennial celebration. Attendees will have the chance to participate in a fishing tournament, offering first, second, and third-place prizes. The event will also feature boating, fishing, field games, swimming, and concessions for all to enjoy. Additionally, the center will be hosting a prize raffle, with one raffle ticket included with the $10 entry fee and additional tickets available for $1 each. Those interested can visit the Lake Maurer website at lakemaurer.org for more information.
With the Emmons at the helm, it’s clear that Lake Maurer is in good hands and has a bright future ahead. Despite the challenges of managing a large campground, they are passionate about their work and are committed to providing visitors with a memorable experience. “We love being here and being a part of this community,” they said. “It’s a privilege to be able to manage such a beautiful property and to serve the people who come here.”
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Count on me and my family to be there!
Pat and Cathy O’Dell