The photo (circa 1890) is a view of the Wax Park area in Miami Shores taken from the Pinnacles, a bluff above the Miami River. The photo shows the CH&D railroad tracks, the gently flowing Miami River as it bends to the west toward West Carrollton and the undisturbed green space that 90 years later would become Wax Park. The majestic trees in the southwest corner of the future park are clearly seen in this vintage photo. This land in the photo was owned by the Apple Family. In the mid-1950’s part of the land was home to Neff Field, a small dirt runway which ran north and south which in time became the Moraine Airpark.
Eventually the city purchased the land and named it Recreation Park. Around 1980 it was renamed Wax Park in memory of beloved Police Lieutenant Wendell Wax who worked at the Moraine Police Division from February 1963 to July 1978. He also served as Acting Chief of Police for 20 months. Wax passed away in July 1978 at age 47 during a hospital procedure. He is remembered for his dedication, his love for the City of Moraine and his concern for all citizens. Wax Park was Moraine’s most popular park for many decades when recreational amenities were added such as the Natatorium Swimming Pool (built in 1972), Splash Moraine Waterpark & Payne Recreation Center (built in 1999), shelters houses and four ballfields.
Today, Wax Park is still a recreation hotspot as patrons come on their leisure time to picnic, enjoy the playground, walk or bike the one-mile paved walking path, or work out at the Payne Recreation Center. The City of Moraine hosts seasonal community-wide special events at the park such as the Moraine Police National Night Out, the Independence Day concert & fireworks, the BOO Bash and Community Halloween Party all of which draw thousands of patrons. The City of Moraine has developed a ten-year plan to make additional improvements to the park to ensure that it stays a vital recreation hub for the residents.
