On the northeast corner of Oak Street and 21st Avenue North,
where a bank, an office supply store, and a children's museum now
stands, a harness race track once existed. The track was owned by
Paul and Parrot Hardy of Mullins, SC. The Washington Park Race
Track opened in 1938 and semi-weekly races were held with large
crowds attending. But it seemed that the Hardy's got the cart
before the horse on this venture. You see, they opened the track in
anticipation that gambling would be legalized in the state, and
when it wasn't the track was doomed to failure. The track closed
and the stadium seating was sold to Rambi Race Track, which now
goes by the name Myrtle Beach Speedway.
There is supposed to be a section of the original clay track
still visible, but I have not been able to locate it. It could be
somewhere on the undeveloped property behind the miniature golf
course, but I'm not sure.
Congratulations to The Green Family on their FTF!