John C. Beasley Park

John C. Beasley Park, formerly known as John Beasley Wayside Park, is a public beach area on Okaloosa Island in Florida. It was established as a state park to provide beach access for African Americans during the era of segregation. After desegregation it was turned over to the Okaloosa County.[1] The park is named for John C. Beasley.[2] Fodor's reported the park had 2-dune walkovers, showers, parking, toilets, lifeguards, and picnic tables.[3]

A commemorative plaque was installed at the park in 2015. It was the only beach open to African Americans in Okaloosa County until desegregation.[1]

In May 2020, The Northwest Florida Daily News published a photograph of the beach from the 1970s (#112)[4]

References
  1. Freeman, Danielle (December 10, 2015). "Park Ranger Andrew Hill Commemorated At Beasley Park". wuwf.org. WUWF-FM 88.1. Retrieved August 18, 2022.
  2. Barlow, Kari C. (December 10, 2014). "County committee pushing to recognize black history at Beasley Park". nwfdailynews.com. Northwest Florida Daily News. Retrieved August 18, 2022.
  3. Guides, Fodor's Travel (October 28, 2014). Fodor's Florida 2015. Fodor's Travel. ISBN 9780804142960 – via Google Books.
  4. "Photos: VINTAGE That's the way, uh huh, uh huh, we liked Fort Walton Beach in the 1970s". Northwest Florida Daily News.


30°23′38″N 86°35′3″W

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