MARY ESTHER, Fla. — A newly renovated Brigadier General Bud Day Park will officially reopen later this month following a series of upgrades aimed at improving recreational access for residents, Okaloosa County announced.
Niceville.com Community Partner
County officials will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 2 p.m. on January 15, 2026, at the park, located at 185 Woodland Park Circle in Mary Esther.
According to the county, the park has been completely revamped and now features two new pickleball courts, a large pavilion, a restroom facility, new sidewalks, a refreshed basketball court with new backboards, a playground, security cameras, and new fencing.
“This park suffered the effects of time and was in immense need of improvements,” said Okaloosa County Chairman and District 4 Commissioner Trey Goodwin.
Niceville.com Community Partner
“We worked hard to come up with a plan that would serve the needs of all Okaloosa County residents, but also something that the park’s neighbors would be proud of. I believe we achieved that.”
The park was formerly known as Col. Bud Day Park and is named in honor of George Everette “Bud” Day, a United States Air Force officer and combat pilot who served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
Mr Day was shot down over North Vietnam in 1967 and held as a prisoner of war for nearly six years, during which time he shared a cell with Navy Lt. Cmdr. John McCain. He was awarded the Medal of Honor and the Air Force Cross and was later posthumously advanced to the rank of brigadier general.
After retiring from the military, Mr Day practiced law and was a long-time Okaloosa County resident.
Niceville.com Community Partner
Additional information about county-maintained parks is available through Okaloosa County’s Facilities Management Division at
https://myokaloosa.com/fpm/parks/list
