👤 Who: Okaloosa County officials, residents, and Commissioner Trey Goodwin
🛠️ What: Ribbon-cutting for the newly renovated Brigadier General Bud Day Park
📅 When: January 15, 2026, at 2 p.m.
📍 Where: 185 Woodland Park Circle, Mary Esther, Florida
❤️ Why: To revitalize an aging park and better serve the community while honoring Bud Day’s legacy
MARY ESTHER — A neighborhood park with deep local and national roots is getting a fresh start.
Okaloosa County leaders will celebrate the reopening of Brigadier General Bud Day Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Jan. 15, 2026, at 2 p.m., marking the completion of a full-scale renovation designed to serve residents of all ages.
Located at 185 Woodland Park Circle in Mary Esther, the park has been completely revamped after years of wear and tear. New amenities include two pickleball courts, a large pavilion, restrooms, new sidewalks, a refreshed basketball court with new backboards, a playground, security cameras, and new fencing — transforming the space into a safer, more welcoming community hub.
“This park suffered the effects of time and was in immense need of improvements,” said Okaloosa County Chairman and District 4 Commissioner Trey Goodwin. “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 honors George Everette “Bud” Day, a highly decorated United States Air Force officer and Medal of Honor recipient. Day served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, where he was shot down in 1967 and held as a prisoner of war for nearly six years. During his captivity, he shared a cell with future U.S. senator John McCain.
Day was later awarded the Medal of Honor and Air Force Cross, and was posthumously advanced to the rank of brigadier general. After retiring from the military, Day settled in Okaloosa County, where he practiced law and became a respected member of the community.
County officials say the park’s improvements reflect both Day’s legacy and the evolving needs of Mary Esther residents — blending recreation, safety, and accessibility into a single space designed to bring people together.
More information on Okaloosa County-maintained parks can be found at
https://myokaloosa.com/fpm/parks/list
Pro Communi Bono
St. Francis De Sales, Ora Pro Nobis!
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