Go Outside: Parks & Outdoor Fun

article by LAUREN GUND

There are 17+ beautiful parks in our neighborhood, each thoughtfully designed to enhance the quality of life of the citizens and visitors that come to enjoy. With a nod to the rich history of East Hill, here’s a look at the origin and features of our beautiful parks, with many dating back to the 1800’s.

1. Andalusia Square // 1501 E. Cervantes Street

Andalusia Square is one of the city’s oldest squares, appearing on a map from 1884. This historical map of Pensacola’s “New City” was produced by a state surveyor from Florida named W.F. Lee and reviewed by W.H. Davison, Pensacola’s local city surveyor during this time. A concrete marker notes a tree that was planted in honor of Miss Nell Burrow. Miss Burrow was president of the Pensacola Federation of Garden Clubs from 1931 – 1933. This park features a gazebo, playground, and walking path.

2. Bayview Park // 2001 E. Lloyd Street

Bayview Park is the largest passive recreational park in the city limits at 29 acres. It was the site of the City’s first Independence Day celebration. At one time, it was a popular swimming hole, boasting a large diving tower into Bayou Texar. In April 1910 the Pensacola Playground Committee began soliciting for donations to build a bathhouse and personnel facilities. The same year, the park began hosting concerts, free to the public. The following year the director of playgrounds requested the hiring of a woman “playground” worker because more women were using the bathhouse than men. A zoo, stables, and seal pens were installed over the course of

Bayview’s first decade near where the present-day tennis courts are located. A monument of note is the Bayview Cross, which was erected in 1941 by the Pensacola Junior Chamber of Commerce. Bayview Park features a large variety of activities, including a boat launch, tennis courts, dog parks, community center, playground equipment, covered picnic area with grills, and winding trails throughout the property. It is also the location of a number community events, including the East Hill Neighborhood Association’s Bands on the Bayou Concert Series.

Bayview Park 1937

3. Catalonia Square // 2300 N. 12th Avenue

Catalonia Square is one of the city’s oldest squares, appearing on a map from 1884. This 2.4 acres of public space features two baseball fields, playground, and open playing field.

4. Cordova Square // 1101 N. 12th Avenue

Also appearing on a map from 1884, this park is one of few that offer ample parking. There’s a large open field with soccer goals along with a playground. The gazebo features signage signifying that it was built by the East Hill Neighborhood Association. The gazebo was built in honor of Colleen McDonough, founding member of the neighborhood association.

5. Estramadura Square // 1500 E. Lakeview Avenue

This 2.4-acre park is named for a Spanish region bordering Portugal. Here you will find plenty of open space, soccer goals, and a playground to enjoy.

6. Granada Square // 1001 E. Cervantes Street

Located on the north side of Cervantes near Publix, Granada Square is yet another historical park, first appearing on a map from 1884. The park includes a playground with swings, gazebo, and ample parking.

7. Granada Subdivision // 103 Pineda Avenue

This small park is named for the subdivision in which it is located, with a playground and open area tucked between houses.

8. H.K. Matthews Park // 3100 N. 12th Avenue

This park was formerly known as Esperanza Park, changing names in 2006. Reverend Hawthorne Konrad (H.K.) Matthews is an African-American minister who was active during the Civil Rights Movement in the Pensacola area. Matthews became involved with the local NAACP and Southern Christian Leadership Conference chapters during the Civil Rights Movement. As president of the Pensacola Council of Ministers, Matthews led sit-in protests that successfully integrated Palafox Street lunch counters. He also helped the successful efforts to get blacks hired at such businesses as Sacred Heart Hospital, Southern Bell Telephone Company and West Pensacola Bank. Here you’ll find a basketball court, playground, and gazebo along with amble parking and open space.

9. Lamancha Square // 1400 E. Cross Street

Lamancha Square is one of the city’s oldest squares, having been laid out and appearing on maps from the 1800s. Its 2.4 acres showcases a playground with swings, walking path, and lovely landscaping.

10. Lions Park // 1201 E. LaRua Street

Lions Park was originally established under the name of Florida Square in 1909. The park’s name was later changed in 1946 to Lions Club Park after The Pensacola Lions Club, a local branch of the Lions International Service Organization. The park began hosting softball while still under the name of Florida Square in the early 1940s. The park was then renovated under the new name around April 1946. The renovation included the installation of an electronic scoreboard, new lights, and a public address system. Still best known for its wellmaintained baseball fields, Lions Park is home to the Kaboom Kickball League among other city and private sports programs. The stadium seating makes for a fun spectator sport most days, while there is also a playground to enjoy.

11. Malaga Square // 1000 E. Blount Street

One of the oldest squares in Pensacola, Malaga Square dates back to the 1800s. This park features a basketball court and playground with swings along with a walking path around the square.

12. Miraflores Park // 1601 E. LaRua Street

A unique feature of this park is the cottage-style scout building that stands on the southern edge. It was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) for the Boy Scouts of America in 1934, using bricks made from local clay made by the McMillan Brick Company. The building, once named after the Elebash family of Pensacola, has a plaque in memoriam of two eagle scouts – Jack Tilford and Jimmy Jerauld. At its inception as a public space around the turn of the century, the park was named Havana Square. It was later renamed in 1965, when Pensacola adopted Miraflores, Peru as its sister city, to commemorate this relationship. Along with the scout building, gazebo, playground, and walking trail is a monument and bronze bust of poet Ricardo Palma, a native Peruvian and national icon, which was unveiled as a gift to the Mayor of Miraflores during the renaming ceremony.

13. Operto Square // 1600 E. Blount Street

Operto Square is yet another one of the city’s oldest squares, appearing on a map from 1884. This park features a basketball court, workout area, and playground with swings.

14. Rev. A.L. Durant Park // Barcia & 9th Avenue

This park was formerly known as Barcia Park. The name was changed to honor Dr. Alvin L. Durant, who has been the pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church for over 60 years.

15. Semmes Park // 1380 E. Texar Drive

This park is named for Oliver J. Semmes, Jr., who with an impressive background of training and experience in the field of civil engineering, was in 1947 appointed as city manager for the City of Pensacola. This park adjoins O.J. Semmes Elementary School, and at nearly 2 acres features a new playground with rock climbing wall, basketball court, and gazebo.

16. Toledo Square // 1700 E. Gonzalez Street

Toledo Square also appears on a map from 1884. Here you’ll find a large playground with swings, covered picnic area, and walking paths.

17. Zamora Square // 1800 E. Bobe Street

Zamora Square is one of the city’s oldest squares, having been laid out and appearing on maps from the 1800’s. It has a little something for everyone, including a baseball field, basketball court, walking paths, and playground.