New Family-Friendly Park in Destin
Are you staying with us in Destin this fall? Then you’re in luck! A new family-friendly park in Destin has just opened and is eagerly awaiting visitors. Captain Leonard Destin Park is a great place for groups of all ages to visit. The park pays homage to Destin’s rich history as a fishing village and was built on 3.42 acres of Captain Leonard Destin’s original homestead. With over 150 years of memories, including boating and fishing, the park emphasizes the importance of the water in the area and especially in Destin.
Who was Captain Leonard?
Leonard Destin is known as “Destin’s founding father.” Originally hailing from Connecticut, Leonard, his father, and his brothers would sail down to Florida to fish and salvage shipwrecks damaged by hurricanes. In 1835, a hurricane marooned Leonard and his brother Nathan on a Florida barrier island for two months. Leonard eventually made his way to New Orleans to become a crew member on a fishing boat. Not long after, he became the captain of his own boat. He set up camp in Moreno Point in 1850 after discovering a small peninsula off of the Florida Panhandle. Leonard Destin passed away in 1870, but the area was not known as Destin until 1896 when William Marler decided to name the town after Leonard Destin; his best friend and first employer.
What does the park offer?
This new family-friendly park has so many aspects for visitors to enjoy. According to the City of Destin’s official website, “The park transports a historic site to a place of gathering that celebrates the spirit of Destin, with the water at its core.” There is easy pedestrian access from Calhoun Avenue, so you can easily get to and from the park from our Cottages. An expanded dock, beach area, boardwalk, and large handicap beach access area ensures there’s plenty of room for everyone to enjoy views of the water. In order to preserve some of Destin’s natural beauty, the City has implemented a heron rookery protection zone.
In addition, the park is also kid-friendly! Kids are going to love the playground and splash pad when the weather is nice. Take advantage of the large picnic pavilion for lunch outdoors. Not to mention, there is also a kayak launch from the expanded deck. Since spending time outdoors is so important right now, the park could not have opened at a better time!