The Fort Walton Beach City Council voted Tuesday to rename Kenwood Park as “The Peters Neighborhood Park,” honoring three generations of a family with deep ties to the community’s recreational development and education.

• The resolution recognizes Gene Peters, who served as Recreation Director from 1974-2006, his son Jeff Peters, who continued the role from 2006-2023, and Candy Peters, Gene’s wife and Jeff’s mother, who taught for 35 years, including time at nearby Kenwood Elementary School.

Located at 7 Cambridge Avenue NE next to Kenwood Elementary School, the park has been a central outdoor space for families and students in the neighborhood where the Peters family has long resided.

“This is one of the first things I thought of right away as I got this new title,” said Mayor Nic Allegretto, who proposed the renaming. “At the end of all of our lifetimes, this park will still exist and it will still be called this park.”

Gene Peters was celebrated for his approachable leadership style during his three decades directing the city’s recreation programs. He played a pivotal role in expanding youth and adult sports leagues while actively involving himself in the development of local parks. 

• Known for his patience and dedication, Gene successfully trained many early-career parks staff who later advanced to leadership roles. He was widely respected for keeping youth programs low-cost and accessible to all families regardless of income or background.

Jeff Peters, who was appointed Okaloosa County Parks & Facilities Director in January after serving as Fort Walton Beach City Manager, continued and expanded his father’s vision with a focus on modernizing facilities. Under his leadership, the city developed a 33,000 square foot Recreation Center and multi-field Athletic Sports Complex. 

Jeff also oversaw the multi-phase renovation of the Landing park with a new boardwalk, docks and performance stage, expanded the Indian Temple Mound Museum by 4,800 square feet, and was deeply involved in design plans for improvements to Liza Jackson Park and boat launch.

Candy Peters, a beloved and dedicated former teacher, touched the lives of countless students and their families during her 35-year teaching career, several years of which were spent at Kenwood Elementary School.

Councilman Bryce Jeter, who made the motion to approve the resolution, acknowledged the family’s community impact: “Fifty years is a very long time to keep such a highly regarded name in the community that’s positively affected so many people.”

• Councilman David Schmidt added, “Y’all leaned in a lot in this community and this city. Unfortunately, we couldn’t do enough to honor y’all.”

The council unveiled a new park sign following the vote.