Two new pickleball courts, a large pavilion and refreshed basketball court are among the upgrades now available at Brigadier General Bud Day Park in Mary Esther.
- Okaloosa County will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 2 p.m. Jan. 15 at the park, located at 185 Woodland Park Circle.
“This park suffered the effects of time and was in immense need of improvements,” said Okaloosa County Chairman 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 complete overhaul also added a restroom, new sidewalks, a playground, security cameras and new fencing. The basketball court received new backboards.
The park honors George Everette “Bud” Day, a longtime Okaloosa County resident who served as a U.S. Air Force officer and pilot during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Day was shot down by anti-aircraft fire during a mission over North Vietnam in 1967 and held as a prisoner of war for nearly six years.
- During his captivity, Day shared a cell with Navy Lt. Cmdr. John McCain, who later became a U.S. senator and presidential candidate.
Day received the Medal of Honor and Air Force Cross for his service. He was posthumously advanced to brigadier general — the rank now reflected in the park’s updated name, formerly Col. Bud Day Park.
After retiring from the military, Day practiced law in the area until his death in July 2013.
