Okaloosa County opens newest park, convention center addition

Okaloosa County has unveiled its newest park and the latest addition to the Emerald Coast Convention Center in Fort Walton Beach. A Monday reception and ribbon-cutting celebrated the completion of Bayview Plaza, a 30,000-square-foot outdoor exhibit area.

The large concrete pad, equipped with electricity and water, will provide additional space for regular events such as cheerleading and volleyball competitions.

The area can be tented in the case of rain.

In addition, county officials marks the opening of Veterans Park with a new sign at the entrance.

The 14-acre park is primarily a passive recreation area with a heron rookery, pond, a pine and oak hammock, wetlands and coastal dunes.

County crews are building a walkway around the pond.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa County opens newest park, convention center addition