A few months ago, WPHM featured a nostalgic article about family trips to Silver Springs. It was brought to our attention that there was another park at Silver Springs -- Paradise Park (1949-1969), a much-loved water resort for Black families during segregation. As background, in 1949 there were only two other beaches where Black families were allowed beach-access: Bethune-Volusia Beach established in 1945 at New Smyrna Beach and Atlantic Beach on Amelia Island. There was an overwhelming need for open beaches to accommodate Blacks during segregation, and with effective advertising, the word of this lushly
landscaped resort “paradise” quickly spread.
From all over the United States tour buses and church groups arrived to enjoy the escape that Paradise Park offered to the Black community. The amenities included many of the features of Silver Springs, and the park soon became a year-round tradition for families. The park featured a large pavilion with a dance floor, swimming area with a sandy beach, and open space for softball and other games. Paradise Park was advertised throughout the state and nation.
Like its counterpart Silver Springs, Paradise Park featured glass-bottom boat tours that introduced visitors to the beauty of the Silver River. Easter egg hunts, baptisms, picnics, beauty pageants and family reunions were held on the lush property.
The park closed in 1969 when Silver Springs was desegregated. Today, almost nothing remains from the original park. In 2013, the state of Florida purchased Silver Springs and the old tourist attraction became part of the 4700 acres that make up Silver Springs State Park.
Please share your stories of Park Paradise with us. We’d love to hear your history!
Linda Kulmann, WPHM Archivist
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