New Construction in Crestview, FL and Niceville, FL - Beth Little

This is a repost of a blog I wrote in 2008.  It still pertains to today, so I updated it a bit and bumped it back up to the top.

1.  Children's Park

The Children's Park is located in the Civic Center Complex at 204 N. Partin Drive, across from Ruckel Middle School. This is a clean, safe place to take your children, and I highly recommend it.   There are always park attendants available, but children MUST be accompanied by an adult at all times.  I especially enjoy the many walkways throughout the park, and the shaded seating areas.  There is also a picnic area with drink machines available.  The bathrooms include changing tables and are located inside the park. 

My children have especially enjoyed the sandboxes, bubble machine, slides, monkey bars, and diggers.  But their favorite area is the seasonal Children's Spray Park that offers many water play features.  It opens in May and closes around October.  Park hours are:

JUNE 1 THRU
SEPT 30
Tuesday thru Saturday: 8:30am to 1pm and
4pm to 8pm,
Sunday:
4pm to 8pm

OCTOBER 1 - 31
Tuesday thru Saturday:
8:30am to 7pm
Sunday:
2pm to 7pm

NOV 1 - APR 30
Tuesday thru Saturday:
8:30am to 5:30pm
Sunday:
1pm to 5:30pm

MAY 1 - 31
Tuesday thru Saturday:
8:30am to 7pm
Sunday:
2pm to 7pm

The Spray Park is open Tuesday thru Saturday: 10-1pm & 4-6pm and Sundays: 4-6pm

2.  NICEVILLE DOG PARK

The Niceville Dog Park was constructed by the community of Niceville, FL in 2002. It has approximately 4 acres with plenty of shade trees and running space. It is located off Hwy 85 just north of the soccer/football fields. Just next to the area where they hold the annual Mullet Festival. Hours are from Dawn until 10pm. Bright lights automatically turn on at dusk.  The park provides a water station with a continuous fresh supply for the dogs. People have donated disposal bags, chairs, frisbees, balls, and other toys for the dogs to play with. The only rule for the area is that everyone is expected to clean up their pets waste. The park is within driving distance of Crestview FL, Ft. Walton Beach FL, and Destin FL.

3.  TURKEY CREEK

Turkey Creek is located at 340 John Sims Parkway in Niceville FL.  My family has spent many hours floating down this lazy creek. There is a boardwalk that has many places to stop along the way and enjoy the beautiful scenery and wildlife.   There are markers along the way to identify vegetation. There are swimming holes and rest areas with benches. The boardwalk is 3/4 of a mile one way, with markers at the 1/4 mile points.  Canoes, kayaks, and tubes are allowed. However, no gasoline engines.

The Turkey Creek Walkway is open from 6:30am till dark, seven days a week. The City of Niceville provides free rides for senior citizens and physically handicapped persons. Please contact Curt Barto at 850-642-7454 to schedule a visit or for more information about Turkey Creek Nature Trail and Pavilion. Security staff are on site to ensure a safe, fun environment for all to enjoy.

North Turkey Creek Extension
This new addition to Turkey Creek Boardwalk is located on W. College Blvd. The park consists of a 900 ft. boardwalk that provides access to Turkey Creek, which includes a Kayak/canoe Launch slip. The park also features three 12'x20' picnic pavilions and restrooms. This area opens at 8:00 a.m seven days a week. Closing times are seasonal and are posted at the facility.

4.  Crab Island

Technically Crab Island isn't located in Niceville, but in Destin Florida.  However, I'm claiming it as a fun free thing to do in Niceville because so many people from this area spend their weekends there.  There are many public boat launches in Niceville Florida and a trip across the Choctawhatchee Bay is only 10 to 20 minutes (depending on how fast your boat is!).  Crab Island is a spot mostly frequented by Locals from Destin Florida, Fort Walton Beach Florida, Niceville Florida, Crestview Florida, and Eglin AFB.  It is an underwater island, located on the North side of the Destin Bridge.  The water is anywhere from 3 feet to 10 feet deep and it is a great place to hang out with your friends while you swim, snorkle, or toss the football.  At different times during the summer there is even live music, played from a floating stage.  Check out the images from one of my favorite websites Destin-ation.com.