Created out of the frustrations of racial segregation, John C. Beasley State Park opened in 1960 as an area “For Colored Only,” with a gated entrance sign on Highway 98 bearing those words. The park resulted from the efforts of members of the Negro community and the commanders of Eglin AFB and Hurlburt Field, because no Negro, local or military, could visit nearby Newman Brackin Wayside Park or any other area beaches in the Playground Area. It was named for John C. Beasley, a recently deceased and respected white member of the community. Its first ranger was Andrew Hill, a resident of Ft. Walton Beach since 1940 who lived, worked, and worshipped with most of the park’s visitors, and his friendly, outgoing manner helped make it a safe and exciting place to visit. As the only place where Negroes could safely congregate, the park became a haven where they could visit, enjoy the beach, and take pride in a place built just for them. Discussion of creating a state park for Negroes took place in 1957 and 1958, and in May 1959 the Chamber of Commerce agreed to write senators and representatives for support to build a Negro park on Okaloosa County beaches. On 28 May 1959, Playground News reported that the Negro population of Okaloosa County had no beach area of its own and that efforts had been made by the Chamber and the City of Fort Walton Beach over the previous two years to develop an area for Negroes to use. On 2 June 1959, the Florida Parks Board approved spending $14,400 for immediate construction of a Negro park on Okaloosa Island. On 19 March 1960, John C. Beasley State Park for Negroes was dedicated in a program arranged by the Indian Mound Elks Lodge #1205, with a parade beginning at 10 AM that included bands from Washington Junior High of Pensacola and Carver-Hill School of Crestview, along with students from Brooks Elementary School in Ft. Walton Beach. Andrew Hill was appointed park ranger in 1960. In 1964-65 the park was desegregated, Ranger Hill retired from the Florida Park Service, and racial segregation ended so that all people regardless of race were welcome at any Florida State Park. On 27 May 1976, the park was transferred from the State of Florida to Okaloosa County.