Paradise Park was a theme park for African Americans established in 1949 by Carl Ray and W.M. "Shorty" Davidson, the owners of nearby Silver Springs. The park stood on the south side of the Silver River, about half a mile from Silver Springs. Because of segregation, African Americans were barred from Silver Springs, but at Paradise Park guests could enjoy similar attractions such as glass-bottomed boat rides and river cruises. From 1949 to 1967, Eddie Leroy Vereen, a former boat captain, managed the tropical setting and employed many of his own family members in running the park. Guests could also swim at the 100-foot crescent-shaped white sand beach, buy souvenirs from the gift shop, have their picture taken by legendary underwater photographer Bruce Mozert, and visit animal exhibits and shows. Civic, business, and religious leaders throughout the nation regarded Paradise Park as the finest park built specifically for African Americans. As one of three major Florida beaches that catered to African Americans, it drew about 100,000 visitors a year before closing in 1969 as a result of integration.
