Ross Marler Park
A newly renovated park on Okaloosa Island featuring a spectacular coastal-themed playground, lagoon access for swimming and birdwatching, and fishing ...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, ideal for play
Ross Marler Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, ideal for play
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A newly renovated park on Okaloosa Island featuring a spectacular coastal-themed playground, lagoon access for swimming and birdwatching, and fishing opportunities.
"The best playground area I've seen since moving down here. The playground is huge and shaded."
🎯 Best Playground Ever!
Kids rave about the unique climbing tower & zip-line merry-go-round. A must-visit for families!
🐦 Birdwatcher's Delight
Bring binoculars for excellent birdwatching opportunities along the lagoon.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Coastal-Themed Playground
Playground Area
A $1.3M upgrade featuring slides, climbing towers, and a zip-line merry-go-round. Educational elements about sea turtles and lionfish add a unique touch.
Lagoon Birdwatching
Lagoon Shoreline
Discover diverse bird species in this serene natural setting. A delightful spot for nature enthusiasts and a peaceful escape.
Fishing Dock
Fishing Dock Area
Cast a line from the dedicated fishing dock. A popular spot for anglers looking to catch some local saltwater species.
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Planning Your Visit
Family Fun & Playground Paradise
Nature & Waterfront Activities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Best Playground Ever!
Kids rave about the unique climbing tower & zip-line merry-go-round. A must-visit for families!
🐦 Birdwatcher's Delight
Bring binoculars for excellent birdwatching opportunities along the lagoon.
🎣 Cast Your Line
The fishing dock is a great spot to try your luck. Remember to check local fishing regulations.
☀️ Shaded Play Area
The playground is well-shaded, offering a comfortable play experience even on sunny days.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Best Playground Ever!
Kids rave about the unique climbing tower & zip-line merry-go-round. A must-visit for families!
🐦 Birdwatcher's Delight
Bring binoculars for excellent birdwatching opportunities along the lagoon.
🎣 Cast Your Line
The fishing dock is a great spot to try your luck. Remember to check local fishing regulations.
☀️ Shaded Play Area
The playground is well-shaded, offering a comfortable play experience even on sunny days.
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Utilize the picnic pavilions with grills for a delightful family meal.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ross Marler Park is overwhelmingly praised as a fantastic upgrade, especially for families, with its spectacular, shaded playground featuring unique attractions. Visitors also appreciate the natural beauty of the lagoon for birdwatching and the convenience of the fishing dock and picnic areas. Some minor restrictions on waterfront activities are noted but don't detract significantly from the overall positive experience.
"This is a delightful location for birdwatching and enjoying the natural beauty of the lagoon. Recent changes may have introduced some restrictions on waterfront activities, yet the park still provides a rewarding experience for visitors."
Ubaya Medawela
"Fantastic Upgrade – A Must-Visit for Families!
We visited the newly remodeled Ross Marler Park, and it was a huge upgrade from before! The kids absolutely loved the climbing tower and the zip-line merry-go-round. It’s such a refreshing change from other parks, with its unique decor and variety of activities. Everything felt thoughtfully designed for fun and adventure. Highly recommend this park to anyone with kids—it’s the perfect place to escape and enjoy quality family time!"
Chris Powell
"The best playground area I've seen since moving down here. The playground is huge and shaded. They have bathrooms and picnic pavilions with grills. Swimming area. Fishing dock area. Beautiful. Will be coming back regularly now."
Nadia Worthy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ross Marler Park is located at 1275 Santa Rosa Blvd., Fort Walton Beach, Florida, on Okaloosa Island. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available at the park.
Yes, there is parking available at the park, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Using GPS with the address 1275 Santa Rosa Blvd., Fort Walton Beach, FL, will guide you directly to the park entrance.
Information on public transport options to Ross Marler Park is limited, so driving is generally recommended for ease of access.
The park features rubberized safety surfacing on the playground and paved pathways, making it generally stroller-friendly.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ross Marler Park is free to enter. The $1.3M facility was funded entirely by tourism revenue, making it accessible to all.
Specific operating hours are not always listed, but parks are generally open from dawn until dusk. It's best to check local listings or visit during daylight hours.
No, tickets are not required for entry to Ross Marler Park as it is a public park.
While the park is generally open, there might be occasional restrictions on specific waterfront activities. It's advisable to check for any posted notices.
The playground is designed for a range of ages, with different structures catering to younger children and older kids alike.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy the playground, birdwatching, swimming in the lagoon, and fishing from the dock. Picnic pavilions are also available.
Yes, there is a designated swimming area within the lagoon, offering a safe place to cool off.
It's a newly remodeled, coastal-themed playground with unique features like a climbing tower and zip-line merry-go-round, plus educational elements.
Yes, the park is equipped with restrooms for visitor convenience.
While not explicitly stated, many public parks have leash laws for pets. It's best to check for posted signs regarding pet policies.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants within Ross Marler Park itself. However, the park offers picnic pavilions with grills for visitors to bring their own food.
Nearby Okaloosa Island and Fort Walton Beach offer numerous dining options, including seafood restaurants like The Crab Trap.
Absolutely! Ross Marler Park has picnic pavilions and grills, making it an ideal spot for a family picnic.
Typically, there are no permanent food vendors at Ross Marler Park. Bringing your own food and drinks is recommended.
The Okaloosa Island area is known for its fresh seafood, with many restaurants offering local catches and coastal cuisine.
📸 📸 Photography
The playground with its unique structures, the serene lagoon for nature shots, and the fishing dock offer great photographic opportunities.
Yes, the vibrant playground and scenic lagoon provide a beautiful backdrop for family photos.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check with local authorities or park management before flying a drone.
Late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour lighting, while mornings can be great for capturing wildlife activity.
The coastal-themed playground and the chance to spot local wildlife, like birds or even marine life near the pier, offer unique shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's well-shaded and has rubberized surfacing for safety, making it a comfortable and secure place for children to play for hours. Beyond the playground, the lagoon offers a swimming area for kids to splash around in. The park is also a great spot for birdwatching, adding an educational element to your visit. Many parents have shared how their children, across various age groups, absolutely loved their time here, calling it one of the best playgrounds they've visited.
🎣 Anglers and Nature Lovers
Even if fishing or birdwatching isn't your primary focus, the park's scenic lagoon offers a beautiful backdrop for a relaxing visit. While some reviews mention potential changes to waterfront activities, the natural beauty and opportunities for quiet enjoyment of the environment remain.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Playground Upgrade: A Family Favorite
The playground is also thoughtfully designed with educational elements, incorporating information about local marine life like sea turtles and lionfish, making it both fun and informative for young visitors. The park's commitment to safety and comfort is evident with its rubberized safety surfacing, ensuring a secure environment for active play. The playground area is also notably shaded, providing a welcome respite from the Florida sun, which parents greatly appreciate.
Travelers consistently praise the playground, with many calling it the 'best playground area' they've seen. The variety of activities keeps children entertained for hours, making it a perfect spot for a family outing or a dedicated playdate.
Nature and Waterfront Exploration
The park provides opportunities for swimming in its designated lagoon area, offering a refreshing way to cool off. For fishing enthusiasts, a fishing dock is available, allowing anglers to cast their lines and enjoy the sport. While some social media content hints at potential restrictions on certain waterfront activities, the natural beauty and recreational options remain a significant draw for visitors seeking a connection with the coastal environment.
Recent reviews highlight the park's rewarding experience for those who appreciate nature. The combination of birdwatching, swimming, and fishing makes it a versatile destination for both active and relaxed pursuits.
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