Silver Springs in Marion County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Paradise Park at Silver Springs
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, March 5, 2021
1. Paradise Park at Silver Springs Marker
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 was located on the south side of the Silver River, about ½ mile away 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 the running of the park. Guests could also swim in the 100-foot crescent-shaped white sand beach, purchase souvenirs from the gift shop, have their picture taken by legendary underwater photographer Bruce Mozert, and visit animal exhibits and shows. Paradise Park was regarded by civic, business, and religious leaders throughout the nation as the finest park built specifically for African Americans. As one of three major Florida beaches that catered to African Americans, this park drew about 100,000 visitors a year. Paradise Park closed in 1969 as a result of integration.
Erected 2014 by The Felburn Foundation, Silver River Museum, Cynthia A. Wilson-Graham, Friends of Silver Springs State Park, and the Florida Department of
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Entertainment • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1949.
Location. 29° 12.716′ N, 82° 3.457′ W. Marker is in Silver Springs, Florida, in Marion County. It is at the intersection of Baseline Road (Northeast 58th Avenue) (Florida Route 35) and Northeast 24th Street, on the right when traveling north on Baseline Road (Northeast 58th Avenue). Marker is located at the northeast corner of the intersection. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Silver Springs FL 34488, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Bruce Mozert (approx. 0.3 miles away); Ross Allen (approx. 0.3 miles away); Floridas Roadside Attractions (approx. 0.3 miles away); Sea Hunt (approx. 0.4 miles away); Osceola (approx. 0.4 miles away); From Disaster to Award-Winning Design (approx. 0.4 miles away); Silver Springs Paradise Park (approx. 0.4 miles away); Floridas Springs: Our Precious Resource (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Silver Springs.
Also see . . .
1. Paradise Park. Wikipedia entry:
It served African American patrons prohibited from Silver Springs' boat rides that were limited to whites only. As was the rule during the allegedly
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, March 5, 2021
2. Paradise Park at Silver Springs Marker
2. New Book Tells Story Of Once-Segregated Park Near Ocala. WUFT website entry:
Ive been to Silver Springs hundreds of times, but Id never heard of this park, 51-year-old Wilson-Graham said. Lu Vickers said she hopes the book will spark a conversation about segregation and that people will possibly write books about African-American history in their regions as well. (Submitted on March 7, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, March 5, 2021
3. Silver Springs State Park Youth Camp Entrance
Credits. This page was last revised on January 9, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 5, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 2,508 times since then and 101 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 5, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
