Panama City in Bay County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

McKenzie Park

Photographed by Brandon D Cross

1. McKenzie Park Marker

Inscription. In 1887, this block was set aside by the original Downtown developers, George W Jenks, and C. J. Demorest. Streets were laid out around the park, and it is evident from the plat of May 23, 1888, that it was the focal point of the small community. The very name of the original development was "Park Resort." In 1907, a perimeter fence was erected, and a bandstand stood in the center of what was then called "Magnolia Park." A historical cannon was at the entrance and a tennis court was added in 1913. The park was the place for annual celebrations of the Pioneer Picnic and Independence Day. Perhaps the largest attended and most famous gathering was Natal Day on July 1, 1913, which marked the creation of Bay County. Speeches, barbeques, bands, and fish fries were the usual order of the day. On December 4, 1964, the park was renamed "McKenzie Park" in honor of the city's first mayor, Robert Lee McKenzie. Revitalization of the beautiful park took place in 1986 under the direction of the Downtown Improvement Board, Panama City Main Street Project, the City of Panama City, and a citizen group organized for that purpose. The park

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remains the heart downtown Panama City.

Erected 2023 by Quality of Life, City of Panama City, The Historical Society of Bay County and the Florida Department of State. (Marker Number F-1225.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1887.

Location. 30° 9.242′ N, 85° 39.657′ W. Marker is in Panama City, Florida, in Bay County. It is at the intersection of Oak Avenue and Park Avenue, on the left when traveling east on Oak Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 218 Harrison Avenue, Panama City FL 32401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the Florida Panhandle.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

and on the Gulf Coast.

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

Photographed by Brandon D Cross

2. McKenzie Park Marker

South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Van Kleeck Company (within shouting distance of this marker); Robert Lee McKenzie's Home and Office (within shouting distance of this marker); Idle Hour Theater (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bank of Panama City – The Gilbert Building (about 400 feet away); Cook Motor Company (about 400 feet away); W.L. Folkes Building (about 500 feet away); The Moon Jewelry Co. (about 600 feet away); The Page Building (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Panama City.

Also see . . . McKenzie Park Historical Marker Application. (Submitted on April 20, 2024, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)

Credits. This page was last revised on April 21, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 20, 2024, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 429 times since then and 52 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 20, 2024, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.