A recent trek to Niceville, Florida included a visit to a county-operated park that lines the banks of Turkey Creek. The creek drains the sand basin of a nearby US Air Force base. Aircraft frequently fly over the park and this visit was no exception with numerous aircraft flying overhead. Pictures were hard to get since they were low and fast.
The park includes a mile long boardwalk that is very well built. There are numerous spots that lead out into the water allowing visitors to swim or place small boats on the creek. The day of this visit the water was very high and flowing rapidly due to recent heavy rains in the days before. The park also has a picnic pavilion with fireplace. Due to COVID restrictions, the pavilion was covered with caution tape and was less photogenic than it would have been otherwise.
Perhaps it was due to the number of aircraft overhead, but there were very few opportunities to spot birds at this park. I did find a few fish and turtles, though. The water was a reddish brown color and was flowing rapidly. The bottom of the creek is sand-lined and very soft on your feet. The water was quit cold since it was still early April during this visit.
Here’s a map showing where the park is located. It’s near the entrance to Eglin Air Force Base in Niceville, Florida. More information is available at the City of Niceville’s website about this and other facilities there.