1. Barbara Palmer, APD Director Rick Scott, Governor
William J. Rish
Recreational Park in
Gulf County
Barbara Palmer, APD Director
Rick Scott, Governor

3. The park is named after the late William J. (Billy Joe) Rish.

4. As a state representative in the
1960s, Rish has the state buy about 100 acres from the federal government for a park for persons with disabilities.

5. Rish Park provides wheelchair access to the beautiful Gulf of Mexico.

6. To St. Joseph Bay

7. Olympic-size swimming pool with access ramp

8. The park opened in 1975 as Sunland Recreational Park
The park opened in 1975 as Sunland Recreational Park. Three years later, it was renamed in honor of Rep. Rish.
APD’s Sunland Center runs the park.

9. Rish Park has frontage on the Gulf of Mexico and St. Joseph Bay.
It is believed to be the only park
of its kind for persons with
disabilities in the nation.

10. Accessibility is the focus of Rish Park, from the pool…

11. …to the boardwalks…

12. …to the cabins…

13. Six group cabins and two family cabins provide comfortable lodging for overnight stays.

14. The Rish family continues to actively support the park.

15. the summer, so it is best to call ahead for availability:
The day-use fee is only $5 per person, per day. The park gets popular during
the summer, so it is best to call
ahead for availability:
(850)

16. Groups of more than 60 can stay for
$12 per night, per person. Large groups
can rent the entire park for
$650 per night.

17. To make reservations for overnight stays, contact APD’s Sunland Center between
8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Central time.
Call (850)

18. Hawkins Park Ribbon Cutting

19. Hawkins Park in Milton

20. Accessible Playground Equipment

21. Accessible Boardwalks

22. Come Visit APD’s Rish and Hawkins Parks
Thank you!