Liza Jackson Park renovation moves to September as $3.1 million upgrade stays on track
Fort Walton Beach, Florida – A six-week delay has shifted the construction calendar at Liza Jackson Park, but the scope of the major waterfront upgrade remains unchanged.
Instead of beginning Aug. 3, renovation work is now scheduled to start during the week of Monday, Sept. 14, 2026. Once construction begins, visitors will see significant changes on the western half of the popular city-owned park at 338 Miracle Strip Parkway SW.
The west side of Liza Jackson Park, including the west entrance, will close completely for the duration of the project. That area will serve as the contractor’s main construction zone, providing space to stage heavy equipment, receive building materials and load debris for removal.
The closure will not affect the entire park. The eastern section will remain accessible, including the dog parks, allowing residents and their pets to continue using part of the property while work moves forward.
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The $3.1 million renovation is designed to improve several of the park’s most heavily used facilities. Plans include construction of a new 832-square-foot restroom building, additional parking for passenger vehicles and boat trailers, and a redesigned traffic area around the boat launch.
New sidewalks will also be installed, while stormwater improvements are expected to address drainage needs across the project area. Together, the upgrades are intended to improve movement, access and convenience for boaters, drivers and pedestrians.
H&T Contractors LLC of Freeport was awarded the bid for the work. The construction schedule is expected to last approximately six months, meaning the renovation could continue into early 2027 if the project remains on its current timeline.
Funding will come from three sources. The Fort Walton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency and the city’s Infrastructure Surtax fund will cover part of the cost. Okaloosa County is also contributing $1 million through its Tourist Development Tax fund.
For park users, the most immediate change will arrive in September, when fencing, equipment and construction activity begin appearing near the west entrance. Although access will be limited during the renovation, the eastern side will offer a way to keep part of Liza Jackson Park open while the city completes one of its larger park improvement projects.
