Years ago, Black people were not allowed at the main part of Silver Springs. There was a separate area named Paradise Park set aside for them located next to where they now rent kayaks.
I saw a TV show about this on the local PBS station. When we lived in Northern Virginia, there was a show called "Tony Brown's Journal" and Tony said, "If life gives you lemons, then make lemonade", and it appears that is exactly what the local Black people in Ocala did.
The TV show interviewed several local people who had very good memories of Paradise Park. When their parents told them they were going to Paradise Park on the weekend, they would get very excited. They would have family gatherings, beauty contests, and lots of activities.
I wish the Silver Springs Park would restore Paradise Park to help us better understand the history of Florida, both good and bad.
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