John and his wife Jane Murray Brooks were early environmentalists in this area. Jane has her own park named in her honor south of this park. John and Jane were leaders in the 1973 Save our Beaches campaign which resulted in public purchase of a large tract on South Beach which was named John Brooks' Park when he died in 1988.
John Brooks Park Beachside is a staggering 226 acres. It includes upland and wetland preserves and two miles of beachfront dunes and one wooden ramped dune-crossover with covered viewing area. Frederick Douglas Park is currently closed so horseback riding has been temporarily moved to this park beach.
One the day I visited the beach was almost completely deserted. This beach is south of the more populated beaches in Ft. Pierce. On the river side I saw one person fishing. This massive park is for the nature enthusiasts. It offers beach access, birding, fishing, and swimming. I love how this area has been left in its natural state. How different it might look if this activist couple and others who joined their cause had not managed save over 360 acres from development. read more