Now owned and operated by the City of Crestview, the Environmental Center was originally conceived and started by former Okaloosa County Forester John McMahon in 1979. The center offers a park-like setting with picnic area and two ornamental fish ponds (one shaped like the state of Florida) surrounded by an impressive compilation of almost 100 native trees, all of which McMahon tirelessly collected, dug and planted over the last 32 years.

The Environmental Museum on the site offers a great educational tool for area students. All displays are relative to the forestry industry that helped found the Northwest Florida and Crestview area years ago. Several hundred children visit this park each school year.

The McMahon Environmental Center is located at the foot of the former fire tower at Mapoles Street and Butler Court. To bring your group to the museum, contact the Crestview Parks and Recreation department at 682-4715.

Directions: The Environmental Center is located on Butler Circle (off of Mapoles Street), right next to the fire tower in Crestview.