Ollinger Bruce Park (Oyster Shell)

Once the site of a shipyard and freight wharf from the 1850s until the 1920s, Olinger and Bruce Shipyard Park was established as a public park through a partnership with the District, Santa Rosa County, and the Blackwater River Foundation.

According to the historical marker on the property, a steamboat dubbed “City of Tampa” docked at this site to load and unload freight and passengers on its daily trips to Pensacola from 1898 to 1921.

On the adjacent parcel of land from the historical marker, Oyster Pile boat ramp is a convenient spot for small boat launches just a few minutes from the small community of Bagdad.

The recreation site is not just for launching boats. A nature trail along the Blackwater River as well as a picnic area, a pavilion, and a portable toilet provide the basic amenities for a nice family outing.

The Blackwater River is also a Florida Designated Paddling Trail.

Recreation Opportunities

• Picnicking, boat launch, boating, fishing, canoe launch, canoeing, wildlife viewing.

Restrictions

No ATV’s allowed.

Motorized vehicles allowed on designated roads only.