Parks and Recreation Inducts Eddie Lee Vickers into Hall of Fame

• 22 June 2023
• Category: Parks and Recreation
• Tags: 2023

St. Johns County Parks and Recreation Inducts Eddie Lee Vickers into Hall of Fame

St. Johns County Parks and Recreation celebrated the career of the late Eddie Lee Vickers by posthumously inducting him into the St. Johns County Parks and Recreation (SJCPAR) Hall of Fame at the June 20, 2023, Board of County Commissioners meeting. Vickers was a World War II veteran, a civil rights activist in St. Augustine, and a youth recreation leader in St. Johns County that spanned five decades of service to the community. Vickers passed away in 1998.

Eddie Lee Vickers was born on June 10, 1918. After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II and earning several honors, he returned to the United States. He married his fiancé Barbara, who worked as a ship welder in New York City, and they moved back to their hometown of St. Augustine. He began working for the City of St. Augustine, supervising activities at Little Links Park and Youth Center in Lincolnville. Eddie and Barbara were actively involved in the Civil Rights Movement in St. Augustine in the 1960s, protesting in marches, rallies, and sit-ins.

In 1958, Eddie Lee Vickers began working for SJCPAR as a Recreation Leader, coached baseball, and oversaw activities at Little Links Park throughout his career. He also organized the Vickers Red Raiders youth football team in the 1960s. He retired in 1987, then returned to work for SJCPAR in 1990. In 1997, the St. Augustine City Commission voted to rename Little Links Park to Eddie Vickers Park in honor of his contributions to the community. He was among the first recipients of the de Aviles Award, an award from the City of St. Augustine that honors individuals who have dedicated their time and talent to serve the St. Augustine and St. Johns County community. He becomes only the second inductee in the SJCPAR Hall of Fame, as J. Edward “Red” Cox was inducted last year for his contributions to the St. Johns County community.

“Coach Vickers taught fair play and sportsmanship, which has left a positive impact on the community that is still felt and remembered today,” St. Johns County Parks and Recreation Director Ryan Kane said.

City of St. Augustine Commissioner Cynthia Garris attended the Hall of Fame presentation to accept the honor from Kane on behalf of the Vickers family.

Additionally, the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners issued a proclamation to St. Johns County Parks and Recreation Director Ryan Kane and Assistant Director Jamie Baccari recognizing July as Parks and Recreation Month. SJCPAR maintains more than 7,300 acres of land, including 56 parks, 41 miles of coastline, 14 boat ramps, and a beautiful golf course. SJCPAR is a proud host to youth sports, environmental education, veteran programming, and more for the citizens of St. Johns County.

“We are celebrating Parks and Recreation Month in July by recognizing the vital role our team plays in bringing people together, providing essential services, and fostering the growth of our community,” St. Johns County Parks and Recreation Assistant Director Jamie Baccari said.