Alice Mickens Park

The Woman Behind the Name

Take a moment to appreciate this park named after Dr. Alice Frederick Mickens, a remarkable African American leader and civil rights champion who dedicated her life to West Palm Beach. The daughter of former slaves from South Carolina, she wasn't just smart - she graduated with honors from Spelman College in Atlanta.

Dr. Mickens fought tirelessly for Black voting rights and spent over 30 years as a trustee at Bethune-Cookman College. The home she shared with her husband Haley (built in 1917) still stands as the oldest continuously Black-owned property in the area and has earned its spot on the National Register of Historic Places.

A Neighborhood with Stories to Tell

Situated in West Palm Beach's historic Northwest neighborhood, this park connects to a rich cultural past. Back in the 1920s, this area thrived as a community of impressive homes where middle-class Black families built their lives and legacies.

The Mickens home became something of a cultural hub, welcoming Black intellectuals and visitors who were turned away from nearby hotels. If these grounds could talk, they'd tell you about visits from jazz legends Count Basie and Louis Armstrong, Nobel Peace Prize winner Ralph Bunche, labor leader Asa Philip Randolph, and pioneering educator Mary McLeod Bethune.

What You'll Find Today

Spread across about an acre, this modest but meaningful space offers a green retreat for the neighborhood.

Bring the kids to enjoy the playground area with separate sections that keep toddlers safe while giving older children more challenging equipment. The paved walking trails provide a great loop for your morning stroll or evening cool-down.

Fancy shooting some hoops? The full-size basketball court is ready for your game. When you need a break, relax in the shaded areas or gather around the picnic tables for a family lunch or casual meetup with friends.

The Neighborhood Now

Alice Mickens Park serves the Progressive Northwest sector - an area rich with history that's currently experiencing a renaissance of sorts.

The city has been carefully documenting historic structures while developing plans that balance preservation with progress. New residential spaces and restaurants are sprouting up nearby, breathing fresh energy into this storied corner of West Palm Beach.