Colonel Joe Kittinger Park

Honoring those who served in the Vietnam War, Col. Joe Kittinger Park is home to a refurbished F-4 Phantom aircraft that was actually used to provide air support during the war. Kittinger is a legendary pilot with three tours of duty in Viet Nam and nearly 500 combat missions. The park also has other amenities such as a fun-filled playground for the little ones to enjoy. The park serves as a trailhead for the Lake Underhill Path.

Kittinger is a legendary pilot with three tours of duty in Viet Nam and nearly 500 combat missions. During his speech at the memorial dedication ceremony, Colonel Kittinger called Orlando Executive Airport his “Field of Dreams”, as during his childhood in the 1930s, he often rode his bicycle past what were then cow pastures to watch the airplanes take off and land. He of course tried to talk pilots into giving him a ride, sometimes successfully. Kittinger also remarked how he hoped the F-4 and the park named in his honor would serve as an inspiration and “Field of Dreams” to following generations. So with many old friends and new ones by his side, Kittinger cut the ceremonial ribbon and opened the park to the public. The park will provide an everlasting reminder to the sacrifice of those who served, but in so doing, hopefully spur future Floridians to greatness as well.