Ocala Recreation and Parks
Activity Guide September - December 2021 IN THIS PROGRAM ISSUE REGISTRATION INFORMATION
03 A Note From the Director 04 Light Up Ocala Register online at 05 Holiday Happenings 06 Special Events ocalafl.org/recpark 10 Recreation Programs or call 352.368.5517 20 Discovery Center
22 Fort King National Historic Landmark We reserve the right to adjust or cancel 24 Recreation and Community Centers dates, prices and locations for all programs. 26 Cultural Arts 27 Ocala Golf Club & Fort King Tennis Center 28 Tree and Bench Donation 29 Staff Directory 30 Parks Information FOLLOW US
Per current CDC guidelines, fully vaccinated people ON SOCIAL may resume normal activities, however, unvaccinated persons should continue to take precautionary measures to protect themselves and others. Per the CDC, unvaccinated persons should @OcalaRecPark continue wearing a face covering.
2 | OCALAFL.ORG/RECPARK A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR
As our summer comes to a close, I’m extremely proud of our amazing Recreation and Parks Department team. We had a very fun and exciting summer season with sold out summer camps, full Aquatic Fun Centers, a rocking good Levitt AMP Ocala concert series plus many other great summer programs over the past few months. But now we turn our attention to the fall, winter and holiday season where we have a schedule full of amazing activities, programs and events planned for the entire family!
We have several major events coming up. Our First Friday Art Walk starts back up in September and offers a chance to explore beautiful downtown Ocala, listen to music, meet local artists and other art activities.
To kick off the holiday season, Light Up Ocala is back! This year is sure to be bigger, better and brighter than ever. We will have lots of live entertainment, vendors, food, the Sunshine Junior Parade and, of course, the lighting ceremony. Visit ocalafl.org/lightup for more details.
Preston Pooser, CPRE The Festival at Fort King is a two-day event bringing the history of Ocala Director, Ocala Recreation and Parks to life. There will be a Seminole village and soldier encampment to explore, living historians, craft vendors, music, hands-on activities plus a full scale re-enactment of the event that fueled the start of the Second Seminole War.
Our dedicated team of recreation and park professionals works hard every day to make Ocala a great place to live, play and prosper. So as we go into the last quarter of 2021, I invite you to bring your family and friends to try out a new program, visit our parks and attend one or all of our events. Come out and play, Ocala! OUR PROMISE
At Ocala Recreation and Parks, we endeavor to provide you with experiences uniquely yours in safe places and spaces that captivate and inspire; where strangers become friends and friends become a family we call community; where little boys and girls dream of mighty achievements and their families and neighbors are their biggest fans; where the song of the swing set, the roaring of the crowd and the rustling of the leaves all blend into a sweet symphony; where time and troubles slip away into smiles and laughter. At Ocala Recreation and Parks we strive to ensure the memories you make with us here today will be treasured stories you share with your family, friends, children and grandchildren tomorrow. We look forward to sharing this journey with you.
OCALAFL.ORG/RECPARK | 3 Holiday Happenings
Dec. 7 - 9 Dec. 2 6 - 9 PM 11 AM - 1 PM Free $ 10 Santa's Senior Calling Holiday
Schedule a call from Santa in the North Luncheon Pole! Call times are available in the evenings, December 7 - 9. Submit an For ages 50 and up, come celebrate online application for Santa to call your the season with an afternoon of fun, child at ocalafl.org/holidays. prizes, games and a delicious lunch at Application deadline is November 30. the Ocala Golf Club!
Dec. 2 - 21 Dec. 8 6 - 8 PM 5 - 8 PM Free Free Santa on Santa the Square Paws
Santa's made his list and checked it Join us at the Downtown Square for a twice, now he's coming to Ocala where wagging good time taking pet pictures all the children are nice. Santa and with Santa! Adoptable pets, vendors Mrs. Claus will be available for photos and hot cocoa will be available. A $10 in the Downtown Square gazebo on donation for pet photos with Santa Tuesday and Thursday evenings. benefits the Human Society of Marion Parents should bring their own phone County. Pet parents, please keep your or camera for pictures. pooch leashed at all times.
OCALAFL.ORG/HOLIDAYS | 5 FESTIVAL AT FORT KING December 4 & 5 | 10 AM - 4 PM Fort King National Historic Landmark
Step into the 1800s at the Festival at Fort King! This two day event will feature historic themed crafts, games, workshops, activities, living historians, vendors, food, drinks and much more. The pinnacle of the weekend is a re-enactment of the event that fueled the start of the Second Seminole War. Fort King National Historic Landmark | 3925 E Fort King St. | FortKingOcala.com/Festival
Activities Admission Cast iron cooking $5 per person Historical combat Veterans and children demonstrations under 5 are free Explore a Seminole village and soldier encampment Axe throwing 1800s regalia Craft vendors Kids area Bead crafting Musket and canon fire demonstrations Interactive reenactor historians Meet the Seminole Tribe Historic dances Wood fired oven cooking Food trucks Live music Home brewed beers
FORTKINGOCALA.COM/FESTIVAL | 7 CAPOEIRA BRAZILIAN MARTIAL ARTS Free Lillian F. Bryant Community Center | 2200 NW 17 Pl.
AGES 16+ | WEDNESDAYS & FRIDAYS | 6:30 - 8 PM Capoeira is a rigorous Brazilian martial art that combines dance with gymnastics. In this class, you will learn the foundation movements and techniques as well as the instruments and music. Due to the intensity of this fitness class, the recommended age range is 16 - 35. The class will be taught by Professor Gavião. BIRD PHOTO WALK PROGRAMS IN THE PARKS SERIES Free Tuscawilla Park | 800 NE Sanchez Ave.
SEPTEMBER 3 | FRIDAY | 10 - 11 AM Join an Ocala Park Ranger on a walk through the park to identify and learn about both native and invasive birds in our parks. Be sure to bring a camera for plenty of photo opportunities along the walk. Participants will receive a Junior Birder book to take home. MUSHROOM HIKE CLASSROOM IN THE GARDEN SERIES Free Fort King National Historic Landmark | 3925 E Fort King St.
SEPTEMBER 4 | SATURDAY | 1 - 3 PM Join mushrooming group FALAFAL on a hike along the nature trail at Fort King National Historic Landmark. Participants will learn about identifying mushrooms and how they can be used. Be sure to wear comfortable, closed toe shoes and bring a water bottle, sunscreen and bug spray. PESTS AND HOW TO MANAGE THEM CLASSROOM IN THE GARDEN SERIES Free Fort King National Historic Landmark | 3925 E Fort King St.
SEPTEMBER 4 | SATURDAY | 10 AM - NOON University of Florida Institute of Food and Agriculture Sciences will join us at the Fort King Heritage Garden to talk about managing pests in your garden and landscaping.
THE KARATE KID (1984) AFTER DARK IN THE PARK MOVIE SERIES Free Jervey Gantt Recreation Complex | 2200 SE 36th Ave.
SEPTEMBER 10 | FRIDAY | 8 - 10 PM Whether you are team Cobra Kai or Miyagi-Do, join us for a showing of the original The Karate Kid. Bring a chair or blanket and get comfortable. Snacks and refreshments are available for purchase. This movie is rated PG and stars Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita and William Zabka. 10 | OCALAFL.ORG/RECPARK OWLS AND BATS PROGRAMS IN THE PARKS SERIES Free Heritage Nature Conservancy | 2005 NE Third St.
SEPTEMBER 17 | FRIDAY| 7 - 9 PM or OCTOBER 8 | FRIDAY| 6 - 8 PM Meet up with an Ocala Park Ranger to call out to owls, watch thousands of bats leave the bat house and find out awesome facts about both species! COMPOSTING CLASSROOM IN THE GARDEN SERIES Free Fort King National Historic Landmark | 3925 E Fort King St.
SEPTEMBER 25 | SATURDAY | 10 AM - NOON University of Florida Institute of Food and Agriculture Sciences will join us at the Fort King Heritage Garden to talk about the importance of soil building and what you will need to do to create your own compost pile.
FAMILY PIZZA PARTY CLASSROOM IN THE GARDEN SERIES $20 per Fort King National Historic Landmark | 3925 E Fort King St. family
OCTOBER 2 | SATURDAY | 5:30 - 7:30 PM Bring the whole family to make your own pizza with ingredients straight from the Fort King Heritage Garden. Pizzas will be cooked at the on-site wood fired oven. Cost covers one pizza for a family of four. STORIES UNDER THE STARS: PHANTOMS IN THE FORT Free Fort King National Historic Landmark | 3925 E Fort King St.
OCTOBER 16 | SATURDAY | 7 - 9 PM Ghosts, goblins and ghouls return to Fort King for an evening of spine-tingling tales. Bring your own chair and listen to stores of the strange and eerie. The darker it gets, the spookier the stories! Program is in partnership with Marion County Library System. HALLOWEEN COSTUME FAMILY FUN RUN BENEFITING UNITED WAY OF MARION COUNTY $5 Citizens' Circle | 151 SE Osceola Ave.
OCTOBER 30 | SATURDAY | 8:30 - 11 AM Build up an appetite for all your trick or treat candy by joining us for our Halloween Family Fun Run 5K! Participants can walk, jog or run the path while showing off their best costume. Racing fee benefits United Way of Marion County. Pre-registration is encouraged but day-of registration will be available. COMMUNITY GARDEN REPLANT DAY Free Ocala Community Garden | 2233 W Silver Springs Blvd.
OCTOBER 30 | SATURDAY | 8:30 - 10:30 AM Get your hands dirty at the Ocala Wellness Community Garden replant day! We will be planting fall seasonal seeds. For more information about the garden and how to purchase your own garden plot, visit www.ocalafl.org/garden. OCALAFL.ORG/RECPARK | 11 BOO BASH Free E.D. Croskey Recreation Center | 1510 NW Fourth St.
OCTOBER 30 | SATURDAY | 5:30 - 7:30 PM Calling all little ghouls and goblins, spooks and spirits, princesses and pirates. Join us once again for a scary good time full of tricks, treats and surprises. This safe, family-friendly indoor event has face-painting, creepy crafts, candy for children and more! NOT JUST A HIKE, AN ADVENTURE! PROGRAMS IN THE PARKS SERIES Free Fort King National Historic Landmark | 3925 E Fort King St.
NOVEMBER 5 | FRIDAY | 10 - 11 AM An Ocala Park Ranger will lead participants on a relaxing hike through the nature trail at Fort King National Historic Landmark plus a fun scavenger hunt! Be sure to wear comfortable, closed toe shoes and bring a water bottle, sunscreen and bug spray. SANTA ON THE SQUARE Free Downtown Square | 1 SE Broadway St.
DECEMBER 2 - 21 | TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS | 6 - 8 PM Santa's made his list and checked it twice; now he's come to Ocala where all the children are nice. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for photos in the Downtown Square gazebo on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Parents should bring their own phone or camera for pictures.
SANTA PAWS (DOG FRIENDLY) Free Downtown Square | 1 SE Broadway St.
DECEMBER 8 | WEDNESDAY | 5 - 8 PM Join us at the Downtown Square for a wagging good time taking pet pictures with Santa! Adoptable pets, vendors and hot cocoa will be available. A $10 donation for pet photos with Santa benefits the Human Society of Marion County. Pet parents, please keep your pooch leashed at all times. THE MAN WHO INVENTED CHRISTMAS (2017) AFTER DARK IN THE PARK MOVIE SERIES Free Tuscawilla Park | 800 NE Sanchez Ave.
DECEMBER 10 | FRIDAY | 7 - 9 PM Watch the journey that led to Charles Dickens' creation of "A Christmas Carol" at our showing of The Man Who Invented Christmas. Bring a chair or blanket and get comfortable. Snacks and refreshments are available for purchase. This movie is rated PG and stars Dan Stevens, Christopher Plummer and Miriam Margolyes. 12 | OCALAFL.ORG/RECPARK TINY MITE T-BALL LEAGUE $50 Jervey Gantt Recreation Complex | 2200 SE 36th Ave.
AGE 4 | SEPTEMBER 1 - OCTOBER 23 | WEDNESDAYS & SATURDAYS Tiny Mite T-Ball prepares our youngest athletes for a successful sports future. Participants will practice the fundamentals of t-ball like running, catching and the importance of teamwork in an encouraging environment. Practice is held on Wednesdays from 6 - 7 PM. Games are played on Saturdays from 10 - 11 AM. START SMART T-BALL LEAGUE $50 Jervey Gantt Recreation Complex | 2200 SE 36th Ave.
AGES 5 - 6 | SEPTEMBER 2 - OCTOBER 21 | MONDAYS & THURSDAYS | 6 - 7 PM Start Smart Programs were created by the National Alliance for Youth Sports to help kids get ready for sports and succeed in life. Participants will learn how to bat, catch and throw in a fun and safe environment. Practice is held on Mondays and games will be played on Thursdays. ANIMAL TRACKING AND IDENTIFICATION WILDLAND NATURE ADVENTURES SERIES $10 Scott Springs Park | 2825 SW 24th Ave.
AGES 6 - 16 | OCTOBER 23 | SATURDAY | 9 - 11 AM Join an Ocala Park Ranger to learn all about animals! Kids will learn which tracks belongs to each animal and how to use your senses to track animals through the woods. You will even get to make an animal track mold to take home! LIVE SNAKES AND ALL ABOUT 'EM! WILDLAND NATURE ADVENTURES SERIES $10 Fort King National Historic Landmark | 3925 E Fort King St.
AGES 6 - 16 | OCTOBER 9 | SATURDAY | 9 - 11 AM Get up close and personal to learn all about our slithery friend the snake! Kids will learn about snake anatomy, which native snakes are venomous or non-venomous and how to identify them. Special guest snake handler Scott Jacob will join the Ocala Park Rangers for this program. TRAIN LIKE A PRO Free E.D. Croskey Recreation Center | 1510 NW Fourth St.
AGES 13 - 19 | NOVEMBER 2 - DECEMBER 9 | TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS | 5:30 - 6:30 PM This exercise regime is designed to help student athletes stay conditioned this fall. Teens will learn a variety of tools and tips to achieve their fitness goals. As a former student athlete, our instructor has the background and knowledge to bring out the best in athletes. OCALAFL.ORG/RECPARK | 13 FISHING FOR BEGINNERS WILDLAND NATURE ADVENTURES SERIES $10 Tuscawilla Park | 800 NE Sanchez Ave.
AGES 6 - 16 | NOVEMBER 13 | SATURDAY | 9 - 11 AM Want to learn how to fish? Join an Ocala Park Ranger to learn the basics of fishing, like how to bait your hook, cast your line and more. Fishing poles will be provided. This will be a catch and release event.
SCHOOL IS OUT, SCIENCE IS IN DISCOVERY CENTER DAY CAMP $35 Discovery Center | 701 NE Sanchez Ave
AGES 8 - 11 | NOVEMBER 23 | TUESDAY | 8 AM - 5 PM Participants will spend the day at the Discovery Center as young scientists experimenting, creating and playing. The theme is Seasonal Senses so kids will get to put their sense of smell, sight, taste and sound to the test during this fun and educational program. SANTA'S CALLING Free VIRTUAL PROGRAM BY PHONE
AGES 2 - 13 | DECEMBER 7 - 9 | 6 - 9 PM Schedule a call from Santa in the North Pole! Call times are available in the evenings, December 7 - 9. Submit an online application for Santa to call your child at ocalafl.org/holidays. Applications are due by November 30.
FEATHERED FRIENDS BIRD FEEDERS WILDLAND NATURE ADVENTURES SERIES $10 Scott Springs Park | 2825 SW 24th Ave.
AGES 6 - 16 | DECEMBER 17 | FRIDAY| 9 - 11 AM Help provide food for our feathered friends by making an upcycled bird feeder! An Ocala Park Ranger will discuss different types of backyard birds and the important differences between native versus non-native bird species. SCHOOL IS OUT, SCIENCE IS IN DISCOVERY CENTER DAY CAMP $35 Discovery Center | 701 NE Sanchez Ave
AGES 8 - 11 | DECEMBER 21 | TUESDAY | 8 AM - 5 PM Participants will spend the day at the Discovery Center as young scientists experimenting, creating and playing. The theme is Science on Ice so kids will play it cool with creative and engaging ice experiments during this fun and educational program.
OCALAFL.ORG/RECPARK | 14 Discover just how fun science can be! Discovery Center classes offer youths hands-on experience in exploring a variety of topics in science, robotics, biology and much more. Classes are ten weeks long and begin the week of September 13.
$140 for center members / $160 for non-members
Create Scientists Kids STEM Junior Robotics Ages 2 - 4 Ages 5 - 7 Ages 7 - 9 Tuesdays Saturdays Saturdays 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM Parents/guardians attend Eager young scientists get to Build, code and play in this this fun hands-on class experiment, tinker and build! robotics introductory class. alongside their child. Enjoy Each week we will tackle a new Students will use Cublets™ experiments, crafts, games, Science Technology Engineering and LEGOS® to build their own animals, and more! Mathematics (STEM) challenge. fun robotic projects.
Home School Science Crazy 8s Math Club Strange Science Ages 7 - 12 Ages 8 - 11 Ages 8 - 12 Thursdays Tuesdays Wednesdays 2:30 - 3:30 PM 4 - 5 PM 4:30 - 5:30 PM Explore the properties of This is not your average math Something strange is going on matter, energy, chemistry and club! From flinging in the lab! Use the tools of a physics using real lab marshmallows to creating science detective and explore equipment in this class geared mathematical art, we will have the hidden forces of strange for homeschool students. all sorts of crazy fun with math. scientific anomalies.
Junior Zookeepers LEGO® Robotics Cyber STEAM Ages 9 - 12 Ages 10+ Ages 12 - 14 Tuesdays Thursdays Wednesdays 5:30 - 6:30 PM 5:30 - 6:30 PM 5:30 - 6:30 PM Budding veterinarians or Learn to build and program Get ready to become the next zoologists will enjoy this class with LEGO® EV3-Mindstorms. science YouTube star! We will all about animals! Get up This class is customizable to recreate experiments from close and personal with some topics about engineering, your favorite content creators of our reptile residents. space, and scientific discovery. to make our own science show!
MYDISCOVERYCENTER.ORG | 15 ADULT BASKETBALL LEAGUE $30 E.D. Croskey Recreation Center | 1510 NW Fourth St.
SEPTEMBER 7 - OCTOBER 14 | TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS | 6:30 - 8:30 PM This organized basketball league is perfect for any team that's ready to play or an individual looking for a team of their own. It will be a 5 vs. 5 (8 max roster) full-court league with stat tracking, referees. The season includes 10 regular games with a single-elimination playoff at the end. Numbered jerseys are provided for all players.
NAMASITSTAY YOGA (DOG FRIENDLY) $5 Tuscawilla Park | 800 NE Sanchez Ave. on-site
SEPTEMBER 11 - OCTOBER 23 | SATURDAYS | 10 - 11 AM Grab your yoga mat and furry best friend and head over to Tuscawilla Park for NamaSitStay! We will have gentle stretches for you and your dog to enjoy together, led by dog yoga experts K9 Fit Club. Bring a water bottle, yoga mat, dog treats and, of course, your furbaby!
YOGA IN THE FORT Free Fort King National Historic Landmark | 3925 E Fort King St.
SEPT. 18 | OCT. 30 |NOV. 13 | DEC. 18 | SATURDAY | 9 - 10 AM Taught by local yoga instructor DeNaya Wilkerson, all fitness levels and body types will benefit from this class and pose modifications will be provided as needed. Be sure to bring your own yoga mat and a water bottle. This program is weather dependent. DISCOVERY CENTER DATE NIGHT $15 Discovery Center | 701 NE Sanchez Ave
OCTOBER 22 | FRIDAY | 6:30 - 9 PM It's time for the adults to have the Discovery Center to themselves! Participants will get to explore the current exhibit, try new experiments, meet the critters and more while enjoying wine, snacks and refreshments. Tickets and ID are required at the door. SUCCULENT GARDEN & PIZZA PARTY CLASSROOM IN THE GARDEN SERIES $20 Fort King National Historic Landmark | 3925 E Fort King St.
NOVEMBER 19 | FRIDAY | 5:30 - 7:30 PM Whether date night, girls' night out or you want to make new friends, join us at the Fort King Heritage Garden to create your own succulent terrarium to take home. Participants will also get to make their own wood-fired oven pizza and pick toppings straight from the garden!
16 | OCALAFL.ORG/RECPARK REJUVENATE WITH THE ARTS $5 Eighth Avenue Adult Activity Center | 830 NE Eighth Ave.
SECOND AND FOURTH TUESDAY OF THE MONTH | 10 AM - NOON Get crafty with these fun DIY workshops to renew and discover your artistic abilities! Every session we will work on a new craft project you can take home and display.
SENIOR BINGO Free Eighth Avenue Adult Activity Center | 830 NE Eighth Ave.
EVERY MONDAY, WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY | 1 PM - 2:30 PM BINGO! Join us for the classic game of chance to see if you can fill a line on your Bingo card first all while making new friends. There will be plenty of prizes and fun.
FOREVER YOUNG SENIOR AEROBICS Free E.D. Croskey Recreation Center | 1510 NW Fourth St.
EVERY MONDAY, WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY | 10 - 11 AM OR 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM You'll feel Forever Young with this fun workout! All moves are performed in a chair for efficient and low- impact movements. The class focuses on aerobics conditioning, strengthening, and increasing flexibility while grooving to your favorite tunes. A WALK IN OCALA PARKS SENIOR WALKING CLUB $10 Park location varies every month annually
FIRST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH | 8 - 9:15 AM Get your steps in while exploring the beauty of Ocala! Wear comfortable shoes, bring a water bottle and join us at a different park each month. Park Schedule - September: Fort King National Historic Landmark, October: MLK Memorial Park, November: Lillian Bryant, December: Ocala Wetland Recharge Park. FOOT LOOSE LINE DANCING Free Eighth Avenue Adult Activity Center | 830 NE Eighth Ave.
EVERY TUESDAY | 11 AM - NOON Kick off your Monday shoes and join us for an hour of dancing fun. New and experienced dancers will enjoy this workout while learning the basics steps to different soul and line dances.
OCALAFL.ORG/RECPARK | 17 SEMINOLE HARD ROCK CASINO BUS TRIP $46 Eighth Avenue Adult Activity Center | 830 NE Eighth Ave.
SEPTEMBER 16 | THURSDAY | 8 AM - 6 PM Join us for a fun day at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Tampa. We will be taking a charter bus to the casino where you will have 6 hours to play, eat and explore the area on your own. Local Covid-19 guidelines will be in place, which may require a mask on the bus and inside the area attractions or restaurants. HISPANIC SENIOR WELLNESS INFORMATION FAIR Free Citizens' Circle | 151 SE Osceola Ave.
OCTOBER 2 | SATURDAY | NOON - 5 PM Multiple agencies will be on-site to provide literature and answer questions. Vendors will have information about fitness, health care, insurance and social services, all specifically for the Hispanic population. Local health professionals will be presenting every hour.
ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL PREMIUM OUTLETS BUS TRIP $46 Eighth Avenue Adult Activity Center | 830 NE Eighth Ave.
NOVEMBER 18 | THURSDAY | 8 AM - 6 PM Join us for a fun day at the Orlando International Premium Outlets on I-Drive. We will be taking a charter bus to the outlets where you will have 6 hours to shop, eat and explore the area on your own. Local Covid-19 guidelines will be in place, which may require a mask on the bus and inside the area attractions or restaurants. SENIOR HOLIDAY LUNCHEON $10 Ocala Golf Club | 313 E Silver Springs Blvd.
DECEMBER 2 | THURSDAY | 11 AM - 1 PM Let's celebrate the holiday season together! Enjoy a delicious lunch and an afternoon filled with fun, prizes and games while enjoying each other's company. Lunch will take place at the Ocala Golf Club.
18 | OCALAFL.ORG/RECPARK PLEASE PASS THE PEAS COOKING CLASS $5 Barbara Gaskin Washington Adult Activity Center | 210 NW 12th Ave.
AGES 12+ | FIRST THURSDAY OF THE MONTH | 4:15 - 5:30 PM Bon appétit! Please Pass the Peas cooking classes are a hands-on opportunity to learn new skills and make new friends while preparing a meal. Participants will learn about nutrition, meal planning, budgeting and safe food handling. Participants can join in-person or online via Zoom. TAG TEAM SPORTS FLAG FOOTBALL $20 Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Complex | 1510 NW Fourth St.
AGES 5+ | SEPTEMBER 4 - 25 | SATURDAY | 9 AM - 1 PM Tag Team Sports gives children with disabilities the chance to learn the basics of flag football while promoting skill development, cooperation and making new friends. All participants will be paired with a buddy so everyone plays and everyone wins. COMMUNITY HERO THERAPEUTIC FIELD DAY Free Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Complex | 1510 NW Fourth St.
ANY AGE | OCTOBER 9 | SATURDAY | 9 - 11 AM Individuals of all abilities will have a blast playing games and sharing laughs. Participants will be paired with a community hero so everyone plays and everyone wins! Lunch will be provided. Parents/guardians must be present during event and are welcome to volunteer. Pre-registration is encouraged. THERAPEUTIC HOLIDAY PARTY $5 Eighth Avenue Adult Activity Center | 830 NE Eighth Ave.
DECEMBER 4 | SATURDAY | 1 - 3 PM Individuals of all abilities are invited to celebrate the holiday season with us! The Therapeutic Holiday Party will be available in person or online via zoom. We will have a DJ, live music performance, dancing and snacks so you can spend time connecting with new friends. Direct supervision will not be provided.
OCALAFL.ORG/RECPARK | 19 701 NE Sanchez Ave. | 352.401.3900 HOURS ADMISSION
Tuesday – Saturday General Admission: $8.00 10 AM – 4 PM Senior/Veterans: $7.00 Closed Sunday and Monday Infants (2 and under): FREE Family of Four: $28 per family Members: FREE CONTACT Family of Four membership: $100
Phone : 352.401.3900 Email: [email protected] ABOUT Web: mydiscoverycenter.org The Discovery Center of Ocala offers hands-on experiences and exhibits for kids of all ages to learn while having fun. Special exhibits change quarterly and science classes are offered weekly for kids ages 2 to 12. Follow @DiscoveryCenterOcala on Facebook and Instagram!
20 | MYDISCOVERYCENTER.ORG 3925 E. Fort King St. | Ocala, FL 34470 | 352.368.5533 HOURS CONTACT
PARK AND FORT VISITORS & ARCHAEOLOGY Phone : 352.368.5533 Open Daily RESOURCE CENTER Web: FortKingOcala.com Sunrise - Sunset Friday & Saturday, Noon - 5 PM ABOUT
Fort King is a 40-acre National Historic Landmark owned jointly by the City of Ocala and Marion County. On-site is a replica of Fort King, one of a very few forts that have been reconstructed to actual size. The Visitor Center and Archaeology Resource Center are home to many displays and artifacts that continue to bring the rich history to life. the Heritage Garden grows historically native vegetables, fruits and plants. Follow @FortKingOcala on Facebook!
22 | FORTKINGOCALA.COM ABOUT
Our Adult Activity Centers offer a wide variety of activities, programs and special events to our 50+ adult community. The centers provide the opportunity to participate in educational programs, become physically active, socialize and receive resources or referrals to various services provided for adults by private or governmental agencies.
CONTACT HOURS Monday –Friday Phone : 352.629.8545 9 AM – 4 PM Fax: 352.401.3915 Closed Saturdays & Sundays LaToya Artis Closed for major holidays Therapeutic & Adult Services Program Supervisor [email protected] 352.629.8545
830 NE Eighth Ave. | 352.629.8545
210 NW 12th Ave. | 352.629.8357
24 | OCALAFL.ORG/RECPARK HOURS Monday –Saturday Noon – 8 PM Closed Sundays Closed for major holidays 1510 NW Fourth St. | 352.401.3920 CONTACT Jacob Baker Recreation Program Supervisor [email protected]
Roosevelt Overstreet Recreation Leader [email protected] AMENITIES
GYMNASIUM FITNESS CENTER Open Recreation Noon - 8 PM Noon - 8 PM Ages 14+ *Open recreation is not available when the gymnasium is in use for fitness classes or programs
HOURS Monday –Friday 10 AM – 6 PM Closed Saturday & Sunday Closed for major holidays 2200 NW 17 Pl. | 352.629.8389 CONTACT Charles Dobson Recreation Program Supervisor [email protected]
Allen Nelson Recreation Leader [email protected] AMENITIES
Covered basketball courts Walking trail Splash pad
OCALAFL.ORG/RECPARK | 25 ART IN CITY SPACES
The City of Ocala seeks unique, thought-provoking exhibits that are appropriate for a public city space where work will be viewed by citizens and guests of all ages. Exhibits are available for viewing at Ocala City Hall, Recreation and Parks Administration Building and Adult Activity Centers.
FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK
Join us in downtown Ocala on the first Friday of the month for art vendors, live music, art activities and extended shopping hours! Festivities kick off at 6 PM and end at 9 PM. First Friday Art Walk is held September through May and is free to attend. For more information, visit ocalafl.org.artwalk.
OCALAFL.ORG/CULTURALARTS | 26 OCALA GOLF CLUB 3130 E Silver Springs Blvd. 352.401.6917 www.ocalagolfclub.com
Five sets of tees ranging from 4,246 from the forward tees to 6,552 from the tips guarantees a fit for anyone’s game. Book a tee time online today! TOPTRACER HAS ARRIVED IN OCALA Ocala Golf Club now has Toptracer Range technology! Toptracer Range Mobile sends shot traces and detailed data directly to your phone. Hit a shot and get instant stats like ball speed, launch angle, carry, curve and more. The app then stores all that data so you can track progress and measure improvement.
3301 E Fort King St. | 352.629.8453
The Fort King Tennis Center (FKTC) facility boasts 12 lighted clay courts and two lighted hard courts. FKTC offers year-round Adult and Junior Tennis Clinics and private lessons for any level of play.
FKTC is open from 8:30 AM - 9 PM weekdays and offers family, single and student memberships. Court time by the hour is also available.
Call 352.629.8453 for more information
27 | OCALAFL.ORG/RECPARK STAFF DIRECTORY
ADMINISTRATION
Preston Pooser, CPRE Director [email protected] Julie Johnson Assistant Director [email protected] Bill Rodriguez-Cayro Parks Division Head [email protected] John Spencer, CPRE Recreation Division Head [email protected] Laura Walker Cultural Arts & Science [email protected] Division Head Connie Carroll Resource Development [email protected] Manager CENTERS
Jacob Baker, CPRP E.D. Croskey Supervisor [email protected] Charles Dobson Lillian Bryant Supervisor [email protected] LaToya Artis Adult Services Supervisor [email protected] Carla Chindamo Aquatics Supervisor [email protected] Kate Messenger Discovery Center Supervisor [email protected] Bradford Baker Fort King National Historic [email protected] Landmark Supervisor RENTALS
Michelle Reiners Pavilion Rentals [email protected] Steve Dixon Field Rentals [email protected] Mary Keck Facility Rentals [email protected]
EVENT PERMITS
Patrick Gilman Special Services Manager [email protected]
SPECIAL EVENTS
Amy Casaletto Community Special Events [email protected] Manager PARKS
Park Ranger Helpline 352.789.1133
OCALAFL.ORG/RECPARK | 29