Government » City Departments I-Z » Recreation & Parks » Parks

Font Size: + -
Park Rules FAQ header

Ocala Park Rules

We invite you to come enjoy our beautiful Ocala parks! However we want to ensure that your visit at one of our parks is as safe and enjoyable as possible. Please be responsible for the safety of yourself and your family be adhering to the following park rules. 

  • You can play at our parks from sunrise to sunset, except lighted courts and fields close at 10 PM.
  • Help us to provide a smoke free environment for our children to play. Refrain from smoking near playgrounds or other areas where children might gather.
  • Well behaved dogs on leashes are welcome to walk the trails with the exception of Jervey Gantt park. At Jervey Gantt, dogs are invited to utilize the Letty Towles dog park.
    •  Please do not bring dogs near the playground areas. 
    • Be sure to pick up after your dog and dispose of it properly.  
  • Make memories not messes ~ put trash and recyclables in the appropriate receptacles.
  • No bicycles, roller blades, scooters or skateboards are permitted on walking trails or courts. However Scott Springs park does have a bicycle skills area. You can also check out the Ocala Skate Park. 
  • Amplified sound, assemblies, camping, overnight parking, public demonstrations and solicitations by approval and permit of the recreation and parks director only.
  • Metal detectors are only allowed in city parks with a permit, which can be downloaded from our website.
  • Firearms permitted only as allowed by Florida Statute.
  • Fishing is “catch and release” only and fishing is only permitted in select parks. Cast netting and wading are not permitted. See FAQs for more information.
  • To ensure a safe place to play, the following activities are NOT permitted in city parks:
    • Alcoholic beverages or drugs
    • Feeding, harassing, releasing or taking of wildlife
    • Fireworks
    • Off road vehicles
    • Portable amusement devices
    • Swimming in ponds

Park FAQs

Click on any question below to expand for the answer. 

  • Can I feed the ducks and wildlife?

    No, do not feed any of the wildlife. It can be extremely hazardous to the creatures, causing disease and even death. Additionally, it creates aggressive behavior in wildlife, creates potential trip hazards for other guests and the additional waste created by the excess food destroys the delicate ecosystem of the park.

  • Can I swim at Scott Springs or any of the parks?

    No, there is no swimming at any of our parks. If you are interested in making a splash, click here to learn about our Aquatic Fun Centers and splash pads.

  • Can I fish at the parks?

    Yes in select parks, but all parks are catch and release only. Be sure to properly dispose of any fishing line and not to leave anything unattended. Some parks offer fishing line disposal tubes in order to keep our wildlife safe.

    Fishing is only allowed in the following parks:

    • Tuscawilla Park
    • Toms Park
    • Ritterhoff Park
    • S. Stanley Malever Nature Park

  • If I want to use a pavilion, do I need to rent it? What is the cost?

    For information about reserving an Ocala park facility (including pavilions), visit our Reserve a Pavilion page.

  • What time do the parks open/close?

    Parks are open from sunrise to sunset, with the exception of lighted courts and fields which close at 10 p.m.

  • When is the Letty Towles Dog Park open/closed?

    The dog park is open Fridays through Tuesdays from 7 a.m. to sunset. It is closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays to allow the grass time to recover and remain healthy.

    More information about the Dog Park

  • Can I bring my dog to the parks?

    • Well behaved dogs on leashes are welcome to walk the trails with the exception of Jervey Gantt park. At Jervey Gantt, dogs are invited to utilize the Letty Towles dog park.
      • Please do not bring dogs near the playground areas. 
      • Be sure to pick up after your dog and dispose of it properly.  

  • Can I ride my bike/skate on the trail at the parks?

    No bicycles, roller blades, scooters or skateboards are permitted on walking trails or courts. However, you can skate at the Ocala Skate Park.

  • What time are the splash pads open?

    Is there a cost to use them? They are open from sunrise to sunset. There is no cost to use our splash pads.

  • Can bounce houses be set up at the parks?

    No, they are not allowed unless it is for a permitted event. More information about event permitting.