The City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department, in partnership with the Office of the Mayor, is excited to announce a new program Workout with the Mayor.

Join recreation and parks staff along with Mayor Ben Marciano for a family friendly workout designed for all ages and abilities.

Saturday | 9 - 10 AM

• August 3: Ocala Wetland Recharge Park, 2105 NW 21^st St.
• September 7: Fort King National Historic Landmark, 3925 E Fort King St.
• October 5: Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, 1821 NW 21^st Ave.

Details for each workout will be announced on the Ocala Recreation and Parks social media pages, Facebook and Instagram.

Ocala Community Garden | 2233 W Silver Springs Blvd.

• 01/27/24 Winter/Cool Season Replant
• 03/23/24 Spring/Warm Season Replant
• 06/15/24 Summer Replant/Garden Clean Up
• 08/24/24 Fall/Warm Season Replant
• 10/26/24 Winter/Cool Season Replant

Join us for Rec-It Fridays! Each Friday, the Recreation staff will put out fun recreational games and activities for families to enjoy at their leisure.

Third Friday of Each Month | 4 - 6 PM

Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place | 1821 NW 21st Ave

Come walk with us! Bring your friends or come make new friends as we get our steps in at the indoor track. Participants will use their smart device to set and help reach their goals.

Monday through Friday

8 - 10 AM | Free

Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place | 1821 NW 21st Ave. 

Join us for a summer of unforgettable moments, laughter, and new friendships at Rec It Studio's theme weeks! Our activities are designed to foster creativity, teamwork, and a sense of community.

Mondays - Saturdays | 11 AM - 7 PM | All Ages

Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place | 1821 NW 21st Ave.

Weekly Themes

May 28 - June 1 - "Wild Kingdom"

June 3 - 8 - "The Elements"

June 10 - 15 - "International"

June 17 - 22 - "Juneteenth"

June 24 - 29 - "Entertainment"

July 1 - 6 - "Twilight/Science Fiction"

July 8 - 13 - "Western"

July 15 - 27 - "Outer Space"

July 29 - Aug. 16 - "Beach"

Discover the fundamentals of chess, from understanding the board and its squares to learning the value and moves of each piece. Participants will also gain insight into basic strategies, tournament etiquette, and the conduct of chess tournaments.

Every Tuesday and Thursday | 5:30 - 7:30 PM

Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place | 1821 NW 21st Ave.

Wednesdays | Noon - 1 PM

Free

Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place | 1821 NW 21st Ave. 

Introducing our Drop-In Esports Program, where gamers of all levels can dive into the exhilarating world of competitive gaming with ease. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, our program offers a welcoming environment for players to hone their skills, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and compete in exciting tournaments.

Mondays | 4 - 7 p.m. | Free | All Ages

Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place | 1821 NW 21st Ave.

The Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz is an event where community members work with park staff to create a snapshot of the variety of wildlife that can be found in local parks. Participants will use an app to take pictures of plants, insects and animals to see what wildlife is present in the park. During the event, the information provided will help the park system with more information about local pollinators which are essential to our ecosystem.

September 7 | Saturday | 4 - 6 PM

Free Event

Jervey Gantt Recreation Complex | 2200 SE 36th Ave.

Download the app here: Ocala BioBlitz · iNaturalist

Join us for an epic tournament on the Nintendo Switch! Gather your friends, practice your moves, and get ready for an unforgettable gaming experience!

Saturday, Sept. 7 | 11 AM - 3 PM

$10

Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place | 1821 NW 21st Ave. 

Enjoy a seasonal pioneer afternoon tea, complemented with finger foods and tasty treats. Learn about the pioneer foods, beverages and natural herbs. We will be sampling a variety of fall and winter flavors.

Saturday | September 14

All Ages | 2 - 3 PM

$20 per person

Fort King National Historic Landmark | 3925 E Fort King St. 

The International Coastal Cleanup® (ICC) engages people to remove trash from the world’s beaches and waterways. Due to Ocala's central location on the Florida map, combined with our waterways and springs, help us pick up trash items that will be used for data collection.

People should register ahead of time to secure a hat! Items will be available but if you can, bring your own: bucket, gloves, pickers, clipboards, phone to download the CleanSwell App, and plenty of friends!

Click here to Register

September 21 | Saturday | 9 AM - Noon

Tuscawilla Park | 800 NE Sanchez Ave.

Come enjoy family-friendly storytelling event at Fort King National Historic Landmark in collaboration with the Marion County Public Library System. Join us for eerie tales, new activities from 5 PM - 7 PM, and an illuminated trail from the Klein Parking lot to the Heritage Garden. For those seeking a spookier experience, we have an alternative trail featuring the Legends of the Fort on the way back to the Klein lot.

October 19 | 5 - 9 PM

Free Event

Fort King National Historic Landmark | 3925 E Fort King St. 

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 much more.

October 31 | 5:30 - 7:30 PM

Free | All Ages

E.D. Croskey Recreation Center | 1510 NW Fourth St.

Join us for a special sensory-friendly Santa visit for children with special needs and their loved ones. Limited space available. Sign up now for a quiet and memorable experience with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Saturday, December 14

Free | All ages | 2 - 4 PM

*This program is free, but registration is required.

Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place | 1821 NW 21st Ave.

Santa's made his list and checked it twice, now he's coming 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. Guests should bring their own phone or camera for pictures.

Dec. 10, 12, 17 & 19

6 - 8 PM

Free | All Ages

Downtown Square | 1 SE Broadway St.