The 5 Best Parks In Ocala

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Ocala, Florida is a fantastic place to live if you like being outdoors.  Proximity to lakes, rivers and the massive Ocala National Forest provide recreation opportunities that can’t be found in many other places.

But don’t forget the green spaces called parks.  Places within the city limits that allow families to enjoy a day outside without a long drive.

So, what are the best options?

Let’s take a look at the 5 best parks in Ocala in no particular order.

1. Brick City Adventure Park

Brick City is the prototypical city park with lighted soccer and football fields, a playground, and a hiking trail that descends into a sinkhole.

There are also pavilions and picnic tables for those who are making a day of it.

However, there are a couple of things that set this park apart:  First, they have a ropes course that is used for teambuilding or a family outing  Second, there is a cave on site called White Cliff Cave that you can take a guided tour into for $40.  Beware however, you will be doing some crawling and getting dirty!

• Brick City Adventure Park
• 1211 SE 22nd Road, Ocala

2. Flemington Community Park

While actually located in Reddick, Flemington Community Park is considered an Ocala hangout.  It is the perfect place for sports enthusiasts as it has basketball courts, tennis courts, and a multipurpose field that is used for baseball and softball along with other sports.

There is also a very nice playground and a walking path.  For families, there are grills along side picnic tables which makes this a fantastic place to have a birthday party or other gathering.

• Flemington Community Park
• 18200 County Road 329, Reddick

3. Tuscawilla Park

You would be hard-pressed to find an Ocala native who hasn’t heard of Tuscawilla park.  Arguably the most popular one of its kind in the city, it is a popular hosting venue for many events during the year.  Some of these events include art shows, live music, and other performances.

The park is over a century old and continues to gain year after year.  Recreational amenities include a paved walking trail, the best playground in the city, lighted basketball and tennis courts, a baseball field, and a racquetball court.

As with all parks in Ocala, Tuscawilla is clean and family friendly.

• Tuscawilla Park
• 829 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala

4. Scott Springs Park

Located in the heart of major development is a hidden gem of a park, Scott Springs.  This is not a place to play basketball or tennis as it is designed to be more of a nature preserve.

The space includes a large 22 acres and features a small cave that overlooks a spring-fed pond.  Visitors can reach this area with a short walk down a foliage surround path.  There are also walking trails here and even a bike trail that measures a little less than a mile.

Included are restroom facilities and parking.  Restaurants and shopping are just a short walk away.

• Scott Springs Park
• 2825 SW 24th Ave., Ocala

5. Jervey Gantt Park

If Tuscawilla is the most famous park in Ocala, then Jervey Gantt is undoubtedly second.

This park is huge encompassing over 60 acres and featuring a 2-mile paved walking trail that is nearly always crowded with walkers and runners.  The trails are even lit for night-time exercise.  Along the trails, exercise stations are included.

For the families and athletes, there are two playgrounds, two basketball courts, three sand volleyball courts, a baseball field, two football fields also used for soccer and three tennis courts.

Also included in this massive park is the Jervey Gantt Aquatic FUN Center which provides swimming for local children at great prices.

There is even a dog park here!

Jervey Gantt Park provides a little something for everyone.

• Jervey Gantt Park
• 2200 SE 36th Ave, Ocala

So, there you have it.  The 5 best parks in Ocala.  Do you have a suggestion for a better park?  Leave it in the comments below.

*This post is provided by Florida Removall LLC., the Ocala dumpster authority.