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The Ocala Recreation and Parks Department has a variety of programs, activities and events to meet your leisure service needs. Check our main navigation for more information about our recreation programs, parks, cultural arts, events and much more!

The Spring 2022 activity guide covers programs and events happening from January through April. We have spring youth sports, plenty of events (for kids and adults), senior center activities and so much more! 

MAKE SURE TO FOLLOW https://www.facebook.com/OcalaRecPark FOR UP-TO-DATE POSTS ON ALL THE HAPPENINGS AT OCALA RECREATION AND PARKS! 

The Marion County Public Library System provides public library services to the residents of Marion County, Florida. The Library System is comprised of interdependent libraries and collections designed to make its total resources readily available and accessible to the community.
      

In 1961 the City of Ocala, Citrus County and Levy County formed the Central Florida Regional Library. The City of Ocala operated and funded virtually all library service in Marion County until 1964, when Marion County, with existing libraries in Belleview and Dunnellon, joined the Library System. Citrus County left the Library System in 1987. On Oct. 1, 1997, the Marion County Board of County Commissioners became the governing body of the Marion County Public Library System. By an interlocal agreement, library personnel continued to be administrated by the City of Ocala until October 1999, when they became Marion County employees. Also in October 1999, the Levy County Board of Commissioners created the independent Levy County Public Library System.
      

Operations for the Marion County Public Library System are funded by Marion County ad valorem taxes. The Library System also receives funds from various grants, miscellaneous fines and fees and an annual State Aid to Libraries grant from the State of Florida.

The residents of Marion County are served by the Headquarters-Ocala location in Ocala and seven branches in Belleview, Dunnellon, Forest Corners, Fort McCoy, Marion Oaks, Reddick and southwest Marion County, where Freedom Public Library is located. (Click here for library hours and locations.)
      

The Library System offers a collection of more than half-a-million volumes in eight library locations. A broad-based print and non-print collection makes the Marion County Public Library, Headquarters-Ocala the major public library resource in the Library System. The smaller collections of the community branch libraries are planned to satisfy the most general and frequent needs of the residents. Public access computers and Wi-Fi are available at each public library branch.

Honey's School of Dance, established 1961, prides themselves as a family oriented studio, putting Christ at the center of all our works. We believe in training our dancers to be the best they can be.

At Honey's School of Dance, dance classes are a valuable experiences for all students. Experiences in class will be a source of pride and accomplishment for a dancer. In addition to the physical skills acquired, students are exposed to artistic expression through dance.
   

Beyond individual beliefs, students will learn to work within a group to achieve a common goal, encountering critical factors of cooperation and coordination, essential to successful group performances.
     

Last, but not least, our students have fun! Many friendships and great memories are a product derived from children of similar age and interests spending time learning in a pleasant and active educational environment.

The Early Learning Coalition of Marion County, Inc. began operations as the Marion County School Readiness Coalition, Inc. in 1999 when Florida legislature created School Readiness Coalitions through F.S. 411.01 (currently F.F. Chapter 1002.51-1002.97). The purpose of the Coalitions state-wide is to ensure that children at risk of academic failure are provided the tools and resources to assist them in being prepared to enter school, and eligible low-income working parents can access quality child care.  

The Coalition serves as a community-based planning, funding, and service coordinating organization that designs and manages an integrated system of early learning services. The Florida Office of Early Learning (FOEL) is charged with administering the state’s early learning programs and provides oversight of Florida’s School Readiness programs and is the lead entity for implementing the state’s Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) program. The Agency’s vision for Florida is “Children Ready to Learn, Families Ready to Earn.”

The Early Learning Coalition Provides the following services in Marion County:

• Early education provider recruitment
• Early education provider professional development
• Development of community partnerships
• Child Care Resource and Referral – CCR&R
• School readiness program
• Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK)
• Child development and health screenings
• Child assessments
• Success By 6, in partnership with United Way of Marion County

New and innovative approaches to improving the quality and availability of early education opportunities for every child in Marion County while maximizing efficiency, accountability, and effectiveness remain a top priority for the ELCMC.

Whether you are looking for new adventures, peace and quiet or the perfect spot for a special celebration, Marion County has a place for everyone.

Marion County Parks & Recreation proudly maintains more than 40 park sites, including everything from boating & swimming access, sports fields, hiking trails, & one-of-a kind play areas for children of all abilities.

Discover the crystal-clear waters of the Rainbow River on a kayak or paddleboard. Gather the family for a night to remember under the stars. Retreat from the daily grind with a trek on a hiking trail. There is so much to discover right here in Marion County!

CLICK HERE FOR OUR PARK DIRECTORY!

Marion County’s only climate-controlled destination, Paddock Mall is a highly visited location for shoppers of all ages in Ocala, Florida. 

With anchor stores Macy’s, JCPenney, and Belk, as well as more than 90 specialty stores like Aéropostale, Buckle, Bath & Body Works, Francesca’s, Hollister and Victoria’s Secret, Paddock Mall is sure to have what you need! 

This enclosed Ocala mall is the perfect place for area residents to escape warm temperatures or rainy days, shop favorite stores, or grab a quick bite in the food court.

Paddock Mall has just what you need, For Every Occasion.

The Florida Department of Health in Marion County serves residents with a broad array of public health services.

We provide vaccinations to protect children against disease, but also home visits to pregnant women and new moms as part of Healthy Start. 

Our experts work to investigate and control disease outbreaks. We issue birth and death certificates and offer clinical services to meet special health needs. We provide dental services for children and nutritional services and healthy foods for expectant and new mothers. 

We perform septic tank inspections, permitting of various public-use facilities and other services to ensure a healthy environment. We deliver health education and inspiration to improve health, as well as nurse and health technicians in schools.

Find out more about your county health department as you browse our website.

Marion County Youth Football League has been a part of the local community since 1970.  We are going on 3 Generations of having an impact on the development of men and women in this community. We believe in providing a safe and positive environment where kids can learn to play the great game of football. Football is a great sport that teaches discipline, mental toughness, and how to work as a team.

MCYFL adopted the "Heads Up" training philosophy and requires ALL coaches to be certified in the "Heads Up" program.  

As the game evolves, we are committed to leading the way to make youth football safer and more enjoyable for players, coaches and parents!

At AdventHealth Ocala, uncommon compassion meets unparalleled expertise to help you feel whole in more ways than one. Discover how we put innovation, expertise and research to work for your whole health. Trust the award-winning care and breakthrough medical treatments at AdventHealth Ocala, formerly Florida Hospital Ocala, to help heal your body, ease your mind, lift your spirit — and most importantly — reach your God-given potential.

Since 1987, Ocala Events has been the go-to destination for weddings, corporate gatherings, baby showers, Quinceañeras, and private celebrations in the heart of Florida’s Horse Country. With 11 unique venues, we offer everything from rustic barn charm to elegant spaces perfect for galas and business events. Our experienced team delivers award-winning catering, personalized service, and unforgettable experiences. Conveniently serving Ocala, The Villages, and Gainesville

Opened in 1987, the Appleton is located in Central Florida and is home to an extraordinary permanent collection of over 24,000 objects, plus an outdoor sculpture walk and garden, and a wide variety of temporary exhibitions and special events throughout the year. 

The 81,610 square-foot museum is both classical and contemporary, with clean lines and stately Italian travertine marble. The original building surrounds an idyllic interior courtyard and fountain.

The Appleton is the focal point of the Appleton Cultural Center, a complex east of downtown Ocala on Silver Springs Blvd./State Road 40, which includes the Ocala Civic Theatre, and is one of six College of Central Florida campuses.

The Appleton Museum of Art brings art and people together to inspire, challenge and engage present and future generations through our wide range of collections, exhibitions, programs, and educational opportunities.

The Appleton Museum of Art is a leading cultural center that enriches the quality of life for the people of Central Florida and beyond.

The College of Central Florida provides opportunities for students to pursue careers in fields they love. Founded in 1957 as Central Florida Junior College, CF has grown to become the higher education hub for Marion, Citrus and Levy counties.

CF offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and bachelor’s degrees as well as certificates. With more than 150 academic pathways to choose from, our focus is on providing high-quality education that meets the needs of our community. Visit our website to see a full list of all degree programs and how to apply. 

MidState Skin Institute is a state-of-the-art dermatology practice offering medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology services. It was opened in January 2013 by Dr. Ashley Cauthen and her husband Thomas. They are both from Ocala and returned home to pursue her dream of making an impact on patients’ lives in our local community. Our highly trained staff is compassionate and caring and we listen carefully to every patient to identify their individual needs and create customized treatment plans.

We believe high-quality medical care is achieved only through a trusting, doctor-patient relationship so we put great emphasis on empowering patients – with knowledge, tools and support – to become important factors in the success of their own heath care solutions.

As a medical practice, our mission is simple: To provide highly professional, patient-focused care that consistently exceeds the expectations of our patients and their referring physicians. We invite you to become a part of our practice and meet our staff so you can experience first hand what sets us apart.

Catering Ocala – Award-Winning Catering Services in Ocala, FL
Bring exceptional flavor and service to your next event with Catering Ocala. Whether you're planning a wedding, corporate event, baby shower, or office lunch, our expert culinary team, led by award-winning Executive Chef Elyssa Silva, as featured in Ocala Style Magazine, crafts unforgettable menus tailored to your occasion. We specialize in off-site catering with customizable options including plated dinners, buffets, and grab-and-go setups. Serving Ocala, The Villages, and Gainesville, we make every event deliciously simple.