Forest Community Center
A Marion County Parks & Recreation community center at Sandhill Park, 777 S County Road 314A in Ocklawaha, east of Ocala. Open Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
Hours: Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m. (per Marion County). Call (352) 438-2840 to confirm holiday hours, room availability, and current activities.
A County Community Center East of Ocala
The Forest Community Center at Sandhill Park is run by Marion County Parks & Recreation. It is at 777 S County Road 314A in Ocklawaha (ZIP 32179), in the Forest community of eastern Marion County, and its phone number is (352) 438-2840.
The center was completed in 2011. Marion County used two community development block grants, plus work by its Facilities Management and Parks & Recreation departments: a $350,000 award paid for the park's pavilion, playground, and boardwalk, and a $560,000 award paid to expand and renovate the former Forest Public Library building into the community center. The library now has its own building next door, and the boardwalk links the two.
The center sits among other county services, including a sheriff's substation, a tax collector's office, a recycling center, and a fire station, so residents can often combine errands with a visit. For more recreation, see the City of Ocala's Jervey Gantt Park in Ocala or our guide to summer camps in Ocala.
What's at the Center and Sandhill Park
Features listed by Marion County Parks & Recreation. Activities change, so call (352) 438-2840 for what's on this month.
Meeting Space
The center provides meeting space for community groups and gatherings. Call (352) 438-2840 for availability and current rental rates.
Game Room
An indoor game room inside the community center, listed by Marion County among the center's features.
Playground & Pavilion
Sandhill Park has a playground and a picnic pavilion, both paid for by the first block grant in the park's build-out.
Trails & Boardwalk
Walking trails and a boardwalk that leads to the Forest Public Library next door. The county also lists wildlife viewing among the park's amenities.
Library Next Door
The Forest Public Library (905 S Highway 314A, 352-438-2540) is open Mon–Fri 10 a.m.–6 p.m. and Sat 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Story times and library programs are held by the library.
Pet-Friendly Park
Marion County describes the park as pet friendly. Restrooms are on site, and the county lists the facility's capacity as 100 or more people.
Visit Details
- Address — 777 S County Road 314A, Ocklawaha, FL 32179
- Phone — (352) 438-2840
- Hours — Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
- Operator — Marion County Parks & Recreation
Registration & Contact
How to Register
Ask the center staff at (352) 438-2840 about current activities and how to sign up, or visit during open hours.
Marion County Parks & Recreation
The center is part of Marion County Parks & Recreation; the county's park directory at marionfl.org lists all of its parks and centers.
Booking a Room
For meeting space, call ahead for availability, current rates, and rules before planning an event.
The Marion County Community Center Network
The Forest Community Center is one of the parks and centers in Marion County Parks & Recreation's park directory.
Marion County Parks & Recreation runs parks, boat ramps, trailheads, and sports complexes across the county. The Forest Community Center serves the Forest community around Ocklawaha in the eastern part of the county.
Inside Ocala city limits, parks such as Jervey Gantt Park and community centers such as the Mary Sue Rich Community Center are run by the City of Ocala instead.
For the full list of county parks and their amenities, see the park directory on the Marion County website (marionfl.org).
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Forest Community Center located?
The Forest Community Center at Sandhill Park is at 777 S County Road 314A, Ocklawaha, FL 32179, in eastern Marion County. It sits beside the Forest Public Library (905 S Highway 314A), a sheriff's substation, a tax collector's office, a recycling center, and a fire station. Phone: (352) 438-2840.
Who runs the Forest Community Center?
Marion County Parks & Recreation. The center was completed in 2011 with community development block grant funds and in-kind work by the county's Facilities Management and Parks & Recreation departments. A $560,000 grant paid to expand and renovate the former Forest Public Library building into the community center, and an earlier $350,000 grant paid for the pavilion, playground, and boardwalk.
What are the Forest Community Center's hours?
Marion County lists the center's hours as Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Holiday hours can differ, so call (352) 438-2840 before a special trip.
What is at the Forest Community Center?
The center has meeting space and a game room. Outside, Sandhill Park has a playground, a picnic pavilion, walking trails, restrooms, wildlife viewing, and a boardwalk to the Forest Public Library. The park is pet friendly. The county lists its capacity as 100 or more people.
Can I rent a room at the Forest Community Center?
The center provides meeting space. For room availability, current rates, and rules, call the center at (352) 438-2840 or Marion County Parks & Recreation.
Is the Forest Community Center the same as the Forest Public Library?
No. The community center is in the former Forest Public Library building. The library moved to a new building next door at 905 S Highway 314A (352-438-2540), open Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the boardwalk connects the two. Story times and other library programs are run by the library.
More Recreation in Ocala & Marion County
Jervey Gantt Park
The City of Ocala's recreation complex on SE 36th Avenue, with athletic fields, an aquatic center, and a lighted trail.
Summer Camps in Ocala
Summer camp programs for kids throughout Ocala and Marion County, including Marion County Parks options.
YMCA Ocala
The Ocala YMCA offers fitness, youth programs, and community recreation as an alternative to county facilities.
Nature Parks in Ocala
Explore Marion County's natural parks, trails, and outdoor recreation areas.
Things to Do in Ocala
Explore all activities, attractions, and experiences in Ocala and Marion County.
Get Active at Forest Community Center
Visit 777 S County Road 314A in Ocklawaha, Monday–Saturday 10 a.m.–8 p.m., or call (352) 438-2840 for current activities.
About This Guide
OnlyInOcala provides informational guides about recreation facilities in Ocala and Marion County. The Forest Community Center is operated by Marion County Parks & Recreation, a department of Marion County government. Facts on this page come from Marion County's park directory and library hours page (checked October 2026). Hours and activities can change, so call (352) 438-2840 before a special trip.