Jervey Gantt Recreation Complex

Jervey Gantt Recreation Complex is the City of Ocala's flagship recreation hub in southeast Ocala, located at 2200 SE 36th Avenue. The site combines a public aquatic center, a deep multi-sport athletics footprint, an indoor recreation center, a major lighted walking trail, and family-friendly picnic facilities — making it one of the most well-rounded municipal recreation properties in Marion County. Operated by the City of Ocala Recreation & Parks Department, Jervey Gantt draws visitors from across the city, not just the surrounding southeast Ocala neighborhoods.

The Jervey Gantt Aquatic Fun Center anchors the complex. The aquatic center features a zero-inch-depth entry pool (maximum depth 5.5 feet) with spray features, a waterfall, and a water slide. The pools are ADA compliant, and on-site lifeguards supervise during operating hours. Admission is approximately $3 for children ages 17 and under and $5 for adults ages 18 and up per session. Hours are seasonal — the City of Ocala publishes the current aquatic schedule at ocalafl.gov/aquatics. Outside coolers, food, and drinks are not permitted inside the aquatic center, but a concession stand is on site.

The athletics side of Jervey Gantt is unusually deep for a municipal complex. Baseball and softball fields support youth leagues, adult recreational leagues, and tournament play. Basketball, tennis, volleyball, and racquetball facilities round out the court sports. Football and soccer fields handle organized league play and pickup games. The variety of facilities means Jervey Gantt can serve multiple user groups simultaneously — a Little League game on one diamond, an evening tennis match, a youth soccer practice on the open fields, and families picnicking nearby.

The Jervey Gantt Recreation Center is the indoor counterpart to the outdoor athletics. It provides meeting rooms and activity spaces for City of Ocala programming — youth enrichment, after-school activities, senior programs, summer camps, community meetings, and rentable space for private gatherings. The recreation center is a trusted resource for southeast Ocala families looking for constructive programming for children and teens during after-school hours and summer breaks.

Connecting it all is the Jervey Gantt Health Trail — a 2-mile lighted paved trail looping through the complex. The lighting is unusual for a public Ocala trail and extends the trail's practical hours into the evening, which makes it popular with after-work walkers and runners. The trail is flat, stroller-friendly, and connects the athletic fields, playground, pavilion, and aquatic center.

The playground at Jervey Gantt offers equipment for children of various ages — slides, swings, and climbing structures positioned near the picnic pavilion and within sight of the walking trail. Benches, shade, and restrooms are on site, and the pavilion and grill area can be reserved for birthday parties and family gatherings through Recreation & Parks.

Jervey Gantt's role extends beyond routine recreation. The complex hosts community events, health fairs, back-to-school programs, holiday celebrations, and youth tournaments throughout the year. The combination of indoor and outdoor space — plus the aquatic center, sports fields, and Health Trail — makes the property adaptable to events of nearly any size and format.

For residents seeking additional recreation and fitness options in Ocala, the city offers a variety of gyms and fitness centers, playgrounds, and birthday party venues that complement the programming at Jervey Gantt Park. Together, these resources ensure that Ocala families have access to quality recreation facilities throughout the community.