Mary Sue Rich Community Center

Ocala's Newest Community Hub

The Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place opened to the public in 2023 as one of the most significant recreational facility investments in Ocala's recent history. Located at 1821 NW 21st Avenue, this 41,750-square-foot, two-story center was designed to serve as the hub of its surrounding community, bringing together fitness, recreation, education, and event hosting under one roof. Named after longtime Ocala City Council member Mary Sue Rich, who dedicated more than two decades to community service, the center reflects the kind of civic investment that strengthens neighborhoods.

The fitness and recreation facilities are comprehensive. Two full-size basketball courts with 120-person bleachers anchor the gymnasium, providing space for league play, pickup games, and community tournaments. An open fitness area gives residents access to exercise equipment without the cost of a private gym membership. The indoor walking track offers a climate-controlled alternative to outdoor walking, particularly valuable during Florida's hot summer months and rainy season. Two multi-purpose studios and a dedicated mind/body and dance studio host a range of fitness classes, from traditional exercise programs to yoga and dance instruction.

The center was purposefully designed to serve multiple generations. An indoor playground gives young children a safe play environment, while a dedicated senior room provides programming and gathering space specifically for older adults. Youth programs occupy designated indoor spaces separate from adult fitness areas, creating age-appropriate zones that allow each group to have its own experience. The full library with media center adds an educational component that makes the center more than just a recreation facility.

The 400-seat banquet and event space is one of the most versatile large-venue options in Ocala. The space can be divided into three separate rooms, allowing the center to host multiple smaller events simultaneously or combine for larger gatherings. A full kitchen supports catered events, making the space suitable for weddings, receptions, community meetings, corporate events, and nonprofit functions. This event capacity fills a real need in Ocala for affordable, well-equipped large-venue space.

The hours are generous, with the center open seven days a week — Monday through Saturday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM and Sunday from noon to 5:00 PM. This accessibility ensures that working families, seniors, and youth all have opportunities to use the facilities on schedules that fit their lives. For residents of northwest Ocala and the broader Marion County community, the Mary Sue Rich Community Center represents a meaningful upgrade in available public recreation and gathering space.