Sand Hill Community Center
The Forest Community Center at Sandhill Park serves eastern Marion County with meeting space, recreation programs, youth activities, and community events in the heart of the Forest area near Ocala.
About the Forest Community Center at Sandhill Park
The Forest Community Center at Sandhill Park is a Marion County community facility located at 777 S County Road 314A in Ocklawaha, Florida. Commonly referred to as the Sand Hill Community Center, the facility serves residents of the Forest area and surrounding communities in eastern Marion County. The center was completed in 2011 through a combination of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding and in-kind services provided by Marion County Facilities Management and the Parks and Recreation department.
The center is situated within a hub of public services that includes the Forest Public Library, a Marion County Sheriff's Office substation, a tax collector's office, a recycling center, and a fire station. This concentration of services in one location makes Sandhill Park a focal point for eastern Marion County residents who might otherwise need to travel into Ocala or other population centers for government services and community resources. A boardwalk connects the community center to the adjacent Forest Public Library, creating a walkable campus between the two facilities.
The facility itself was created through two rounds of CDBG funding. The first grant of $350,000 provided passive park amenities including a picnic pavilion, a playground, and the boardwalk to the library. The second grant of $560,000 funded the expansion and renovation of the former Forest Public Library building into the community center that exists today. This phased approach allowed Marion County to develop a full-service community facility that addresses both recreational and civic needs for the area.
Marion County Parks and Recreation operates the center, programming it with youth activities, community meetings, recreational events, and seasonal gatherings. The Forest Community Center at Sandhill Park fills an important role for eastern Marion County, providing a dedicated gathering space in a part of the county that is more rural and less served by the commercial and civic infrastructure found closer to downtown Ocala. For residents in the Ocklawaha, Fort McCoy, Salt Springs, and Silver Springs Shores areas, the center serves as a local anchor for community life and recreation.
Center Amenities & Features
Meeting space, outdoor recreation, and youth programming for the eastern Marion County community.
Meeting & Event Space
The center provides indoor meeting space available for community gatherings, organizational meetings, and events. The facility serves as a venue for local groups, county programs, and private functions through Marion County Parks and Recreation.
Youth Programs
Marion County runs youth programs at the center including after-school activities and Friday night events. Programming has included sessions for children ages 6 to 12 with game room activities, crafts, and structured recreation supervised by county staff.
Playground & Picnic Pavilion
Sandhill Park includes an outdoor playground and a covered picnic pavilion. These amenities were part of the original park development funded through the first Community Development Block Grant, providing family-friendly outdoor space for the surrounding community.
Library Boardwalk Connection
A boardwalk connects the community center to the adjacent Forest Public Library, part of the Marion County Public Library System. This walkable connection allows visitors to access both recreational and educational resources in a single visit to the Sandhill Park campus.
Quick Facts
Address
777 S CR 314A, Ocklawaha, FL 32179
Phone
(352) 438-2840
Operated By
Marion County Parks & Recreation
Established
Completed in 2011 via CDBG funding
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Sand Hill Community Center located?
The Forest Community Center at Sandhill Park is located at 777 S County Road 314A, Ocklawaha, FL 32179, in the Forest area of eastern Marion County. The center is part of a public services hub that also includes the Forest Public Library, a sheriff's substation, a tax collector's office, a recycling center, and a fire station.
What amenities are available at the Forest Community Center at Sandhill Park?
The center offers meeting space for community gatherings and events, a game room for recreational activities, a playground for children, a picnic pavilion for outdoor use, and a boardwalk connecting to the adjacent Forest Public Library. The facility was completed in 2011 using community development block grant funding.
Are there youth programs at the Sand Hill Community Center?
Yes, Marion County Parks and Recreation operates youth programs at the Forest Community Center. Programs have included activities for children ages 8 to 12 and Friday night events for ages 6 to 12. Program schedules and fees vary by season, so contact the center at (352) 438-2840 for current offerings.
Is there a cost to use the Forest Community Center at Sandhill Park?
Some programs and activities at the center may have modest fees. Youth program costs have historically been in the range of a few dollars per session or a monthly fee. Community meetings and certain events may be free. Contact Marion County Parks and Recreation for current pricing and rental information.
Can I rent the Sand Hill Community Center for private events?
The Forest Community Center at Sandhill Park is operated by Marion County Parks and Recreation. Rental availability and rates for private events, meetings, or gatherings can be obtained by contacting the center directly at (352) 438-2840 or through the Marion County Parks and Recreation department.
What events are held at the Sand Hill Community Center?
The center hosts a variety of community events throughout the year. Past programming has included free bluegrass concerts on the third Saturday of each month, youth activity nights, community meetings, and seasonal events. Check with Marion County Parks and Recreation for the current event schedule.
How was the Forest Community Center at Sandhill Park funded?
The center was completed in 2011 using Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. The first grant of $350,000 provided passive park amenities including the pavilion, playground, and boardwalk. A second grant of $560,000 funded the expansion and renovation of the former Forest Public Library building into the community center. Marion County Facilities Management and Parks and Recreation provided in-kind services.
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Connect with Your Community
The Forest Community Center at Sandhill Park brings eastern Marion County together with meeting space, youth programs, and community events. Call (352) 438-2840 for current programs and availability.