Scott Springs Park Ocala
A free 21.68-acre City of Ocala park in southwest Ocala with a boardwalk to a natural spring grotto, paved walking and bike trails, and a playground
Scott Springs Park, at 2825 SW 24th Ave in Ocala, is a free 21.68-acre city park with a boardwalk to a natural spring grotto, paved walking and bike trails, a bicycle skills area, a playground, and picnic shelters with grills. It is open sunrise to sunset. Swimming is not allowed.
What Can You Do at Scott Springs Park in Ocala?
Scott Springs Park is a 21.68-acre City of Ocala park at 2825 SW 24th Avenue in southwest Ocala, a little under a mile east of Paddock Mall and the College of Central Florida. It is named for the natural spring at its center, known as the grotto. A short boardwalk takes you to a viewing spot over it. The grotto is for looking, not swimming: the city does not allow swimming at Scott Springs or at any of its parks.
Most visitors come to walk, ride, or let the kids play. The park has paved walking trails and a separate bike trail, and the city points out that Scott Springs has a bicycle skills area, an exception to the rule that bikes, scooters, and skateboards stay off walking trails. There is playground equipment, outdoor exercise equipment, benches, restrooms, and water fountains.
For a picnic, the park has a pavilion/picnic shelter, picnic tables, and BBQ grills. Pavilion reservations are handled by Ocala Recreation & Parks (352-368-5517). City park rules do not allow alcohol, balloons or confetti, bounce houses, or feeding the wildlife, so plan a party around those.
Leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome on the trails, but the city asks owners to keep them away from the playground and to pick up after them. Fishing is not on the city's list of parks where it is allowed, so leave the rods at home and try one of the local fishing spots instead.
There is no splash pad at Scott Springs. For water play, the City of Ocala runs free splash pads at Lily's Splash Pad (2200 NW 17th Place) and Citizens' Circle downtown; see our Ocala splash pads guide. Scott Springs pairs well with errands or a meal along SW College Road (SR 200), and downtown's Tuscawilla Park is about three miles to the northeast. For more places to walk, see our Ocala walking trails guide.
The Grotto
The natural spring the park is named for, reached by a short boardwalk. Viewing only: no swimming.
Trails & Bike Skills Area
Paved walking trails, a bike trail, and a bicycle skills area. Keep bikes off the walking trails.
Playground & Exercise Equipment
Playground equipment for kids plus outdoor exercise equipment for adults.
Picnic Shelter & Grills
A pavilion/picnic shelter, picnic tables, and BBQ grills. Reserve the pavilion through Ocala Recreation & Parks.
Park Information
Hours & Access
Park Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Admission: Free
Size: 21.68 acres
Recreation & Parks: (352) 368-5517
Park Ranger line: (352) 789-1133
Location
Address:
2825 SW 24th Avenue
Ocala, FL 34471
Area:
Southwest Ocala, under a mile east of Paddock Mall
Amenities
Boardwalk to the grotto
Walking trails
Bike trail
Bicycle skills area
Playground equipment
Exercise equipment
Pavilion / picnic shelter
Picnic tables & BBQ grills
Benches
Restrooms
Water fountains
Park Rules to Know
- No swimming at the grotto or anywhere in city parks.
- Leashed dogs are welcome on trails; keep them away from the playground.
- No bikes, scooters, or skateboards on walking trails; use the bike trail and skills area.
- Do not feed the wildlife.
- No alcohol, fireworks, balloons or confetti, or bounce houses.
Source: City of Ocala Recreation & Parks (Scott Springs park listing and park rules).
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Scott Springs Park located?
Scott Springs Park is at 2825 SW 24th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34471, in southwest Ocala. It is a City of Ocala park, a little under a mile east of Paddock Mall and the College of Central Florida. Use the street address in your map app to reach the entrance on SW 24th Avenue.
What is the grotto at Scott Springs Park?
The grotto is the natural spring the park is named for. A short boardwalk leads to a viewing spot over it. It is for looking only: the City of Ocala does not allow swimming at Scott Springs or in any of its parks.
Can you swim at Scott Springs?
No. The City of Ocala says there is no swimming at Scott Springs or any of its parks. For water play, the city runs two free splash pads (Lily's Splash Pad and the Citizens' Circle splash pad downtown) and two Aquatic Fun Centers.
What amenities does Scott Springs Park have?
According to the City of Ocala, Scott Springs Park has a bike trail and a bicycle skills area, walking trails, a boardwalk to the grotto, playground equipment, exercise equipment, a pavilion/picnic shelter, picnic tables, BBQ grills, benches, restrooms, and water fountains. There is no splash pad.
Are dogs allowed at Scott Springs Park?
Yes. City of Ocala park rules welcome well-behaved dogs on leashes on park trails. Keep dogs away from the playground area and pick up after them.
What are the hours for Scott Springs Park?
City of Ocala parks, including Scott Springs, are open from sunrise to sunset. There is no entry fee. Questions about the park go to Ocala Recreation & Parks at (352) 368-5517; for issues in the park itself, such as injured wildlife or a restroom problem, call the Park Ranger line at (352) 789-1133.
Can I bike at Scott Springs Park?
Yes, on the bike trail and in the bicycle skills area. City park rules do not allow bicycles, roller blades, scooters, or skateboards on walking trails or courts, but the city specifically notes that Scott Springs has a bicycle skills area.
Explore Ocala's Parks & Green Spaces
From spring grottos to playgrounds and paved trails, Ocala's parks offer outdoor recreation for every age.