Sholom Park
A peaceful 44-acre privately-operated botanical park at 7110 SW 80th Avenue in SW Ocala — Japanese Zen Garden, paved trails through prairies and woodlands, ponds, native plants, and tribute benches. Free admission, open 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily (no entry after 4:30 p.m.).
Sholom Park is a free 44-acre privately-operated botanical park at 7110 SW 80th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34481, open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (365 days/year; no entry after 4:30 p.m.). Operated by Horticultural Arts & Park Institute, Inc. (a 501(c)(3)), the park features a Japanese Zen Garden, paved trails through prairies and woodlands, ponds, native Florida plants, bat houses, bird-watching opportunities, and 41 tribute benches throughout. Phone: (352) 854-3677.
What is Sholom Park?
Sholom Park is a 44-acre privately-operated botanical park at 7110 SW 80th Avenue in SW Ocala, adjacent to the On Top of the World community. The park is owned and operated by Horticultural Arts & Park Institute, Inc., a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit — it is not a Marion County or City of Ocala public park, although admission is free to all visitors.
Named for the Hebrew word for "peace," the park was created by Sidney and Ina Colen — founders of the On Top of the World community — as a place where the pursuit of inner peace and learning may be enhanced and enjoyed. Signature features include a Japanese Zen Garden, miles of paved trails through prairies and woodlands, ponds, native Florida plant species, bat houses, bird-watching opportunities, and 41 tribute benches. The park is open 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. every day of the year (no entry after 4:30 p.m.).
Japanese Zen Garden
Signature feature
Paved Trails
Through prairies & woodlands
Hours
8 AM – 5 PM, 365 days
What To See at Sholom Park
Explore the diverse features and attractions throughout the beautiful 44-acre gardens and grounds.
A signature feature of Sholom Park — a serene Japanese-style garden designed for quiet reflection and contemplation.
Miles of paved trails wind through prairies, woodlands, and live oak, hickory, and longleaf pine groves throughout the park.
Native Florida plant species combined with cultivated ornamentals create habitat for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife.
Ponds throughout the park add water features that draw wildlife and provide tranquil viewpoints along the trails.
The park combines open prairie areas with woodland sections, giving visitors varied landscapes in a single walk.
Tribute benches throughout the park provide rest stops along the trails and honor donors and loved ones.
Visitor Information
Address
7110 SW 80th Avenue
Ocala, FL 34481
Size
44 Acres
Hours
8 AM – 5 PM Daily (365 days)
No entry after 4:30 PM
Admission
Free
Operator
Horticultural Arts & Park Institute, Inc.
(501(c)(3) — privately operated)
Phone
(352) 854-3677
Gardens
Japanese Zen Garden, native plants, prairies, woodlands
Trails
Paved trails throughout 44 acres
Water Features
Ponds + bat houses for wildlife
Parking
Free + handicap-accessible
Restrooms & Water
At the pavilion
Benches
41 tribute benches throughout
Why Visit Sholom Park
Sholom Park is a 44-acre botanical park at 7110 SW 80th Avenue in SW Ocala, near the On Top of the World community. The park is privately owned and operated by Horticultural Arts & Park Institute, Inc., a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit — not by Marion County. Despite private ownership, admission is free and the park is open to the public daily.
Highlights
Sholom Park was created by Sidney and Ina Colen — the founders of the On Top of the World community — as "a place where the pursuit of inner peace and learning may be enhanced and enjoyed." The name "Sholom" comes from a Hebrew word meaning peace.
Highlights
The park combines native Florida plant species with cultivated ornamentals, meadows, and woodland areas designed to thrive in the local climate with minimal supplemental watering. Live oak, hickory, and longleaf pine anchor the canopy.
Highlights
Sholom Park is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, 365 days a year including all holidays. No entry is permitted after 4:30 p.m. The park is available as a venue for weddings and celebrations through advance booking. For event inquiries call (352) 854-3677.
Highlights
Visit Tips
- •Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- •Water bottle to stay hydrated
- •Sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses)
- •Camera for nature photography
- •Insect repellent for mosquito protection
- •Early morning and late afternoon offer cooler temperatures
- •Plan 1-2 hours for leisurely walks through the gardens
- •The labyrinth walk is a meditative 20-30 minute experience
- •Bring your family and pets (leashed) for a relaxing outing
- •Avoid peak afternoon sun by visiting in morning or evening
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Sholom Park located?
Sholom Park is located at 7110 SW 80th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34481, in SW Ocala adjacent to the On Top of the World community. The park is privately owned and operated by Horticultural Arts & Park Institute, Inc. (a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit). Phone: (352) 854-3677. Email: Info@SholomPark.org.
Is Sholom Park free?
Yes. Sholom Park is free to visit during regular park hours. Although the park is privately operated by Horticultural Arts & Park Institute, Inc., admission is free for all visitors. Free parking with both regular and handicap-accessible spaces is available at the entrance.
What are the hours for Sholom Park?
Sholom Park is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day of the year, including all holidays. No entry is permitted after 4:30 p.m. so all visitors can comfortably exit by closing time.
Who owns and operates Sholom Park?
Sholom Park is a privately owned park operated by Horticultural Arts & Park Institute, Inc., a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. It is NOT a Marion County or City of Ocala public park. The park was created by Sidney and Ina Colen — the founders of the On Top of the World community — as a public-access space "where the pursuit of inner peace and learning may be enhanced and enjoyed."
What makes Sholom Park unique?
Sholom Park is best known for its Japanese Zen Garden, miles of paved trails through prairies and woodlands, ponds, native Florida plant species, wildlife habitat (bat houses, bird-watching opportunities), tribute benches throughout, and a focus on quiet reflection. The 44-acre site combines cultivated ornamentals with native plants in a design intended to thrive in Florida's climate with minimal supplemental watering.
Can I host an event or wedding at Sholom Park?
Yes. Sholom Park is available as a venue for weddings and other celebrations. Contact the park directly at (352) 854-3677 or Info@SholomPark.org to inquire about availability, pricing, and booking procedures.
About This Guide
Sholom Park information on this page has been verified against the park’s official site (sholompark.org) as of May 2026. Sholom Park is a privately owned botanical park operated by Horticultural Arts & Park Institute, Inc., a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit — not by Marion County or the City of Ocala. For the most current details about hours, events, and special closures, call (352) 854-3677 or email Info@SholomPark.org. An earlier version of this page incorrectly described Sholom Park as a Marion County park with sunrise-to-sunset hours; that information has been corrected.