Sholom Park, Ocala
A free, privately owned 44-acre garden park at 7110 SW 80th Avenue in southwest Ocala, with a Japanese Zen Garden, a labyrinth, a koi pond and 2.4 miles of paved trails. Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with no entry after 4:30 p.m. Pets are not allowed.
What is Sholom Park?
Sholom Park is a 44-acre garden park at 7110 SW 80th Avenue in southwest Ocala, near the On Top of the World community. It is owned and operated by Horticultural Arts & Park Institute, Inc., a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. It is not a Marion County or City of Ocala park, but it is open to the public and admission is free.
Sidney and Ina Colen created the park as a place where the pursuit of inner peace and learning may be enhanced and enjoyed, and it opened on Oct. 17, 2004. "Sholom" was the name of Sidney Colen’s grandfather and is the Hebrew word for peace. Visitors come for the Japanese Zen Garden, the labyrinth, the koi pond, the Olive Tree Promenade, 64 tribute benches and 2.4 miles of paved trails. The park is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day of the year, with no entry after 4:30 p.m.
Japanese Zen Garden
Plus a labyrinth and koi pond
2.4 Miles of Paved Trails
Through prairies, gardens and woods
Hours
8 a.m. to 5 p.m., 365 days
What To See at Sholom Park
The park’s own points of interest and park map list these stops across the 44 acres.
A newer addition to the park, designed by its landscapers and horticulturists for quiet contemplation. Sholom Park describes it as a place to appreciate simplicity, asymmetry and nature.
A winding paved path with 24 points of reflection, one way in and one way out, tucked into the back of the park with shaded benches, for a physical, spiritual or meditative walk.
The park has two ponds. At the main pond, guests sit on benches by the falling water, go up to the pond overlook to feed the koi, or rest in the shade beneath the overlook.
A 0.05-mile walkway lined with 36 olive trees, 18 on each side (the olive branch for peace, 18 for life). It ends at the Pergebo, part gazebo and part pergola, covered in confederate jasmine that blooms each spring.
The Formal Garden sits under large live oaks with flowering shrubs and is a favorite for picnics and ceremonies. Nearby are the butterfly garden and the Ginger Garden, where several varieties of ginger bloom through the year.
The Enchanted Forest is a 0.18-mile shaded paved trail that ends at the pond overlook. The open Prairie holds the Cypress Circle, the bat house (installed in 2019, room for up to 800 bats) and the Shumard Oak planted for the park’s 15th anniversary.
The pavilion, one of the first structures built, has restrooms, a water fountain and shaded benches and hosts educational talks. The Stage, mounted with the Peace Panels of quotations on peace, hosts concerts, movies and weddings.
Sixty-four tribute benches line the trails. The park lists 100+ species of flora and 100+ species of fauna; wrens, anhingas, kingfishers, eagles, robins and hawks are common, and there is a purple martin house.
Visitor Information
Address
7110 SW 80th Avenue
Ocala, FL 34481
Size
44 Acres
Hours
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, including holidays
Gate closes at 4:30 p.m.; no entry after 4:30 p.m.
Admission
Free (some special events charge registration)
Pets
Not allowed; ADA service dogs only
Operator
Horticultural Arts & Park Institute, Inc.
(501(c)(3), privately operated)
Contact
(352) 854-3677
Info@SholomPark.org
Gardens
Japanese Zen Garden, Formal Garden, butterfly garden, Ginger Garden, labyrinth
Trails
2.4 miles of paved trails; the rest is grassy lawn
Water Features
Two ponds; koi feeding area at the pond overlook
Parking
Lot inside the gates, with accessible spaces at the front
Restrooms & Water
Accessible restrooms and a water fountain at the pavilion
Benches
64 tribute benches along the trails
Sholom Park Rules at a Glance
Sholom Park asks visitors to keep the park quiet and may ask anyone who ignores its visitor guidelines to leave. Children are welcome, but the park asks for no shouting or roughhousing.
| Activity | Policy | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Dogs and other pets | Not allowed | Only trained service dogs under the ADA. Emotional support and therapy animals are not permitted. |
| Picnics | Allowed | Encouraged. Alcohol is not allowed. |
| Running and walking | Allowed | On the 2.4 miles of paved trails. |
| Bikes, scooters, skates, skateboards | Not allowed | Applies to children as well. |
| Wheelchairs and mobility devices (OPDMDs) | Allowed | At walking speed, keeping right. Golf carts stay in the parking area; no Segways during park events. |
| Drones and remote-controlled devices | Not allowed | Motorized remote-controlled devices of any kind are prohibited. |
| Personal photos | Allowed | Professional or commercial photography, video or sound recording needs prior permission; photographers need an approved photography permit. |
| Feeding wildlife | Not allowed | The pond overlook has a koi feeding area. |
| Group events and weddings | Permit required | Must be approved in advance by park management. |
Why Visit Sholom Park
Sholom Park is a 44-acre garden park at 7110 SW 80th Avenue in southwest Ocala, near the On Top of the World community. It is privately owned and operated by Horticultural Arts & Park Institute, Inc., a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, not by Marion County or the City of Ocala. It is open to the public and admission is free. The park reports more than 125,000 visitors a year.
Highlights
Sholom Park was created by Sidney and Ina Colen, inspired by a visit to the Boston Gardens, as "a place where the pursuit of inner peace and learning may be enhanced and enjoyed." It is named for Sidney Colen’s grandfather, Sholom, which is also the Hebrew word for peace. The park says it does not serve a political or religious agenda. Sidney Colen founded Colen Built Development, the company behind the On Top of the World communities.
Highlights
The landscape was designed to thrive in the Central Florida climate with little or no supplemental watering. Native plants are combined with cultivated ornamentals, perennials and annuals across meadows, gardens and woodlands, under live oaks, hickories and longleaf pines.
Highlights
Sholom Park is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day, including holidays. The entrance gate closes at 4:30 p.m. and there is no entry after that. The park closes for private events and ticketed park events, and may close for severe weather. Weddings and other events need an approved permit. Call (352) 854-3677.
Highlights
Sholom Park History
- 1999: After years of planning by Sidney and Ina Colen, a master plan for the park is developed.
- 2001: Horticulturist Steve Curl is hired to oversee the final design and construction.
- Oct. 17, 2004: Sholom Park holds its grand opening and ribbon cutting.
- February 2019: The bat house is installed for natural insect control.
- Oct. 11, 2019: A Shumard oak is planted to mark the park’s 15th anniversary, in honor of the Colens.
Source: Sholom Park’s About page and points of interest.
Events, Programs & Weddings at Sholom Park
Sholom Park runs three recurring programs. The L.E.A.F. Series (Learn, Explore, Appreciate & Focus) is a monthly educational talk from October through March, $10 with advance registration. Park After Dark brings concerts, outdoor movies and evening programs to the park stage. Spring Strings is a spring concert with food trucks, presented with Master the Possibilities. Registration for L.E.A.F. and Park After Dark events goes through the park’s event partner, Master the Possibilities Education Center, (352) 861-9751 ext. 1. The park may close early to regular visitors on event days.
Upcoming Sholom Park events (fall 2026)
| Date | Event | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fri., Oct. 23, 2026 | L.E.A.F. Series: Carnivorous and Poisonous Plants | 10 to 11:30 a.m. | $10, advance registration |
| Tue., Oct. 27, 2026 | Park After Dark: Movie in the Park, Little Shop of Horrors | Gates 6 p.m., film 7 p.m. | $5 per car (listed as sold out) |
| Fri., Nov. 20, 2026 | L.E.A.F. Series: Tree Communication, Mother Tree | 10 to 11:30 a.m. | $10, advance registration |
| Fri., Dec. 4, 2026 | L.E.A.F. Series: Creating a Sholom Time Capsule | 10 to 11:30 a.m. | $10, advance registration |
| Tue., Dec. 8, 2026 | Park After Dark: Moonlight Reflections (crystal singing bowl sound bath) | Gates 5 p.m., 6 to 7 p.m. | $25 per person |
As listed on the Sholom Park event calendar on Oct. 21, 2026. Pets are not allowed at events. See more on our Ocala events calendar.
Weddings and private events
Sholom Park hosts weddings, engagements, photo sessions, birthdays and other gatherings. According to its event hosting page:
- Every group event needs a permit approved in advance; contact the park to request an application.
- There are four pre-approved event locations, and reservations are for a three-hour window. The park lists an event capacity of 250.
- Popular sites include the Olive Tree Promenade, the Formal Garden, the Stage, the Labyrinth and the Pergebo.
- Events take place during normal park hours. The park stays open to the public, and restrooms are never reserved for an event.
- The park does not provide planning or event coordination.
How to Get to Sholom Park
From I-75
- Take Exit 350 (SR 200 / SW College Road).
- Head southwest on SW College Road to SW 38th Court.
- Take SW 38th Street west to SW 80th Avenue.
- Turn left onto SW 80th Avenue.
- Turn right at the Sholom Park entrance.
From State Road 40 (W Silver Springs Blvd)
- Head west on SR 40.
- Turn left onto SW 80th Avenue.
- Turn right at the Sholom Park entrance.
Directions from Sholom Park’s directions page. Drive through the gates and follow the driveway to the parking lot.
Visit Tips
- •Comfortable walking shoes for the paved trails
- •Your own water bottle (the park recommends it, though there is a fountain at the pavilion)
- •Sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses)
- •Binoculars for bird-watching and a camera (personal photos only without permission)
- •A picnic, without alcohol
- •Arrive before 4:30 p.m.; the gate closes then and the park closes at 5 p.m.
- •Leave pets at home: only trained service dogs are allowed
- •The labyrinth has 24 points of reflection along its winding path
- •Check the park calendar first: it can close for private and ticketed events
- •Bikes, scooters and skates are not allowed, so plan to walk
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Sholom Park located?
Sholom Park is at 7110 SW 80th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34481, in southwest Ocala near the On Top of the World community. The entrance is on SW 80th Avenue. Phone: (352) 854-3677. Email: Info@SholomPark.org.
Is Sholom Park free?
Yes. There is no admission fee to enter Sholom Park during regular park hours, and the parking lot is just inside the gates. Some special events, such as the L.E.A.F. Series talks and Park After Dark evenings, charge a registration fee.
What are the hours for Sholom Park?
Sholom Park is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day of the year, including holidays. The entrance gate closes at 4:30 p.m. and there is no entry after 4:30 p.m. The park can close for private events, ticketed park events or severe weather.
Are dogs allowed at Sholom Park?
No. Pets are not allowed at Sholom Park because they may disturb the park’s wildlife. Only trained service dogs, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, are allowed. Emotional support, comfort and therapy animals are not permitted.
Who owns and operates Sholom Park?
Sholom Park is privately owned and operated by Horticultural Arts & Park Institute, Inc., a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. It is not a Marion County or City of Ocala park. It was created by Sidney and Ina Colen as a place "where the pursuit of inner peace and learning may be enhanced and enjoyed" and opened on Oct. 17, 2004.
How long are the trails at Sholom Park?
Sholom Park has 2.4 miles of paved trails, according to the park’s accessibility page. The trails are open to walkers and runners. Bicycles, scooters, skates and skateboards are not permitted.
Is Sholom Park wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The 2.4 miles of paved trails are accessible, and there are accessible parking spaces at the front of the lot and accessible restrooms at the pavilion. The rest of the park is grassy lawn that may not suit wheelchairs.
What makes Sholom Park unique?
Sholom Park is known for its Japanese Zen Garden, a labyrinth with 24 points of reflection, a koi pond with an overlook, the Olive Tree Promenade of 36 olive trees, 64 tribute benches and a landscape designed to need little or no supplemental watering. The park is designed for quiet reflection.
Can I host an event or wedding at Sholom Park?
Yes, with an approved permit. Sholom Park has four pre-approved event locations, reservations are for a three-hour window, and the park lists an event capacity of 250. The park stays open to the public during events and does not provide planning services. Contact (352) 854-3677 or Info@SholomPark.org to request a permit application.
Can you have a picnic at Sholom Park?
Yes. Picnics are allowed and encouraged at Sholom Park, but alcohol is prohibited. Restrooms and a water fountain are at the pavilion, and the park recommends bringing your own water.
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About This Guide
By the Only In Ocala team · Last updated Oct. 21, 2026
Hours, admission, address and contact details come from Sholom Park’s official Hours & Location page and FAQs. Rules come from its visitor guidelines and accessibility page; acreage, features and park statistics from its home page, photography and points-of-interest pages; event details from its calendar. The address and phone also match the park’s Google Maps listing. All were checked on Oct. 21, 2026. Sholom Park is privately owned and operated by Horticultural Arts & Park Institute, Inc., not by Marion County or the City of Ocala. An earlier version of this page called Sholom Park a public garden, sent readers to Marion County Parks, listed sunrise-to-sunset hours and said leashed dogs were typically allowed; all of that was wrong and has been corrected.
AI tools helped gather the sources and draft this page; each fact was checked against those sources before publishing.
Sholom Park en Ocala: horario, entrada y reglas
Sholom Park es un parque de jardines de 44 acres en 7110 SW 80th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34481, en el suroeste de Ocala, Condado de Marion. La entrada es gratis y el parque abre todos los días, incluidos los feriados, de 8 a.m. a 5 p.m.; no se permite la entrada después de las 4:30 p.m. Es un parque privado administrado por Horticultural Arts & Park Institute, Inc., una organización benéfica 501(c)(3), y no por el condado. Tiene un jardín zen japonés, un laberinto, un estanque con peces koi y 2.4 millas de senderos pavimentados. No se permiten mascotas, solo perros de servicio; tampoco se permiten bicicletas ni bebidas alcohólicas. Teléfono: (352) 854-3677.