Veterans Memorial Park Ocala
Honoring those who served. The Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park is an 8.5-acre tribute to veterans of all services and all wars, featuring the Medal of Honor Plaza, presidential monument, over 5,000 memorial bricks, and peaceful walking paths. Free admission, open to all.
About Veterans Memorial Park
The Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park, located at 2601 E Fort King Street, is a dedicated 8.5-acre park honoring veterans of all branches and all wars from 1610 to the present day. Opened in 1997 after a group of local veterans envisioned a lasting memorial, the park was built through a partnership between the Marion County Commission and the City of Ocala. The centerpiece is the Medal of Honor Plaza, which celebrates Florida's eighteen recipients of the nation's highest award for bravery. Visitors will also find a presidential monument honoring every U.S. president who served in the military, a southwestern wall chronicling the history of American wars and conflicts, and more than 5,000 personalized memorial bricks, 200 benches, and 100 plaques. The park is staffed by dedicated volunteers, many of whom are veterans themselves, and hosts commemorative events throughout the year including quarterly memorials, Memorial Day observances, and Veterans Day ceremonies. Admission is free.
Location
2601 E Fort King St, Ocala
Established
1997, rededicated 2005
Admission
Free to all visitors
A Lasting Tribute to Service
In the late 1980s, a group of Marion County veterans shared a vision: to create a permanent memorial that would honor the sacrifice and service of military men and women from the region. The community embraced that vision, and through a partnership between the Marion County Commission and the City of Ocala, the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park opened in 1997. Spanning 8.5 acres in the heart of Ocala along East Fort King Street, the park stands as one of the most significant veterans memorials in Central Florida. It was rededicated in 2005 with expanded monuments and features.
Monuments and Memorials
The park's centerpiece is the Medal of Honor Plaza, which honors Florida's eighteen recipients of the Medal of Honor, the highest award for bravery given by the United States. Nearby, the presidential monument pays tribute to every U.S. president who served in the military. Along the southwestern wall, visitors can follow a sequential history of all American wars, conflicts, and battles, beginning with the Indian Wars in 1628 and continuing through modern-day operations. Throughout the grounds, over 5,000 personalized memorial bricks, 200 engraved benches, and 100 plaques create an immersive experience that connects visitors to the stories of individual veterans and their families.
Park Grounds and Amenities
Beyond the monuments, Veterans Memorial Park provides walking and hiking paths that wind through the 8.5-acre grounds, inviting visitors to take reflective strolls among the memorials. Picnic tables are available throughout the park for those who wish to rest and take in the surroundings. Restroom facilities and free parking are provided at the entrance. Adjacent to the park is the Veterans Marion County Exhibit and Education Center at 601 SE 25th Avenue, which offers additional educational displays and resources about military history and local veterans' contributions.
Community and Events
The park is maintained and staffed by a dedicated group of volunteers, many of whom are veterans who share first-hand recollections of the wars they fought. This personal connection to history makes each visit meaningful and educational. Throughout the year, the park hosts commemorative events including quarterly memorial ceremonies, Memorial Day observances, and Veterans Day programs. These events bring together the Marion County community to honor fallen service members and recognize those who have served. Families and organizations can also purchase personalized memorial bricks and benches to honor their loved ones' military service. For more information, contact Marion County Veterans Services at 352-671-8422.
Park Highlights
Medal of Honor Plaza
The centerpiece of the park celebrates Florida's eighteen recipients of the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military decoration for valor. The plaza provides a solemn space for reflection and remembrance.
Presidential Monument
A monument honoring every U.S. president who served in the military. The display highlights the connection between military service and national leadership throughout American history.
Walking Paths
Paved walking and hiking paths wind through the 8.5-acre grounds, connecting the various monuments and memorial displays. The paths provide a peaceful setting for reflective walks among the tributes.
Education Center
The adjacent Veterans Marion County Exhibit and Education Center at 601 SE 25th Avenue provides educational displays, war memorabilia, and resources about the military history of Marion County veterans.
Visitor Information
Park Details
Address
2601 E Fort King St, Ocala, FL 34471
Size
8.5 Acres
Admission
Free
Contact
352-671-8422 (Veterans Services)
Amenities
Walking Paths
Paved Hiking & Walking Trails
Picnic Areas
Tables Throughout the Park
Restrooms
Restroom Facilities Available
Parking
Free Parking at Entrance
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Veterans Memorial Park in Ocala?
Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park is located at 2601 E Fort King Street, Ocala, FL 34471. The park sits in the center of Ocala and is easily accessible from major roads. An adjacent education center, the Veterans Marion County Exhibit and Education Center, is located at 601 SE 25th Avenue. Free parking is available at the park entrance.
Is Veterans Memorial Park free to visit?
Yes, Veterans Memorial Park is completely free to visit. There is no admission fee to enter the park, walk the paths, or view the monuments and memorials. The park is open to all residents and visitors who wish to honor veterans and learn about military history.
What monuments are at Veterans Memorial Park in Ocala?
The park features several significant monuments including the Medal of Honor Plaza, which honors Florida's eighteen recipients of the Medal of Honor. There is also a presidential monument honoring all U.S. presidents who served in the military. The southwestern wall displays a sequential history of all wars, conflicts, and battles beginning with the Indian Wars in 1628. The park contains over 5,000 memorial bricks, 200 benches, and 100 plaques.
What events are held at Veterans Memorial Park?
Veterans Memorial Park hosts events throughout the year including quarterly memorial ceremonies, Memorial Day observances, and Veterans Day ceremonies. These events typically include guest speakers, wreath-laying ceremonies, and tributes to fallen service members. The park is staffed by volunteers, many of whom are veterans who share first-hand recollections of their service.
When was Veterans Memorial Park built?
Veterans Memorial Park was begun in early 1997 after a group of veterans in the late 1980s shared a vision to create a lasting memorial. The community embraced the idea, forming a partnership between the Marion County Commission and the City of Ocala. The park was rededicated in 2005 with additional monuments and features. It is dedicated to veterans of all services and all wars from 1610 to the present.
Can I purchase a memorial brick at Veterans Memorial Park?
Yes, memorial bricks and benches are available for purchase at Veterans Memorial Park. These personalized tributes allow families and organizations to honor the service of military veterans. The park currently features over 5,000 memorial bricks and 200 benches. Contact Marion County Veterans Services at 352-671-8422 for purchasing information and availability.
What amenities are available at Veterans Memorial Park?
Veterans Memorial Park offers walking and hiking paths throughout the 8.5-acre grounds, picnic tables for visitors, restroom facilities, and free parking. The park is designed for reflective walks among the monuments and memorials. Benches are placed throughout the park for rest and contemplation. The adjacent Exhibit and Education Center provides additional educational displays about military history.
Explore More Parks in Ocala
Marion County is home to dozens of parks, trails, and outdoor recreation areas. Discover more green spaces and things to do in the Ocala area.
About This Guide
OnlyInOcala provides verified information about parks and memorial sites in Marion County. Veterans Memorial Park is operated through a partnership between Marion County and the City of Ocala. Information about amenities, monuments, and events is based on publicly available data from Marion County and verified local sources. We recommend contacting Marion County Veterans Services at 352-671-8422 for the most current details about programs, events, and memorial brick purchases.