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Can we schedule a field trip?
It is our hope and one of our ultimate goals for the park to be utilized for school functions and field trips. It is a great way to incorporate STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) programming and hands-on learning into the curriculum.
Zoom and small group in-person programming is available. To schedule a program or tour please contact our Conservation Coordinator at WRCoordinator@ocalafl.org or 352-351-6774.
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How deep is the water?
In areas that are marshes, the water is only be a couple of inches deep. The deepest pond is be approximately 10 feet deep. There is no fishing allowed at the Ocala Wetland Recharge Park and swimming is prohibited.
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How many parking spots will be available? What about buses?
There are 34 parking spaces available at the Ocala Wetland Recharge Park. If you are planning a trip to the park utilizing larger vehicles, like buses, we ask that you call ahead 352-351-6772 to alert park staff, as they can grant access to a bus turn around area. If you are planning a trip to the park and would like a guided tour or educational programming, please contact the Water Resources Conservation Coordinator at 352-351-6772.
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How much water will be sent to the park daily?
An average of 3 million gallons of water will be sent to the park from both Water Reclamation Facilities and local stormwater ponds. The treated wastewater was historically sent to water customers for irrigation and agricultural spray fields.
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How will this benefit the aquifer?
This project will have immediate benefits to the aquifer since any additional recharge provided above natural rainfall driven recharge is a benefit.
To be clear, this project is not going to solve all of the water limitations in the area; however, it will be an improvement to how the aquifer is managed today.
The benefits should be realized in volume. The City will be returning 3 of gallons of water per day (mgd) to the aquifer and the benefits can be realized immediately.
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I live near the park, how will this affect me?
Based on previous Wetland Parks throughout Florida, it has been shown that the property values surrounding the park have increased. The common response from residents living near a recharge park are very positive.
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Is the park accessible?
City staff have strived to create a truly inclusive environment at the Ocala Wetland Recharge Park. There are 2.5 miles of eight feet wide, asphalt paved trails, with minimum slope. The boardwalks have a smooth grating for the foot bed to provide easy travel. There are over 30 benches onsite to provide plenty of seating. All signs have been installed to ADA requirements and the bathrooms are handicap accessible.
If you have any suggestions on ways to make the park a more welcoming place please contact Rachel Slocumb, Conservation Coordinator, RSlocumb@ocalafl.org or 352-351-6774.
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This was a Disc Golf Course, what is the recreational benefit to having this park?
The park is equipped with many recreational options which include walkways, boardwalks, educational kiosks, wildlife observation overlooks and more!
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What is that smell?
The microorganisms that are working hard consuming the excess nutrients found in the water off-gas or release their waste during dawn and dusk, this can sometimes give a strong sulfur smell. This smell and gas are not harmful.
Sometimes, near the inlet of each pond you may notice that it smells a little like a pool. Treated wastewater in the City of Ocala is disinfected with sodium hypochlorite or chlorine bleach, since inlets are the first area the water is exposed to air after leaving the wastewater reclamation facilities, it will often smell strongest there.
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What is the plan for the invasive species that currently inhabit the park area?
We will do our best to eliminate the invasive aquatic plants through manual removal. The park is an area in which the goal is for local, native species to thrive. We will be working with local FWC staff to manage the park in the most efficient and responsible manor.
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Why aren't pets allowed?
Pets are not permitted at the Ocala Wetland Recharge Park. Even the most docile pets can be instinctually predatory animals and therefore a threat to wildlife. The Ocala Wetland Recharge Park is home, either temporarily or permanently, to protected animal species. Additionally, to provide a truly inclusive environment, it is important to realize not all people are comfortable around domestic animals. Lastly, pet waste is a known nutrient pollutant and can contain harmful parasites and diseases. In an effort to protect all creatures great and small, we ask that you keep all pets at home.
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Why is there so much algae?
Although it looks similar to algae from a distance, the green vegetation that is floating on the top of the water is a small plant called Duckweed. Although some may not find it aesthetically pleasing, ducks and aquatic insects love it. Dabbling ducks eat it and aquatic insects
take refuge under it.
