City of Gainesville - Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs (PRCA)

City of Gainesville - Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs (PRCA) The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department manages more than 3,200 acres of parks, recreation spaces, natural areas and community centers.

Our goal is to make Gainesville a great place to live, work and play. Find a Park or Facility: https://www.gainesvillefl.gov/Parks

Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs
Our vision is to be seen as the keepers and hosts of the places where nature, recreation and culture meet, offering memorable experiences for all. With the mission to provide and maintain the natural, recreational and cultural fa

cilities and programs that make Gainesville a great place to live, work and visit; and that help sustain the City economically, socially and environmentally. Our goal is to make each experience in our parks and facilities as enjoyable as possible so that visitors will come back again and again.

Come get to know our programs, staff, and community partners at the Porter’s Community Center Open House, which is open ...
08/24/2026

Come get to know our programs, staff, and community partners at the Porter’s Community Center Open House, which is open to the community and families enrolled in After-School. You will learn about exciting activities, program safety, and daily schedules of our programs. Open House is Thursday, August 27 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Hogtown Creek Headwaters Nature Center will be closed through September 15th. We apologize for any inconvenience. The Ho...
08/14/2026

Hogtown Creek Headwaters Nature Center will be closed through September 15th. We apologize for any inconvenience. The Hogtown Creek Headwaters playground, fitness loop, and nature trail will maintain normal operations. Thank you!

08/13/2026

Get folks out into your parks next month to identify some Swallowtails and other pollinator species!

It's easy to sign up, host and get neighbors engaged with their local ecosystem. To start,

🐝Submit the form to indicate your interest in hosting a BioBlitz.

🐝Register under NRPA’s BioBlitz campaign on iNaturalist (for a chance to win prizes!)

🐝Use the BioBlitz StartUp Guide and Marketing Tools to plan your event.

Learn more and sign up: https://vist.ly/5eicx

• Want to get outside and experience the great outdoors?• Need to reserve a ballfield or court for a private game? • Wa...
07/31/2026

• Want to get outside and experience the great outdoors?
• Need to reserve a ballfield or court for a private game?
• Want to learn more about nature?
• Need a spot to hold a birthday party; inside, outside or at a pool?
• Need a wedding or large party venue?
• Want to take the kids to a playground?
• Want to get outside and do some hiking, birdwatching or see some wildlife?
• Want to gather with friends and play sports?
• Want to grill with friends and picnic in the great outdoors?
• Want to hear some live music…….at no cost?
• Want to experience an art exhibit?

We have the resources to help with all of that! Visit us online at https://www.gainesvillefl.gov/PRCA!


Did you know the City of Gainesville cares for approximately 3,200 acres of beautiful park land set aside specifically f...
07/30/2026

Did you know the City of Gainesville cares for approximately 3,200 acres of beautiful park land set aside specifically for nature? From active spaces with playgrounds, sports fields and pools to peaceful nature areas perfect for hiking, biking and wildlife watching—there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

The Natural Resource Management Team, part of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department, leads this important revitalization work. They restore native plants and animals, preserve sensitive lands and create opportunities for outdoor recreation and environmental education. This important work includes:
• Controlled burns
• Removing invasive plants
• Restoring native habitats
• Managing wildlife
• Protecting water resources
• Ensuring safe and sustainable public use

Explore Gainesville’s natural side—and discover why our parks matter!

Did you know that Evergreen Cemetery is one of our city’s most treasured historic sites? As a city owned and operated ce...
07/29/2026

Did you know that Evergreen Cemetery is one of our city’s most treasured historic sites? As a city owned and operated cemetery since 1944, Evergreen serves as a peaceful resting place for generations of community members and stands as a meaningful part of our shared history.

When visiting the cemetery, guests and patrons can utilize an informative cell phone tour that details the lives of historic figures from the area.

Whether you visit to honor loved ones, explore local history or enjoy a serene walk among the trees, Evergreen Cemetery is a space we are proud to preserve for our community.

Thank you to our staff and supporters who help keep this historic landmark well cared for. Learn more at https://www.gainesvillefl.gov/Government-Pages/Government/Departments/Parks-Recreation-Cultural-Affairs/Evergreen-Cemetery.

Through sports, children build confidence, connection and character – skills that carry them from the playground to the ...
07/28/2026

Through sports, children build confidence, connection and character – skills that carry them from the playground to the classroom and beyond.
• Physical health: Participation in sports improves physical fitness, strengthens muscles and promotes overall health.
• Mental well-being: Engaging in sports can enhance mental health by reducing the risk of depression and improving attention and memory.
• Social skills: Sports provide opportunities for children to make friendships, develop communication skills and learn teamwork and respect for others.
• Character development: Through sports, kids can build self-confidence, resilience and important life skills.
• Academic performance: Regular physical activity is linked to improved academic performance and cognitive function.

Overall, sports play a vital role in a child's development, contributing to their physical, mental and social growth.

Learn about our Parks, Recreation and Cultural Events programs at https://www.gainesvillefl.gov/Government-Pages/Government/Departments/Parks-Recreation-Cultural-Affairs/Sports-Swimming-Fitness.

Beat the Florida heat and make a splash at Gainesville’s three community pools! The City of Gainesville proudly owns and...
07/27/2026

Beat the Florida heat and make a splash at Gainesville’s three community pools! The City of Gainesville proudly owns and operates:
• Dwight H. Hunter Pool – Open year round
• H. Spurgeon Cherry Pool – Open year round
• Andrew R. Mickle Sr. Pool – Open seasonally from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, weather permitting

Whether you're swimming laps, taking lessons, or enjoying family time, there’s a pool for everyone. Plus, six month pool passes are available for added convenience and savings!

H. Spurgeon Cherry Pool is Gainesville’s full featured, year round aquatics destination! This Olympic size, 50 meter pool offers something for swimmers of all ages and abilities, including:
• Short course lap lanes
• Two, one meter and two, three meter diving boards
• Diving towers
• An ADA accessible ramp
• A fun water slide for kids and adults
• A splash pad perfect for little ones

Relax on the spacious pool deck for sunbathing or cool off under our shade structures. Pack a bag lunch and enjoy a break at the covered pavilion and freshen up in our on site locker rooms.

Learn more at https://www.gainesvillefl.gov/pools.

Address

306 NE 6th Avenue/Thomas Center Building B
Gainesville, FL
32601

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+13523345067

Website

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