The Fun Times

Fall 2019 - September, October, November

City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Upcoming Programs and Activities

Register for all programs at www.ocalafl.org/recpark. All programs are for all ages and are FREE unless otherwise noted.

AFTER DARK IN THE PARK MOVIE SERIES

Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. Popcorn, hotdogs, and drinks available for small fee.

TBA | Tuscawilla Park | 800 NE Sanchez Ave | Friday, Sept 13 at 8 p.m.

COCO | Citizens’ Circle | 160 E Fort King St | Friday, Sept 30 at 7:30 p.m.

HOCUS POCUS | Fort King National Historic Landmark | 3925 E Fort King St | Saturday, Oct 26 at 7 p.m.

FISH FRY & CLASSIC CARS FUNDRAISER

Eighth Avenue Adult Activity Center | 830 NE Eighth Ave.

Friday, Oct. 11 | 5-7 p.m.

Enjoy a delicious fried fish meal complete with French fries, hush puppies, coleslaw and a drink for only $10/person. Live music, giveaways and an auction. Explore classic cars and check out the programs the center has to offer.

FORT KING’S HAUNTED TRAIL AND HALLOWEEN MOVIE: HOCUS POCUS

Fort King National Historic Landmark | 3925 E Fort King St.

Saturday, Oct. 26 | 6-10 p.m.

Have a Spooktacular time on the haunted trail that comes alive with ghosts, goons, and goblins and then stick around the watch “Hocus Pocus” on the BIG screen in the fort. The trail gets scarier as it gets darker, so bring the little ones early. Wear a costume and close toed shoes and bring a trick-or-treat bag. Follow the signs for free off-site parking and shuttle service back and forth to the fort.

OCALA ARTS FESTIVAL

Downtown Ocala

Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 26-27 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The Ocala arts festival brings artists from across the United States to historic downtown Ocala. In addition to 155 professional artists’ displays, this complimentary event includes live entertainment, food trucks, children’s art activities and a student art competition and performances.

HARVET FEST

Tuscawilla Park | 800 NE Sanchez Ave

Saturday, Nov. 9 | 1-10 p.m.

Harvest fest will feature 2 stages of live music all day, a variety of food trucks and craft vendors.

LIGHT UP OCALA

Downtown Ocala

Saturday, Nov. 23 | 4-9 p.m.

Enjoy this 36^th annual event with live entertainment on two stages, street performers, lots of great food, crafts and other vendors, plus kids’ zones. There’s the fabulous tree lighting ceremony, plus what kid can pass up a chance to spend some quality time with Santa? We’ll see you there!

SANTA’S CALLING

Ocala Recreation and Parks

Tuesday-Thursday, December 3-5 | 6-9 p.m.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be checking their list and calling from the North Pole to delight good little girls and boys. Registration required.

ED CROSKEY RECRATION CENTER

1510 NW Fourth St. | 352-401-3920

ADULT DODGE BALL - AGES 18+

Mondays, Oct. 14- Nov 18 | 6-8 p.m.

Have you mastered the 5 D’s of Dodgeball (dodge, duck, dip, dive, and dodge? Perfect your dodging, catching and throwing skills with this six-week adult league. This supervised program teaches the correct way to play the wonderful games of dodgeball. All you need to play is at least six players with matching colored shirts or jerseys and closed toe shoes. Come join the fun! $50/team. Register NOW-Oct. 7

FITNESS ZONE - AGES 10+ W/ GUARDIAN - 14+ W/O GUARDIAN

Mondays-Fridays, Year-round | 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Get your heart and muscles pumping on cardio equipment or weight machines. No matter what your athletic level is, our fitness area is deigned to help you on your journey for a happier, healthier life!

OPEN RECREATION - AGES 5+

Monday-Fridays, Year-round (except major holidays) | 3-8 p.m.

Whether you’re looking for a pickup game of basketball access to community resources a presentation on business etiquette or a place to meet your community, we are the place for you.

FORT KING NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK

3925 E Fort King St. | 352-368-5533 | www.fortkingocala.com

Programs are for all ages

SUTLER SATURDAYS

Saturday, Sep. 14 | 1-3 p.m.

See reenactors, listen to historians and learn about a skill or trade practiced during the 1800s. Take a walk on our trails, tour Fort King and stop by our visitor center.

HISTORIC HOMESTEADING: RAG RUGS

Saturday, Sep. 28 | 10 a.m. to noon

This easy no-sew technique will allow you to turn any fabric into a new and attractive rag rug for your home. Bring a friend and learn together! $20/person includes materials. Register by Sept. 26

HISTORIC HOMESTEADING: BROOM MAKING

Saturday, Oct. 19 | 10 a.m. to noon

Learn about the history of brooms and why this dying art is so important to preserve. Bring a friend and make your very own broom together. $20/person includes materials. Register by Oct. 17

HISTORIC HOMESTEADING: THE ART OF THE GUNSMITH

Saturday, Nov. 9 | 10 am to noon

Join Dale the Gun Make from deep creek long rifles as you learn the history of Florida arms and how a rifle is made from a piece of wood. Dale will also provide a lead musket casting and firing demonstration.

MARION COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION UPCOMING PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES

SPACE IS LIMITIED! Register at www.MarionParksRec.org today!

SPORTS

ADULT CO-ED SOFTBALL AT WRIGLEY FIELDS

Mondays | 6:30 pm | Starting September 9

Players must pre-register online or in person by September 3. League games get underway September 9. League limited to eight teams (maximum of 15 players per team. Players must be 17 years of age and older. Fee is $250/team.

ADULT FLAG FOOTBALL AT BRICK CITY ADVENTURE PARK

Tuesdays | 6:30 p.m. | Starting August 27

Players must pre-register online or in person by august 20. League games get underway august 27^th. League limited to ten teams (maximum of 15 players per team). Register as a team or as an individual. Must be 18 years of age or older. Fee is $30/player.

MARION COUNTY OPEN PICKEBALL TOURNAMENTS AT COEHADJOE PARK

Men’s and women’s doubles | Saturday, Sep. 14 | 4 p.m.

Mixed doubles | Sunday, Sep. 15| 4 p.m.

Players must pre-register online or in person by Sept. 7. Check-in starts at 3 p.m. Tournament play begins at 4 p.m. Must be 18 years of age and older. Level 2.0 – 5.0. age divisions: 18-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, and 80+. Ages and levels may be combined is less than 4 teams. Fee is $30/ player per event.

MARION COUNTY SENIOR SOFTBALL (FALL LEAGUE)

Men 55+ | Women 50+ up

Ralph Russell Park

Monday, Wednesday, Friday

Interested in getting back into the swing of it…bat swing, that is. Fee $30/player per season. New players welcome and may sign up in mid-season. Games start at 9 a.m. Friday only play also available. Call 352-671-8560 for more information.

LOW ROPES/TEAMBUILDING COURSE (Private Groups/Teams Only)

All courses are customized to your group’s needs. Courses usually last 3-4 hours depending on program options but can last all day is requested. Schedule your course for 10 or more people by calling 352-671-8560.

ADULT AND YOUTH ARCHERY 101 & 102

Brick City Adventure Park

Wednesdays | Youth (8-15) | 5 p.m.

Wednesdays | Adult (16+) | 6:30 p.m.

Session 1 – Sep. 4-25

Session 2 – Oct. 2-30 (no class Oct. 9)

Session 3 – Nov. 6-20

Our monthly archery 101 program refreshes past experiences and starts from the ground up each month. More experienced archers who have completed our 101 course will enjoy more advanced games and training in the 102 sessions. Session fee 101 $20/person - 102: $20 /person per month.

KAYAK OR PADDLEBOARD 101 AT CARNEY ISLAND

Saturdays | Sept. 7 – Oct. 5

Kayaking at 9:30 a.m. | Paddle boarding at 1:30 p.m.

Introductory program that provides basic instruction to the inexperienced paddler or the returning paddler ready to get back on the water. Equipment provided. Program fee $ 15/person plus the park entrance fee.

KAYAK AND KOFFEE*

Silver River (Silver Springs)

Sept. 19 | Oct. 17 | Nov. 7

Weekday outing on the Silver River, ideal for beginners and those interested in nature and wildlife viewing. Equipment provided. Fee is $30, includes equipment and refreshments following the outing. Paddlers will meet at 9:30 a.m. at launch site.

KAYAK OUTINGS

Gores to Eureka | Sept. 21

Chassahowitzka | Sept. 26

Juniper Springs | Oct. 3

Three Sisters | Oct 24

Alexander Springs | Oct. 31

Santa Fe | Nov. 14

Weekie Wachee | Nov. 16

Ichnetucknee | Nov. 21

Kayak outings for the experienced paddler. Participants meet at Brick City Adventure Park at 8:30 a.m. fee is $40/person plus the park user fee. Equipment and shuttle provided. Pre-registration required.

MOONLIGHT PADDLE

Rainbow River (KP HOLE* PARK)

Sept. 13 | Nov. 9

Paddle the Rainbow River under the light of the moon. Launch from KP Hole and paddle to the head springs. Equipment provided. Fee $35/person (equipment provided) or $20/person using your own equipment. Launch times will vary based on moonlight schedule.

BASIC WILD CAVING EXPERIENCE AT BRICK CITY ADVENTURE PARK

Saturdays | 9 a.m. | Sept. 7 – Oct. 5

An excellent beginner program for participants, ages 8 to adult, who would like to explore an unimproved wild cave. Requires strenuous physical activity that includes climbing, crawling on hands and knees, and belly crawling on rocky surfaces in tight space. Participants should wear long pants and sturdy footwear, gloves optional. Caving gear provided. Fee is $35/person.

NATURE EDUCATION

ECO TRAM TOURS

Tuesday, Nov. 26 | 9 a.m. | Carney Island

Tour nature trails where local wildlife reside while riding on our accessible tram that can accommodate people with disabilities. Participants must advise staff of special accommodation requests at the time of registration. Fee is $10/person. Participants meet at site location. Book your own private tour of 8-12 people.

EXPLORE MARION COUNTY – INTERPRETIVE NATURE WALKS

Tuesdays

 Sept. 17 – Silver Springs

Oct. 1 – Marshall Swamp

Oct. 22 – Pruitt to Ross (advanced)

Nov. 5 – Ross Prairie

Nov. 19 – Halapataka

Adult participants should be in good health and able to leisurely walk with rest stops for up to 2-3 hours. Group meets at 8:30 a.m. at Brick City Adventure Park to travel to walk location. Or you can meet the designated park. Fee is $5/person.

FAMILY PROGRAMS

FAMILY CAMPOUT

Saturday 2 p.m. to Sunday 11 a.m. | Nov. 23-24

An enjoyable outdoor recreation experience for the entire family. Activities may include fishing instruction, kayaking, camping basics, and night activities. Children must be at least 8 years old. Fee is $25 for adults and $15 for youth (8-12). Fee includes tents/camping equipment, park fee, meals, and snacks. Participants must provide their own sleeping bags and person items.

BRICK CITY CARNIVAL

Brick City Adventure Park

Saturday, Oct. 12 | 5-8 p.m.

Come join us for an evening of Halloween fun! Activities are FREE and will include a variety of spook-tastic games, music, and plenty of candy. Local businesses and various volunteers will be on hand to make it a great time for all.

HOME SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Brick City Adventure Park | Wednesdays | September – May

No programs on school holidays

Register your child for one or all of our class offerings! Check out our website for monthly class topics and home school outings. When registering for at least three classes month, we offer a supervised lunch time. Parents provide lunch. All activities are subject to change.

HOME SCHOOL ART PROGRAM

Ages 5-8 | 10:15 a.m.

Ages 9-12 | 9 a.m.

Ages 13-17 | 12:45 p.m.

On going home school art program for youth ages 5-17 meets each Wednesday. Fee $20/month per child.

HOME SCHOOL PHSYCIAL EDUCATION AND RECREATION CLUB

Ages 5-8 | 9 a.m.

Ages 9-12 | 10:15 a.m.

Ages 13-17 | 11:30 a.m.

Our “HPER CLUB” encourages teamwork, strategy, and fair play. Fee is $12/month per child.

HOME SCHOOL FIREWISE SCIENCE PROGRAM

Ages 6-12 | 12:15-1:30 p.m.

Get fired up for home school science with hands on learning, experiments, and real-world applications. Fee is $20/month per child.

HOME SCHOOL STUDY HALL

Ages 12-17 | 9 a.m.

Supervised time that allows youth to work on homework, projects, etc. Fee is $5/month per child.

HOME SCHOOL ARCHERY 101/102

Ages 6-12 | 1:45-2:45 p.m.

Ages 13-17 | 10:15-11:15 a.m.

Our archery 101 program starts from the ground up each month. Once fundamentals are learned youth can register for our 102 sessions with more advanced games and training. Session fee 101 - $15 month/child, 102 - $15 month/child

HOME SCHOOL YOUTH LEADERS OF MARION COUNTY

Ages 12-17 | 1:45 p.m.

Service with pride, lead with confidence, inspire to impact others. The program helps to develop basic skills in leadership, problem solving, understanding government and communication while graining awareness of community issues, diversity, and personal potential. The program provides students with leadership training, college and job readiness, and a wide variety of volunteer opportunities. Fee is $25/month per child.