5×5 In Marion and Citrus Counties | Hidden Gem Parks

Aug 13, 2024

The beautiful fountain at Sholom Park in Ocala, Florida

Every city has a section of green within its borders where people go to relax, exercise, play games or walk their dogs – or just get out for some fresh air. Depending on how big the city is, there could be several parks available that range in size, from the large expansive ones to lesser-known little gems where those who are in the know retreat to avoid the madding crowd, as it were.

These unassuming parks often don’t have the amenities of their more famous brethren, but they’re oases of calm for people who favor them. It’s like a secret only they know – like having the key to the Secret Garden or the password to a mysterious club.

If you’re lucky to live in a city that has multiple options available for a good day outdoors, it’s fun to nose around and find little hidey-holes off the beaten path, where you can go if you get a little maxed out in the more crowded places. You might be surprised to find that even a small town has a few of them.

Ocala and neighboring Citrus County are pretty big and sprawling, with many popular and well-used parks both residents and visitors know about; Central Florida is a big place where people flock to for outdoor recreation. But if you’re looking for a little pocket of green that’s kind of your special secret, we’ve come up with a few suggestions to explore and get you started on finding your own Shangri-La.

Here’s the Five by Five:

Ocala/Marion County

Sholom Park

Sholom Park is peaceful, beautiful, and downright idyllic. It really feels like you left the world behind and landed in Hobbiton; the only thing missing is Bag End. Privately owned, but open to the public, it was specifically designed for “the pursuit of inner peace”. It’s a perfect place for a quiet picnic by The Pond or the Formal Garden, or you can enjoy a refreshing walk along the trails and gardens, like the delightfully named Labyrinth, Enchanted Forest Trail, and the Olive Tree Promenade. You can settle under the shade of the many trees with a book, or bring your laptop for an outdoor office day.  Sholom Park also holds events and live concerts at The Stage, so it’s great for an outing with friends and family.
A beautiful view of the fountain at Sholom Park in Ocala, Florida
More about Sholom Park

Hours:  8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Address:  7110 SW 80th Avenue, Ocala

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Ritterhoff Park

A child releases a bluegill back to the water.
More about Ritterhoff Park

Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Address: 1805 SE 14th Avenue, Ocala

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At just over 2 acres, Ritterhoff is small but mighty.  Created with play and exploration in mind, it’s a learning adventure for budding nature enthusiasts, with a catch-and-release program so kids can learn how to catch fish – and adults might learn a thing or two, too. A playground for small children and large, shady pavilion offer plenty of room to run around and then take a break for a bite to eat. There are picnic tables and grills available on the grounds as well, and a pretty little lake with a fountain, where you might spot ducks paddling to and fro enjoying their own day out.

MOMS Park

Originally conceived as a one-acre memorial park for Holly Sadler’s son Kyle, MOMS (Memories of Missing Smiles) gained enormous support within the community and grew to a 5-acre expanse that opened to the public in 2011. Since then, it’s become a haven of green leisure, where visitors can enjoy a stroll through the fields or the extensive jogging path – a standout feature of the park – and if you have a dog, bring them along (call and check the rules!). On hot days, the splash pad is a refreshing distraction, and there are lots of other activities for kids including baseball, soccer, and tennis.
A woman on a jogging path at a park.
More about MOMS Park

Hours:  24/7
Address:  3320 SE 17th St, Ocala

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Coehadjoe Park

Children exploring in a park.
More about Coehadjoe Park

Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Address: 4225 NE 35th St. Ocala

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Coehadjoe Park is home to a Born Learning Trail, which is a United Way program to help parents and other adults create ways of making learning opportunities out of everyday activities. With a nature themed play area, courts for basketball, racquetball, volleyball, tennis and pickleball, plus picnic pavilions and walking trails, there are definitely limitless opportunities for discovery.

Sturdy wooden pavilions and plenty of picnic tables are available for everyone, and private group functions including birthday parties and corporate outings can be arranged. The park is also pet friendly – as long as your furbaby is leashed. With all the gorgeous pine trees and fresh air, this is a really lovely retreat for some peace and quiet or a little learning adventure.

Heritage Nature Conservancy

The simplicity of this 11-acre park is its charm; the focus of the Conservancy is tranquility in natural surroundings. You can really disconnect from the cars, crowds, and the carnage of parking lots in this quiet, lush setting.  The Conservancy is an active and engaged protector of the native ecosystem, where visitors can walk and explore the winding trails through longleaf pines and oaks, or around the lake. Spotting the diverse wildlife here isn’t unusual, either; gopher tortoises, various species of bird, and the occasional deer might end up sharing the path with you. There are picnic tables and grills available if you want to take a little lunch among the trees, and a playground for the kids if you’re making a day of it. If you’re looking for a quiet haven and a beautiful environment, this is an ideal spot.
A white-tailed deer fawn with spots in an meadow in summer.
More about Heritage Nature Conservancy

Hours:  24/7
Address:  3320 SE 17th St, Ocala

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Citrus County

Wallace Brooks Park – Inverness

A selective focus shot of shuffleboard game at a park
More about Wallace Brooks Park

Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Address: 321 E. Dampier St. Inverness

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Named for the venerated and longtime Black citizen and originally designated as a segregated area when it opened in 1968, Wallace Brooks Park is on the shoreline of the Lake Tsala Apopka chain. Now it offers a beautiful waterfront haven for everyone who wants to enjoy it, featuring shuffleboard, walking paths, a dock and other boating amenities. You can bring your dog, as it’s also pet friendly, and explore the boardwalk or read a book to the sound of the water on the shore. There are plenty of picnic tables and grills, a pool, restrooms and showers, and even fishing available. Who needs the bustle and babble of the beach?

Potts Preserve – Inverness

A sprawling natural oasis with a dizzying variety of ecosystems, Potts Preserve is jointly operated by Southwest Florida Water Management District and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.  It’s part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, nestled in with the Withlacoochee River and the Tsala Apopka chain. For backpackers, campers and equestrians, it’s a playground of trails, gorgeous landscapes and forests that give explorers an experience of the region’s incredible biodiversity and wildlife. There are many endangered and threatened species that live here, making it an essential and valuable habitat. The preserve offers educational programs and guided tours for visitors interested in learning more about conservation efforts, and for water adventures, you can explore the lakes and rivers to your heart’s content – and if you want to bring your fishing pole to try your luck, you can do that too.
An osprey reaches towards catching a fish.
More about Potts Preserve

Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Address: 2988 N. Hooty Point, Inverness (Hiking Trail)
2700 Dee River Road, Inverness (Equestrian, Camping)

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Trails End Park – Floral City

A tree-shaded Florida river at a park.
More about Trails End Park

Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Address: 7594 S. Old Oaks Drive, Floral City

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Lush and green and with a vibe that feels straight out of the Jurassic, this is a small, 1.5 acre park with a whole lot of character.  Connected to the 42-mile Withlacoochee State Trail makes it easy to take a good horseback ride, hike or cycle through the serene canopy of trees, where you’ll see absolutely gorgeous landscapes and overlooks.  The park also features a playground, picnic pavilions, and restrooms, making it an ideal getaway for family and friends. There’s also a river running through where regular visitors love to launch boats and go for a lazy cruise along the tree-lined shore, looking at the abundance of birds, butterflies, and wildlife. Check the website for rules and advisories before you go, though.  While it’s not actually Jurassic, and there are no T-Rexes stomping around, it’s good to remember the Florida staple rule: If there’s water, there’s an alligator in it.

Kings Bay Park – Crystal River

Just a few blocks from the buzz of downtown Crystal River, Kings Bay Park is within easy reach for a little decompression.  You can rent a kayak and paddle along the water, or cast a line off the dock and see if you can catch your dinner. If you’re very fortunate, you might see a manatee or two hanging out there with you and waiting to see if you’ll share – or you might find them lounging along the water’s edge if you take a walk along the shoreline.  Remember, though, it’s against state law to touch or interfere with them in any way, because they’re a protected species. There are ample picnic tables and grills and a big playground for the kids, so you can relax and enjoy yourself in a truly beautiful atmosphere.

Just a heads up: There is a parking fee, and if you bring your own kayak or paddleboard, there’s a nominal launch charge for that, too. If you have a trailer that’s no longer than 8 feet, there’s parking available for that as well, and there are also some free parking lots nearby. As a family-friendly retreat, the park also does not allow dogs or alcohol, so remember to check all the rules before you head over!

A woman kayaking in the Gulf of Mexico with sea birds flying overhead.
More about Kings Bay Park

Hours: 8am to Sunset
Address: 268 NW 3rd St, Crystal River

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Ellie Schiller State Park – Homosassa Springs

An underwater viewing of manatees.
More about Ellie Schiller State Park

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Address: 4150 S. Suncoast Rd. Homosassa
Tickets: Ellie Schiller Homossassa Springs

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Okay, this isn’t exactly a small park; it’s run by the State Parks System, but we had to include it because it has a hippopotamus named Lu. No, we are not joking.

Unique from most state parks – including most of the ones in Florida – this one is home to a diverse variety of captive animals, including those native to Florida and many of which are endangered or threatened. Most are rescues or rehabilitated animals that are unable to be returned to the wild, so they’re now ambassadors for their species. The park’s flourishing tropical environment is a stunning setting to observe these amazing creatures; you can stroll on elevated boardwalks that wind through swamps and hardwood hammocks and watch manatees, alligators, black bears, and a dizzying variety of birds in this natural habitat. If you want to get even more immersed – no pun intended – in the experience, check out the underwater observatories to get a closer look at aquatic life. This includes the aforementioned and beloved Lu, the oldest hippo in captivity.  There are also educational exhibits, an education center, and ranger-led programs for those who want to delve even more into the wildlife and conservation experience, and visitors can enjoy picnics, fishing and boating on the grounds.  With its unique blend of education, conservation, and recreation, this is an unforgettable experience that will stay with you.

For more information about additional parks and conservation areas in Ocala/Marion and Citrus County, you can visit these websites: 

 

Ocala – City Page

Ocala Marion County

Welcome to Citrus County

Discover Crystal River

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