Coming soon:
Wetland Groundwater
Recharge Park
What is the Wetland Groundwater
Recharge Park and where is it located?
The Wetland Groundwater Recharge Park is an
important part of the City of Ocala’s plan to fully use
its water resources. Recharge is the water that drains
through the soil to refill the groundwater and supplies
the aquifer underneath. Development of this park will
create wetland habitat, improve water quality, and boost
regional groundwater supplies.
Conceptual Rendering of the Park Overlook
CH2M, 2016.
The project site is a City-owned, 60-acre parcel next
to the Pine Oaks Golf Course, which is currently used as
a Frisbee (disc) golf course. This site currently contains
oak canopies, lined irrigation ponds, trails, and grassed
fairways. The recharge park will conserve oak trees, use
the ponds as deep marshes, and convert the fairways to
wetlands.
What affect will the park have on the
surrounding neighborhoods?
In other, similar wetland parks, the property value of
the surrounding neighborhoods has actually increased.
The overall response from the people living near the
park is very positive! Comments include, “I really like the
concept,” and “this is great!”
Why is the City creating this park?
To meet its regulatory requirements.
The City and many other users
rely on the Upper Floridan
Aquifer for water. This aquifer
also provides flow to the Silver
Springs system. Regulations
related to reduced spring
flows and lesser water quality
are becoming a reality. The
City’s
forward-thinking strategy is to
Photo credit: Silver Springs
State Park.
address both issues by creating
a system that improves water
quality, while increasing groundwater supplies.
To develop an educational facility for the
community. The park will include an education center
and walkways, with kiosks about the recharge benefits,
plant communities, and wildlife habitat. The walkways
will include boardwalks and trails throughout the park,
and observation areas in key locations to provide
wildlife views. The maintained oak hammocks will
encompass a downstream pond that can be used for
both observation and catch-and-release fishing.
How will the City proceed?
The City is evaluating, designing, and permitting the park,
with the following project goals:
yy Refill the aquifer with treated reclaimed water and
stormwater, removing nitrogen and phosphorus
y Provide benefits to the underlying Upper Floridan
Aquifer and Silver Springs
yy Create a setting that will attract wildlife and improve
the natural value of the area
yy Involve the community to help develop an
educational facility, education opportunities, and park
facilities
Are there other, similar parks in Florida?
Yes, and the team assisting the City with the project
developed many of them. Examples include:
yy Orlando Wetlands Park (Christmas, Florida) is the
oldest in Florida. The park is used for biking, wildlife
observation, and hiking. There is an education center
and the park is used for events periodically such as
the Orlando Wetlands Festival
(17 years), and Pangea
Adventure Racing also
held an event at the park.
Conceptual Design of the Wetland Groundwater Recharge Park
Source: Google Earth, 2015; Overlay and Annotation: CH2M, 2016.
The conceptual design integrates the site’s natural
resources. The curving path winds around oak
hammocks and includes a variety of wetland and upland
systems from open water ponds to deep and shallow
marshes to wet prairies and upland oak hammocks.
When will the park be ready for visitors?
The design and permitting phase will be completed in
2017, and park construction is anticipated to begin in
2018. Based on this schedule, the projected opening
date is Winter 2019.
How do I get involved in this project?
The City is partnering with interested community
organizations to develop the educational facility. Please
visit the website at www.ocalafl.org to find out more
about the project and opportunities for involvement.
Who do I contact for more information?
Rachel Slocumb
[email protected]
City of Ocala Water Resources Conservation Coordinator
www.ocalafl.org
WT1215161107GNV
yy Wakodahatchee
Nature Center (Delray
Beach, Florida) and
Green Cay Nature
Center and Wetlands
(Boynton Beach, Florida)
are very popular among
bird watchers. Both
parks are located close
to neighbors who enjoy
the park, and the parks
have contributed to
higher property values
in the neighborhoods
surrounding the
wetlands. The parks
receive great online ratings
and are considered a local
asset.
yy Freedom Park (Naples,
Florida) is another great
example of wetlands parks
as community assets. It
is popular among hikers,
bird watchers, runners,
dog walkers, and
fisherman. It is referred to
as a “Local Gem.”
Signage at Wakodahatchee
Nature Center
Photo credit: CH2M, 2016.
Education Center at
Green Cay
Photo credit: CH2M, 2016.
Fishing at Freedom Park
Photo credit: Naples Daily News, 2015.
The Wetland Groundwater Recharge Park
will successfully combine the benefit of
recharge with the beauty of nature.