Due to ongoing drought conditions, most of Marion County, including the City of Ocala is now under a Modified Phase II Severe Water Shortage Advisory. Customers are urged to follow the current irrigation schedule available at www.ocalafl.gov/irrigation.
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The Ocala Wetland Recharge Park is such an involved project and we are sure you have questions!
For your convenience, we have listed some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding this project.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us!
FAQs
Can we schedule a field trip?
Yes, it is a great way to incorporate STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) programming and hands-on learning into the curriculum. To schedule a program or tour, please click here.
How deep is the water?
In marshy areas, the water is only a couple of inches deep. The deepest pond is approximately 10 feet deep. There is no fishing allowed and swimming is prohibited.
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 with larger vehicles, such as buses, please call ahead at 352-351-6772 to alert park staff, who can give you access to a bus turnaround area. If you are planning a trip to the park and would like a guided tour or educational programming, please click here.
How much water will be sent to the park daily?
The park is design to receive 5 million gallons of water per day. Majority of the water comes from both Water Reclamation Facilities and a smaller portion comes from local stormwater ponds. The treated reclaimed was historically sent to water customers for irrigation and agricultural spray fields.
How will this benefit the aquifer?
There are immediate benefits to the aquifer: any additional recharge above natural rainfall-driven recharge is beneficial. The City of Ocala Water Resources returns approximately 3 million gallons of water per day (mgd) to the aquifer.
I live near the park, how will this affect me?
Based on previous Wetland Parks across Florida, property values surrounding the park have increased. The typical response from residents living near a recharge park is very positive.
Is the park accessible?
City staff strived to create a genuinely inclusive environment at the Ocala Wetland Recharge Park. There are 2.5 miles of eight-foot-wide, asphalt-paved trails, with a minimum slope. The boardwalks have a smooth grating on the footbed to facilitate travel. There are over 30 benches on-site, providing plenty of seating. All signs have been installed to ADA requirements, and the bathrooms are handicap accessible. If you have any suggestions for making the park a more welcoming place, please email WRcoordinator@ocalafl.gov or click here.
This was a Disc Golf Course, what is the recreational benefit to having this park?
The park offers many recreational options, including walkways, boardwalks, educational kiosks, wildlife observation overlooks, and more!
What is that smell?
The microorganisms that are working hard, consuming excess nutrients in the water, off-gas or release waste during dawn and dusk, which can sometimes give off a strong sulfur smell. These smells and gases are not harmful. Sometimes, near the inlet of each pond, you may notice that it smells a little like a pool. Treated reclaimed in the City of Ocala is disinfected with sodium hypochlorite (chlorine bleach). Since inlets are the first area the water is exposed to air after leaving the water reclamation facilities, it often smells strongest there.
What is the plan for the invasive species that currently inhabit the park area?
We do our best to remove the invasive aquatic plants manually. The park is an area where the goal is for local native species to thrive. We work with local FWC staff to manage the park most efficiently and responsibly.
Why are bicycles, skateboards, and electric scooters not allowed in the park?
The Ocala Wetland Recharge Park prioritizes wildlife protection and visitor safety. Bicycles, skateboards, and electric scooters are prohibited to maintain a calm, undisturbed environment for the abundant bird species, amphibians, and other wildlife that call this wetland home. The walking-only policy creates a safe, contemplative atmosphere for all visitors and allows everyone to fully appreciate the educational displays and observe wildlife at a natural pace. The park's 2.5 miles of paved trails remain open to all pedestrians.
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 to protected animal species, either temporarily or permanently. Additionally, to provide a truly inclusive environment, it is essential to recognize that not everyone is comfortable around domestic animals. Lastly, pet waste is a known nutrient pollutant and can contain harmful parasites and diseases. To protect all creatures great and small, please keep all pets at home.
Why is there so much algae?
Although it looks similar to algae from a distance, the green vegetation floating on the water's surface 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.
