The City of Ocala recently completed construction for the new open-air pavilion at the Ocala Wetland Recharge Park, and a grand opening celebration will be held later this month.
The event, which is free and open to the public, will be held on Friday, February 23, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Ocala Wetland Recharge Park located at 2015 NW 21st Street in Ocala.
The project broke ground in August of 2023, and construction crews completed the open-air pavilion last month.
The open-air pavilion will provide an event and education space at the Ocala Wetland Recharge Park. In addition, it will include restrooms and drinking water fountains for guests who are utilizing the park.
During the grand opening event on February 23, the Ocala Wetland Recharge Park’s addition to the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail Site will also be recognized. In September of 2023, the park was selected by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for inclusion on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail Sites, becoming one of 14 new sites to receive this distinction.
The park encourages the public to attend the grand opening ceremony underneath the pavilion, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., to acknowledge the support from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in the construction of the educational pavilion and the FWC for the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail designation.
After the event, attendees can join the Ocala Water Resources Department and the Marion Audubon Society for a guided walk to learn more about the water process within the park and the numerous species of birds that call the park home.
In addition, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in an electronic scavenger hunt for a chance to win prizes. Light refreshments and giveaway bags will also be provided, while supplies last.
For more information, contact the City of Ocala Water Resources Department at 352-351-6772.