Parks and Open Space

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Parks and Preserves 

Parks & Preserves
Maps 

Maps
Volunteer  

Volunteer
Registration and Reservations 

Register & Reserve

News and Events

Hi Alachua County Residents,
Thank you for using our facilities and picturesque parks and open spaces. We want to advise that effective February 1, 2025, Anderson Outdoor will be managing all rentals for Poe Spring Park, the Lodges, and the pavilions.
Please reach out to them at ​www.aoafun.com/clubhouse.

​Cuscowilla Renovations ​Renovations for the Nature Center are underway. The center features a screened in classroom and ADA restrooms.​  Additional site improvements include a Black Swamp boardwalk, nature trails, resurfaced parking area, waterfront dock, climbing tower, and butterfly garden.

Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the public to enjoy our walking trails, picnic areas, disc golf, sport courts, and open space.

Cuscowilla Pool is open to the public on the weekends beginning Memorial Day weekend  through Labor Day weekend. Pool hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Guests may purchase a $5 day pass or $20 season pass onsite or online prior to pool entry.  To pay online, please click “Register & Reserve” and then "Pool Pass" under our membership offerings. For more information, please call  (352) 574-2372.   

Cuscowilla Rentals. Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center is available for rentals including overnight cabin stays, primitive camping, archery, pavilion, lodge, grounds, and indoor meeting space. For more information on availability, or for a quote, please email  or call us at 352-574-2372.  

Cuscowilla Summer May be an image of text​​


Projects currently in the construction phase that will be complete this Spring 

Jill McGuire Santa Fe Lake large restroom replacement

Projects to be completed this Fall 

Poe Springs Restroom

Recently Completed Projects 

  • Santa Fe Lake Park - Finished new (playground adjacent) restrooms and demolished old (lakeside) restrooms & associated septic system.
  • With assistance from Growth Management & ITS we created an online GIS map containing ALL of the public access parks & conservation lands (municipal, county, state & non-profit) in Alachua County and their respective amenities.  This as well as the Parks Master Plan can be found on the Parks & Open Space portion of the County website (www.alachuacounty.us/parks).
  • Cuscowilla Nature & Retreat Center - Construction of a 65’x120’ red-iron, metal roofed pavilion over an existing asphalt sports court.
  • Jonesville Park - Rebuilt soccer fields 2 & 3.
  • Veterans Memorial Park - New inclusive playground, Gold Star Families Memorial, a secondary asphalt entry drive & parking lot, accessible sidewalks, and associated stormwater and utility infrastructure.  Improvements also include installation of additional site lighting, landscaping, and temporary irrigation using reclaimed water.
  • Lake Alto Park - Renovation of the existing parking lot, including excavation of asphalt and limestone to make way for tree islands and subsequent seal coating & re-striping.
  • West End Park - Fast track demolition, clean up, and improvements in preparation for the upcoming World Masters Athletics (WMAi25) event.  Includes a 2K cross country course, an internationally certified area for javelin, discuss, and hammer throw, additional parking, and associated utility infrastructure.​


 Upcoming projects 

             MK Rawlings Park/Kate Barnes Ramp - Replacement of the existing boarding dock, addition of a courtesy dock on the south side of the channel, paved accessible parking, and accessible sidewalks.

·         Poe Springs - Two projects underway here, the first being replacing the existing spring-side restrooms and the second being improvements to the boat launch that include replacement of the boarding dock, and accessible kayak launch, paved accessible parking, and accessible sidewalks.

·         Copeland & Monteocha Parks - New playgrounds, additional parking, pavilion(s), better accessibility, landscaping, site lighting, and additional amenities as appropriate.

·         Jonesville Park - Construction of a new soccer stadium, additional parking, better accessibility, and new pickleball courts.

·         Pinesville Park (St. Peter) - Development of a new pocket park on 2.2. acres just north of Archer.

·         West End Park - Phase 2 development including community park amenities and designation of arboretum.

       Squirrel Ridge - Construct a bathroom.



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Photo Gallery

Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center
Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center
Alligator and Egret at Barr Hammock
Barr Hammock Park - photo by Mark Procopio
Lake Alto
Lake Alto - photo by Susan Clontz
Marjorie K. Rawlings Park
Marjorie K. Rawlings Park - photo by Seth Shotwell
Poe Springs night photo 2.jpg
Poe Springs - photo by Guy Bryant


Contact us

Parks and Open Space210 SE 134 Ave. Micanopy, FL 32667​
Phone: 352-264-6847 Monday - FridayEmail Us:
parks@alachuacounty.us​

Mission

Our mission is to provide safe, well maintained parks and open spaces to create fun, memorable experiences that enhance the quality of life, as well as healthy minds and bodies, for all people.

Vision

Our parks are better today than they were yesterday. We envision increased recreational programming and investment in staff and facilities.

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