Marion County Parks and Recreation officials are updating hours of operation for KP Hole Park, a popular family destination in Dunnellon along the spring-fed Rainbow River.
The park will continue to open at 8 a.m. every day for all visitors, and the boat ramp is available 24/7. Paddle craft and divers can now access the park at 7 a.m. on weekends and holidays. And tubing is still available starting at 8 a.m.
For those seeking a leisurely adventure, tube rentals with return shuttle service from Blue Run of Dunnellon Park are available. The average float takes approximately four hours. Amenities at the park include a beach, canoe rental, boat ramps, concessions, hand launch, a picnic pavilion, restrooms, swimming, tubing and the opportunity to see wildlife. In fact, while on the 72-degree crystal-clear river, visitors may encounter a variety of wildlife, including alligators, turtles and otters.
KP Hole was established in the early 1920s as a retreat for boys. Women were granted access to the facility in the late 1930s.
Marion County purchased the park in 1953 from a private developer. It was designated as a public recreation area and formally dedicated to Knights of Pythias member Andrew L. Neville, the original chair of the boys’ outings.
Access was free until the mid-1970s, when Marion County added a caretaker’s residence and boat ramp. Until 1993, the facility was operated by a contractor who offered tubing, canoeing and river boat tours.
Marion County assumed operation in 1993. From 1994 until 1996, the park underwent a facelift to protect the waterway. The boat ramp was replaced in 1998.
For more information, contact Marion County Parks and Recreation at 352-489-3055.