With construction of the new Wetland Groundwater Recharge Park currently underway in Ocala, staff and members of the community are pursuing funding for an educational center to benefit students and local organizations.
Crews are busy at work establishing the infrastructure of the new park, including boardwalks and elevated paths that will allow visitors to tour the park once it is completed.
“They have a pad ready for what could either be an education center in the second phase, or if the education center doesn’t get funded, could be a pavilion for barbecue with picnic tables,” said David Boston, AICP, during a meeting of the Ocala Vision 2035 Leadership Group on Thursday. Boston, who is a Senior Planner and GIS Analyst for the City of Ocala Growth Management Department, indicated that staff was in the process of obtaining funding for the project.
“We’re in the process of applying for funding. We think the education center would be a great amenity in this park. It would be a place for kids to learn about the value of the aquifer,” added Boston.
The overall project, which is projected to cost the city $6.5 million, has been partially funded by grants.
“More than $3 million of this project has been paid for by grants, received by the St John’s Water Management District,” said City Manager John Zobler earlier this month during a meeting with members of the Ocala Chamber & Economic Partnership.
Zobler indicated that the park will recharge up to 5 million gallons per day back into the aquifer.
“With this new park, the city is effectively reducing its net consumptive use of water to zero,” added Zobler.
Plans for educational center suggest that information about the benefits of the recharge park, plant communities, and wildlife habitat will be available to visitors. The building would be designed to include a large open multipurpose room for educational kiosks and displays, and a classroom designed to facilitate community organization meetings or school seminars.
The center would also house displays showing how the wetland functions and the daily flows the wetland park receives and recharges. The building’s covered porch would feature outdoor seating and a paved patio for community event functions.
With rapid progress being made, staff may possibly host a flooding party in the near future to commemorate the opening of the park.
Are you excited for the completion of the new Wetland Groundwater Recharge Park? Share your thoughts in a comment below!