The Marion County Parks and Recreation Department’s monthly kayaking program, Kayak & Koffee, will take paddlers on a trip to Alexander Springs on Friday, March 10.
At 8 a.m., participants will meet at Brick City Adventure Park (1211 SE 22nd Road in Ocala) for coffee and a breakfast snack before shuttling to Alexander Springs Recreation Area. According to the parks and recreation department, participants also have the option to travel on their own to Alexander Springs, where they will meet the other participants at 9:15 a.m.
Alexander Springs is a first-magnitude spring that feeds Alexander Creek. During the event, paddlers will begin at the kayak launch for the Alexander Springs Recreation Area and follow an out-and-back trip about a mile past the FR52 Landing.
At the landing, participants will stop for a break before returning to the recreation area. The entire distance will be approximately four miles round-trip and is expected to take around two hours to complete. At the end of the kayak trip, participants will be able to enjoy a brief swim in Alexander Spring before shuttling back to Brick City Adventure Park.
Due to minimal shading on the paddling trail, all participants are encouraged to use sunscreen.
The event is open to anyone ages 16 and up. There is a $50 fee per participant, and the kayaks, paddles, and life jackets will be provided. This fee will be lowered to $25 for any participants who bring their own equipment.
For more information, or to sign up for this week’s event, visit the Marion County Parks and Recreation Department’s Kayak & Koffee March webpage or call 352-671-8560.