OCALA, FL (352today.com) – A dozen or so outdoor enthusiasts braved 90-plus degree heat on a Tuesday evening in early August to embark on a leisurely nature stroll.

The curious group showed up at Ocala’s Wetland Recharge Park just before 6 p.m. with water bottles, sunglasses, and comfy shoes to take part in a guided walk that promised to allow participants to “Wind Down at the Wetland.”

The city of Ocala hosts free, guided walking tours of the wetland on the second Tuesday of each month.
Courtesy: Denise Vickers/352today

Leading the bunch… Gabriela “Gabi” Sullivan, the city of Ocala’s Water Resource Conservation Coordinator. “It’s a great opportunity to just be one with nature. To slow down. To walk. To enjoy it. To feel safe in a space with other people in our community,” said Sullivan.

The park is nestled on 60 acres on the northwest side of Ocala at 2105 NW 21st Street. It’s situated on what used to be the Pine Oaks Golf Club and just down the road from the city’s new Mary Sue Rich Community Center.

The natural setting is a great place to relax after work or bring the family on the weekend says Gabriela Sullivan, Ocala’s Water Resources Conservation Coordinator.
Courtesy: Denise Vickers/352today

It opened in 2020 during COVID. So, it’s still largely undiscovered. That’s why the city is hosting free events like the ‘Wind Down’ – to expose more people to the park and what it has to offer. On this night, more than half the participants indicated they were first-time visitors.

Two and a half miles of paved walking trails meander through the park. Along the way, colorful educational exhibits describing the ecosystem and its inhabitants dot the path.

There are more than two and a half miles of paved trails at Ocala’s Wetland Recharge Park. Courtesy: Denise Vickers/352today
Colorful kiosks and exhibits educate visitors about the wetland’s inhabitants. Courtesy: Denise Vickers/352today

Though the park is still very new, at the end of August, the city started construction on enhancements including an open-air pavilion and covers for three wildlife overlooks. Those projects should be complete by December.

Sullivan says Recharge Park is one of the best birding locations in Marion County with more than 175 species. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) validated that claim just today (Tuesday) by adding Recharge Park as one of 14 new sites to its list of Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trails.

The wetland is also home to the southern fox squirrel which staff have dubbed the park’s unofficial mascot. Sullivan says one American alligator resides here, along with several varieties of turtles. Sullivan says you’ll see dragonflies, damselflies, and a myriad of other insects.

You might even see a snake. But Sullivan says there’s nothing to fear. “None of the wildlife is going to come up to you as long as you stay away from it. Stay on our walking trails… you’ll have a really pleasant experience,” said Sullivan.

The park is home to an alligator and snakes have been seen. But fear not. “None of the wildlife is going to come up to you as long as you stay away from it. Stay on our walking trails… you’ll have a really pleasant experience,” said Gabriela Sullivan, Water Resources Conservation Coordinator. Courtesy: Denise Vickers/352today
A native green tree frog clings to a reed in the wetland. Just as the tour guide pointed him out, it snagged a dragonfly – giving those on the tour a show. Courtesy: Denise Vickers/352today

One of Sullivan’s favorite things to spot is the native green tree frog. “Sometimes when I come out in the morning, you’ll see three or four all up in the reeds… with their webbed feet you’ll see them just claw on to the side of the plant,” explained Sullivan. And, right on cue… Sullivan spots one. She directs the group where to look. “He’s vertical right there.” Moments later, the tiny, almost neon-colored creature snags a dragonfly and begins to consume it. “That’s the circle of life,” remarked one of the tour participants. “That’s the action shot of the year right there,” added Sullivan.

Throughout the tour, Sullivan explains how the park recharges the aquifer and shares information on how we can all be better environmental stewards.

Tours last about an hour and cover roughly one mile. Sullivan says she adapts the length and pace as needed. “We try to make it flexible and comfortable for everyone who attends,” said Sullivan. “I like to end in the middle of the park so that people can take their own path back. So, if you want to explore more, you’re open to and if you want to head back, you’re able to as well.”

Tours take place on the second Tuesday of each month. Tonight’s tour starts at 6 p.m. Starting in October, the ones for the remainder of the year begin at 5 p.m., an adjustment for the waning daylight.

Aside from the monthly guided walks, you can enjoy the park daily from sunrise to sunset. Bikes and scooters are not allowed, but Sullivan says Americans with Disabilities Act forms of transportation are permitted.

“It’s just a gorgeous place to interact with wildlife, to come here with family and friends, to walk, to bird, to picnic. You can do just about anything,” said Sullivan.