OCALA, FL (352today.com) – In a matter of minutes from Ocala’s downtown square, you can be transported to a nature lover’s paradise – enjoy a walk, observe all kinds of wildlife and learn about the importance of the ecosystem all at the same time.
Where will you find this? At the Ocala Wetland Recharge Park (OWRP) located at 2105 NW 21st St.
On Friday, the city celebrated the addition of a new open-air pavilion by hosting a grand opening and ribbon cutting.
The project broke ground in August 2023 and was completed in January 2024.
The city says the open-air pavilion will provide an event and education space at the park. It includes restrooms and drinking water fountains for guests.
The park is home to educational exhibits and kiosks, boardwalks, two and a half miles of paved walking trail, and wildlife overlooks. It sits on a 60-acre site, located near Lillian Bryant Park and just around the corner from the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place.
The park has learning stations along the route to explain the native flora and fauna. A tunnel serves as both an entry portal to the area and an educational experience with informative exhibits.
What does “recharge” mean?
While the park gives residents an inviting place to connect with nature, it has a two-fold purpose of replenishing water in the area’s aquifer.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, aquifer recharge and aquifer storage and recovery are manmade or natural processes enhanced by humans that convey water underground.
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By developing and operating this park, the city has created a wetland ecosystem they say provides a more efficient use of water resources, is improving water quality, and boosting regional groundwater supplies by utilizing treated wastewater.
Birding Destination
At the dedication for the pavilion, park managers touted recently being added to the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. OWRP was one of 14 sites to receive this distinction by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.