OCALA, FL (352today.com) – As spring approaches, parks across North Central Florida will be filled with people enjoying the outdoor amenities in our communities.

Ocala’s Tuscawilla Park offers a paved trail around a tranquil lake for walking, jogging, or biking. Grills and tables make it a great place for a picnic. Bonus for parents, there’s a playground.

There’s also a section known as the Art Park where larger than life sculptures tower over the trails.

For those who want to level up the sculpture experience, you can take part in a scavenger hunt. The city says the scavenger hunt provides a fun, family activity that encourages guests of all ages to take a closer look at each sculpture.

This sculpture titled “Beckon” by Jeffrey Repko of Atlanta, GA, received honorable mention in the sculpture competition. Courtesy: City of Ocala
Scavenger hunt brochures for the new sculpture exhibit are now available at the following locations:
  • Discovery Center, 701 NE Sanchez Ave.
  • Marion Cultural Alliance, 23 SW Broadway St.
  • Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd.
  • Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau, 109 W Silver Springs Blvd.

You can participate in the scavenger hunt during daylight hours at Tuscawilla Park. The park is located at 800 NE Sanchez Ave. Exchange a completed brochure for free family admission to the Appleton Museum (up to two adults and three children.)

|RELATED: Tuscawilla Park hosts new cast iron and steel sculpture, now part of Ocala’s permanent collection

The city recently announced the winners of the 2024-25 Ocala Outdoor Sculpture Competition.

  • Best of Show:
    • “Impractical Hardware” by Harry McDaniel (Asheville, NC)
  • Second Place:
    • “Dalband Satellite Flower” by Richard Herzog (Athens, GA)
  • Honorable Mention:
    • “Beckon” by Jeffrey Repko (Atlanta, GA)
  • People’s Choice Award:
    • “Fernando” by Lee Bell (Sarasota, FL)