The Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs maintains a variety of activities that enhance the quality of life in the Gainesville community. The City prides itself on its extensive park system, featuring over 2,600 acres of park land with over 40 active parks, playgrounds, recreation centers, swimming pools, sports facilities, a golf course and more. There is something for all ages and ability in your City Parks. Visit the Recreation Division for more information.
The City of Gainesville's Ironwood Golf Course will be undergoing renovations during the summer of 2010. The completion of the project is scheduled for October and the course will feature new tees, greens, fairway drainage, a new driving range, and a state-of-the-art irrigation system which will help conserve water. Ironwood will offer four sets of tees for all levels of golfers from novice to expert. Golf Course Architect Mike Beebe and MacCurrach Golf Construction, Inc. have been contracted by the City to complete the renovations to the course, originally built in 1963. Golf Course Manager and PGA Professional Bill Iwinski said: "Our golfers have always told us we have a great layout, but no major capital improvements have been made to the course since it was built over 40 years ago. We will now have the ability to offer the citizens of Gainesville an excellent facility in top condition." Mike Beebe's philosophy on redesigning the greens focuses on making the game more fun for all levels of players, with emphasis on women, juniors and seniors. "This design will help grow the game; it will be more fun for all and challenging for even the pros who want to play the back tees".
The City of Gainesville greatly prides itself on its cultural and historical roots. The Thomas Center for the Arts is considered Gainesville’s cultural center. The center is housed in a beautifully restored Mediterranean Revival-style hotel and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It contains art galleries, 1920's period rooms, local history exhibits, performance space, banquet rooms, and meeting rooms. And we host magnificent and exciting special events! Visit our Cultural Affairs Division for more information.
The Nature Operations Division develops and conducts environmental education programs for the Alachua County school system, community education classes, nature preschool programs, and weekend and summer programs. Its staff is responsible for the development and operation of the City's Greenways and Greenspace Design including the Hogtown Creek Greenway, nature preserves development, and habitat management.
Our Mission is to meet the community's need for diverse recreational, cultural, and environmental educational opportunities through professionally managed programs and services, stewardship of natural resources, and maintenance of public landscape. Let us know how we’re doing.