The City of Gainesville owns and maintains a variety of community facilities that serve to enhance the quality of life in the Gainesville community. Many of the facilities are utilized for neighorhood meetings, recreational opportunities, nature conservation, and other positive activities.
Go here rentals at the Historic Thomas Center or contact Erica Chatman at 352-393-8539 for additional information.
Go here at Ironwood Golf Course or contact Jeff Cardozo at 352-334-2202.
Center Rental Hours
If you are interested in renting one of our centers, you may visit the Historic Thomas Center, Bldg. B, 3rd Floor, at 306 NE 6th Avenue, to fill out a rental application.
Office hours are Monday through Thursday from 8 am–2 pm.
Read more about each facility from the list below, if additional information is needed please contact our Administrative Office at 352-334-5067.
** Times are subject to change by the City of Gainesville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department for programs, holidays, and other department needs at any time. All City Facilities are closed on City designated holidays. The Centers will try to give as much notice as possible of changes but does not guarantee notice of changes to operational hours.
Printable Version of Rates & Rental Information
If you are interested in renting the Historic Thomas Center and Gardens, Bldg. A. located at 302 NE 6th Avenue, you may visit their website or contact Erica Chatman at 352-393-8539 for additional information.
Park Usage
We receive numerous calls regarding park usage and reservations. If you are planning on hosting your child's birthday party or a small gathering (30 people or fewer) at a park or at a park pavillion there is no reservation necessary, it's on a "first come, first serve" basis unless you plan on renting a bounce house, offering pony rides, etc., then a Park Request is necessary.
For a large event, fundraising, use of a bounce house, pony rides, etc...a Park Request-Information Sheet is required. Please read the cover letter, and the City Ordinance No. 041020, Section 18-20, "Prohibitied activites" and submit the necessary documentation for your event along with the Park Request-Information Sheet. For events using tents larger than an 10 x 10, a tent permit will need to be submitted to the Building Inspection Department at the Thomas Center, Building B, 1st floor. Additional documentation may be required once the park request is received and reviewed.
NOTE: The park reservation process DOES NOT guarantee a pavilion or designated space for your group. Our intent is to encourage everyone to keep us informed of intended park usage for large groups and special events in order to help alleviate conflicts. The parks and pavilions are used on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Please submit the information to:
City of Gainesville - PRCA
Mailing: P.O. Box 490, Station 24, Gainesville, FL 32627
In Person: 306 NE 6th Avenue, Building B, 3rd Floor
Attn: Mary Harker
Phone: 352-393-8538
Fax: 352-334-3299
Email: harkermm@cityofgainesville.org
(please allow 2 weeks for the processing your request)
If you plan to use city streets and/or sidewalks or if you are requesting a noise permit, you must ALSO contact Gainesville Police Department to complete a Special Event Permit application at 352-393-7520.