Our vision is to be seen as the keepers and hosts of the places where nature, recreation and culture meet, offering memorable experiences for all. Our mission is to provide and maintain the natural, recreational and cultural facilities and programs that make Gainesville a great place to live, work and visit; and that help sustain the city economically, socially and environmentally. Our goal is to make each experience in our parks and facilities as enjoyable as possible so that visitors will come back again and again.

The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department manages more than 3,200 acres of parkland with numerous cultural, recreational, and natural areas and facilities. In October 2013, the department was first accredited by the Commission for the Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies, and was re-accredited in 2018. We are one of only 173 agencies to hold that distinction.

There is no fee to visit most of the city's recreation and nature parks from dawn to dusk each day. Some of the parks are gated and have different hours of operations. Please visit the find a park or facility webpage for complete details. 

Department History

PRCA Administrative Office
Thomas Center, Building B, 3rd Floor, 306 NE Sixth Ave., 32601, Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.–5 p.m.  Phone: 352-334-5067