COMMUNITY NEWS

Representatives from AdventHealth Ocala join Marion County Commissioners and Parks & Recreation team members while presenting a $1 million donation for the Rotary Sportsplex synthetic turf project.

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Posted November 3, 2025 | By Susan Smiley-Height, [email protected]

$1 million investment

Marion County Parks & Recreation recently announced that AdventHealth Ocala has committed a $1 million investment toward the Rotary Sportsplex synthetic turf project.

The project, which broke ground in February, will make the sportsplex the first public park in the county to feature synthetic turf with the conversion of two primary soccer fields. The facelift also includes a new paved parking lot, a pavilion, stadium bleachers with shade structures and LED field lighting, plus other amenities.

“At AdventHealth, caring for the whole person extends into the communities we serve,” said Erika Skula, AdventHealth Ocala President and CEO, in the news release. “This partnership gives children a place to grow through sports and families a space to connect. We thank the county commission for supporting children’s health and wellness both on and off the field.”

“Partnerships like this supercharge our ability to deliver positive impacts in our community,” said Parks & Recreation Director Jim Couillard in the release.

 

$300,000 commitment

The Reilly Arts Center and the Ocala Symphony Orchestra have announced a $300,000 commitment from Stan and Martha Hanson to establish the Adam Hanson Bringing Music to the Community Fund.

The fund will support organizational goals such as:

• Supporting initiatives such as Symphony for Schools and community ensemble performances that bring live orchestral music to audiences across Marion County.
• Providing complimentary tickets for veterans, underserved and underrepresented groups and youth, as well as supporting the Open Rehearsal program that offers a behind-the-scenes look at the orchestra in action.
• Providing scholarships for OSO’s Community Music Conservatory students with financial need and expanding opportunities for young people to engage with music in meaningful and lasting ways.

“Stan and Martha have been friends of the Ocala Symphony and the Reilly since we first walked through the old city auditorium together more than 11 years ago. I am so happy that their support through establishing this important fund will advance and create music education and entertainment opportunities throughout our community” said Music Director and Conductor Matthew Wardell in the news release.

“Martha and I are very pleased to be provided the opportunity to utilize the Adam Hanson Better Communities Fund to support the expansion of music entertainment and education in our county,” said Stan Hanson in the release. “Adam’s music fund will provide access to many individuals and groups that have not had the opportunity to take advantage of the excellent musical presentations available at the Reilly Arts Center.”

 

ELC event recap

The Early Learning Coalition of Marion County hosted a Books, Balls and Blocks free developmental screening event on Oct. 25. More than 20 children enjoyed playing while parents completed an Ages and Stages Questionnaire, which provides a quick evaluation of how well children are meeting important developmental milestones so early interventions can be coordinated if needed.

Play stations included building blocks, sensory materials, puzzles and sorting activities, dramatic play, coloring and an infant area. Through developmentally appropriate play, children demonstrated their communication, problem-solving, social-emotional and motor skills. Help Me Grow care coordinators will follow-up with families who completed screenings, letting them know which milestones children are meeting and if their children may need additional support.

Representatives from the Florida Department of Health – Marion County Safe Kids and Women, Infants and Children; Marion County Public Schools Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters; Kids Central Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting; and Family Network on Disabilities provided community resources.

The coalition encourages families to regularly monitor their children’s developmental milestones, beginning at 2 months old. Free screening tools are available at elc-marion.org/help-me-grow.

 

 

IMPACT outreach

As Thanksgiving draws near, the Rotary Club of IMPACT Ocala is hosting Gobbler For Good to benefit foster children and needy families.

Each order includes a fully cooked 12-14-pound turkey for $60, with proceeds providing clothing, toys and meals. Orders may be placed until Nov. 17; pickup will take place Nov. 25.

To order or donate, visit https://tinyurl.com/y27yc8ey