Ocala aquatic centers reopen for summer fun

File photo: Nicole Braun, a City of Ocala lifeguard, watches swimmers in the pool at the Jervey Gantt Aquatic Fun Center.

Summer fun awaits the Ocala community as the city of Ocala Aquatic Fun Centers reopen for the season this month.

The city of Ocala announced that the Jervey Gantt Aquatic Fun Center will open on Saturday, May 18 for two sessions only. But then starting May 25th, the center will be open seven days a week.

The Hampton Aquatic Fun Center will also open on Saturday, May 25th, for seven days a week. Both facilities will offer two sessions a week with a morning session from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and an afternoon session from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission for a single session is $2 for children up to the age of 17 and $3.50 for adults. Holiday hours will be available on Memorial Day, Monday May 27th, and Independence Day, Thursday, July 4th.

Upgrades to centers include new slides with double flumes and a sunshade at the top of the slide entry. Each center has spray features, a waterfall, and waterslides. The pools are ADA compliant with zero-inch depth entry for easy access and a maximum depth of five and a half feet. Outside coolers, drinks, and food are not permitted at either Aquatic Fun Center but concession stands are available with drinks and snacks.

For more information, visit www.ocalafl.gov/aquatics or call the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department at 352-368-5517.