Ocala wins award for Recharge Park

An egret is show in one of the ponds at the Ocala Wetland Recharge Park. [Dave Miller/Ocala Gazette]

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Posted June 14, 2021 | Ocala Gazette Staff

The City of Ocala Water Resources Department was recently selected to receive a National Innovation in Conservation Award from the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) for the Ocala Wetland Recharge Park.

The Ocala Wetland Recharge Park features educational kiosks, two and a half miles of walking trails and scenic boardwalks. This environmental landmark receives approximately three million gallons of treated wastewater and stormwater daily. The engineered ecological system of the park reduces nutrients and other pollutants in the water it receives. The newly polished water recharges or gives water directly back to the aquifer. Another benefit of the park is its outdoor passive recreation, indigenous flora and fauna, and educational components.

“We are honored to accept this award on behalf of the city, and the over 35,000 guests who have had the opportunity to visit our park since its opening less than a year ago,” said Sean Lanier, City of Ocala Engineer and Director of Water Resources.

Each year, NRPA National Awards are presented to individuals and agencies across the U.S. to honor their efforts — both professional and personal — in the field of parks and recreation.

For information about NRPA National Awards programs, visit https://www.nrpa.org/our-work/awards/.