Portrait unveiled of community advocate
The image was installed to serve as a reminder of the legacy of Ruth Reed.
Ruth Reed laughs as her portrait is unveiled inside the community center named for her and former City Councilwoman Mary Sue Rich. [Photo courtesy city of Ocala]
Mention the names Ruth Reed and Mary Sue Rich and two things immediately spring to mind: Wholehearted dedication to their community and neighbors, and the increasing popularity and utilization of the community center named in honor of both women.
On May 9, the city of Ocala unveiled a new portrait of Reed inside the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place.
“As one of the namesakes for the community center, the city has been preparing to hang a portrait in honor of Mrs. Reed’s dedication to her community. The unveiling of her portrait during a Mother’s Day event was intended as a surprise for Mrs. Reed and those in attendance. The portrait will serve as a reminder of her legacy and the contributions made to the Ocala community,” noted Ashley Dobbs, a marketing and communications manager in the city’s Office of Strategic Engagement.
The center was dedicated on Jan. 10, 2023. The naming of the community center and the property on which it sits were designated in honor of Rich, a longtime Ocala City Councilwoman, and Reed, a retired teacher and community activist who led a years-long campaign against pollution from the Royal Oak Charcoal plant and campaigned for citizens of the area to have the right to breathe fresh air.
The 41,750-square-foot, two-story building, at 1812 NW 21st Ave., includes indoor space for senior, youth and family programs; banquet/event space; fitness equipment and an indoor walking track; two full basketball courts; multi-purpose studio rooms; and the Sankofa Public Library. Reed Place spans 24.5 acres in the West Ocala Community Redevelopment Area. The community center is sited on approximately 10 of those acres.
To learn more, visit ocalafl.org
Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano, City Councilman Ire Bethea, Mary Sue Rich, Ruth Reed and City Manager Pete Lee are shown during the portrait unveiling. [Photo courtesy city of Ocala]
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