Parks and Open Space

Parks and Open Space News and Events Hi Alachua County Residents, Thank you for using our facilities and picturesque parks and open spaces. We want to advise that effective February 1, 2025, Anderson Outdoor will be managing all rentals for Poe Spring Park, the Lodges, and the pavilions. Please reach out to them at www.aoafun.com/clubhouse. Cuscowilla Renovations Renovations for the Nature Center are completed. The center features a screened in classroom and ADA restrooms. Additional site improvements include a Black Swamp boardwalk, nature trails, resurfaced parking area, waterfront dock, climbing tower, and butterfly garden. Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the public to enjoy our walking trails, picnic areas, disc golf, sport courts, and open space. Cuscowilla Pool is open for the season, every Saturday and Sundays from 10-5pm reach out to the office for further details. # 352-538-0076 Cuscowilla Rentals. Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center is available for rentals including overnight cabin stays, primitive camping, archery, pavilion, lodge, grounds, and indoor meeting space. For more information on availability, or for a quote, please email [email protected] or call us at 352-574-2372. Cuscowilla Summer Camp Registration will open March 1, 2026. Upcoming Projects Currently Cuscowilla - Installation of solar site lighting for the main parking lot serving the lodge and parks office. Kate Barnes Ramp - Replacement of the existing boarding dock and accessibility improvement. Poe Spring - Improvements to boat launch that include replacement of boarding dock, an accessible parking, an accessible kayak launch, paved accessible parking and accessible sidewalk. Copeland & Monteocha Parks - New playgrounds additional parking, pavilions, better accessibility, landscaping, site lighting, and additional amenities as appropriate. Rotary Park Jonesville - Construction of new soccer stadium, additional parking, better accessibility and new pickleball courts. Pineville/St. Peter Park - Development of new pocket park on 2.2 acres just north of Archer. Jill McGuire Santa Fe Lake Park - Replacement of existing boarding dock, new lakeside pavilions, picnic tables and grills, new multipurpose sports court that includes pickleball, and better accessibility. Squirrel Ridge - Construction of new restrooms and accessibility improvement. Recently Completed Projects With assistance from Growth Management & ITS we created an online GIS map containing ALL of the public access parks & conservation lands (municipal, county, state & non-profit) in Alachua County and their respective amenities. This as well as the Parks Master Plan can be found on the Parks & Open Space portion of the County website (www.alachuacounty.us/parks). Jill McGuire Santa Fe Lake Park - New (Playground Adjacent) restrooms with accessible route from parking & amenities and demolished old (lakeside) restrooms and associated septic. Veterans Park - New inclusive playground, gold star families memorial, a second asphalt entry drive & parking lot, accessible side walks, additional site lighting, landscaping, and associate stormwater and utility infrastructure. Westend Community Park - Fast track demolition, clean up and improvements in preparation for the 2027 World Masters Athletics event. Include 2K Cross Country Course, international certified area for Javelin, Discus, hammer throw, additional parking, and associated utility infrastructure. Lake Alto Park - Renovations of the existing parking lot, including greater accessibility as well as excavation of asphalt and limestone to make way for tree islands and subsequent seal coating & restriping. Poe Springs - Springside restroom replacement and accessibility improvements.