Ocala/Marion County, located in north central Florida, covers 1,600 square miles and boasts a population of 331,000. Known as the “Horse Capital of the World,” the County’s rich equine and agriculture heritage is renown.
Centrally located between Orlando, Daytona Beach and Gainesville, visitors to Marion County can experience many fun things to do. One of the highlights is a visit to Silver Springs, Nature’s Theme Park. Considered Florida’s original tourist attraction, the park features its world famous Glass Bottom Boat rides and also jeep rides, alligator feedings and more. Adjoining Silver Springs is Wild Waters Water Park with its giant wave pool and thrilling rides such as the 220 foot long Silver Bullet. For even more summer fun, visitors will enjoy tubing on the Rainbow River in Dunnellon, biking on the Santos bike trail, playing a round of golf at the newly renovated municipal golf course, Ocala Golf Club, an 18 hole course featuring Emerald Dwarf Bermuda Greens that rival those of Bay Hill and?PGA International, canoeing or kayaking on one of Marion County’s rivers, taking an airboat ride on the Withlacoochee River or a leisurely pontoon boat ride on one of Marion County’s river cruises. Swimming in the Rainbow River or in one of Marion County’s lakes such as at Carney Island Recreation Area on Lake Weir is a great way to cool off on hot summer days. Finally, because Marion County is the Horse Capital of the World and the home to 50 different breeds of horses, visitors may want to tour one of the area’s horse farms, go horseback riding, or take a horse drawn carriage ride. Of course, in addition to all the unique things that there are to see and do, there is great shopping to suit everyone’s shopping style and a wide variety of restaurants from which to choose. For more information about Marion County - accommodations and things to see and do, visit the Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau's website, www.ocalamarion.com, or call (352) 291-9169.
The 80 acre Rotary Sportsplex is owned by the Department of Environmental Protection - Office of Greenways & Trails (OGT). In 1997, OGT entered into a 50 year lease agreement with Marion County to offer active recreation facilities. Subsequently, the County partnered with the Rotary Sportsplex Board to build the infrastructure to accommodate the various leagues utilizing the facilities. To date, more than $3 million in capital improvements have been made utilizing in-kind services provided by the Marion County Road Builders Association, among others and cash contributions by the Marion County Board of County Commissioners, City of Ocala and other donors.
The Rotary Sportsplex hosted the 2009 Southeast Regional tournament for 7-8 year olds. This tournament brought hundreds of players and their families to Marion County from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Because of the success of that tournament, the Sportsplex was asked to host the 2010 Cal Ripken Baseball 10-Year-Old World Series.