Parks & Recreation

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The Parks & Recreation Department is committed to enriching the quality of life through exceptional programs, parks, and other facilities, while preserving the community’s natural environment for the enjoyment of our citizens.  The Parks & Recreation Department is responsible for:

The Department also offers or co-sponsors various adult and youth sports and activities; aquatics programs and scuba instruction; youth afterschool programs and summer camps; senior programs; instructed programs; and special events.

Financial assistance is available for City-sponsored programs to any City resident that meets the financial criteria. Anyone interested should call the Atlantic Center Administrative Office at 904-310-3350 for more information.

To download a Financial Assistance Application, please click on the following link: Financial Assistance Application

Please allow three (3) business days for notification of approval or denial of financial assistance. Notification may be made by phone call, email, or mailed letter.


Thor Guard Lightning Prediction System at City Parks and Recreation Centers

For the outdoor safety of our citizens and guests, the City of Fernandina Beach has Thor Guard Lighting Prediction Systems installed at several locations throughout the city:

  • Atlantic Recreation Center on Atlantic Avenue
  • MLK, Jr. Recreation Center on Elm Street
  • Main Beach Park
  • Buccaneer Field on Beech Street
  • Fire Station #2 (across Fletcher Avenue from Seaside Park)

When lightning is detected in the area of either of the above locations, a loud horn blast will sound from the system(s), as well as a strobe will flash.  For an explanation of the procedure for the lighting prediction systems, please open the following link:

Thor Guard Lightning Prediction System procedure


Register for our programs online!

You now have the capability to register for our programs online through the Parks & Recreation Department's RecPro website: www.cofbparksandrec.us.  First-time users must create accounts.

Currently, users may register for the following programs on the RecPro website:

  • Amelia Pre-school, Camp Amelia Afterschool, and Summer Camp Amelia at the Atlantic Recreation Center
  • Senior trips
  • Homeschool swim clinics (spring and fall)
  • Summer group swimming lessons
  • Summer Aqua Adventure Camp
  • Summer Junior Lifeguard Exploration
  • 1-month, 4-months, and 12-months passes for Fitness, Pool, and Water Aerobics
  • Adult sports leagues

Also, rental fees for pavilions in City parks may be paid online, and requests for facility rentals may be made.


Atlantic Center Pool closed through August 25th

The Atlantic Center Pool will be closed through August 25th due to the pool deck re-surfacing project.  All aquatics programs (lap swim, public swim, water aerobics) will be moved to the MLK, Jr. Pool during this time.  

The schedule for the MLK, Jr. Pool through August 25th is:

Main Pool / Kiddie Pool

  • 6:00am-9:00am Monday - Friday:  Lap swim
  • 9:00am-12:00pm Monday - Friday:  Water aerobics
  • 12:00-3:00pm Monday - Friday:  Lap swim
  • 3:00-4:00pm Monday and Wednesday:  Public swim
  • 3:00-5:00pm Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday:  Public swim
  • 4:00-5:00pm Monday and Wednesday:  Water aerobics
  • 10:00am-5:00pm Monday - Friday:  Kiddie Pool open
  • 12:00-6:00pm Saturday and Sunday:  Public swim in Main Pool and Kiddie Pool


Fall Community Yard Sale in October

October 5th
Atlantic Recreation Center parking lot
Set-up:  6:00 - 8:00am
Sale:  8:00am - 1:00pm

12' x 12' outdoor spaces available:  $15 each
Tables and chairs not provided.

Visit the Atlantic Center to reserve your space(s) and select your location(s).


Women's Self-Defense Classes

Women's Self-Defense classes are offered at the Peck Center, in the Instructors' Studio, on Thursday evenings with instructor Jeff Weisfeld.  Click on the "Martial Arts / Self-Defense" link in the left-hand column for more information.

Winter 35-and-over Men's Basketball League

If you are interested in a 35-and-over men's basketball league this winter at Peck Gym (games on Thursdays beginning in November; 8 games per team regular season and tournament), please contact John Coverdell:  904-310-3351; jcoverdell@fbfl.org


Parks Master Plan

October 20, 2015: The City Commission adopted the Parks and Recreation Master Plan.  This plan is directed by the City's Comprehensive Plan in the Recreation and Open Space Element.


City Resident Verification Cards

In order to receive City resident rates for pool (Atlantic and MLK, Jr. Pools) or fitness (Atlantic Fitness Room and Peck Gym) use, patrons must show City Resident Verification Cards.  City Resident Cards must be obtained at the Atlantic Recreation Center.  To obtain a card, a patron must show proof of address (driver's license, City water bill).  City resident status will be confirmed via the Nassau County Property Appraiser's website.  Patron will then have his/her picture taken.  First card is free, replacement cards are $5 each.

NOTE:  Active and retired U.S military receive City resident rates on all applicable department programs with valid military identification

Atlantic Fitness Room

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This workout facility at the Atlantic Recreation Center possesses all of the equipment you need for a total body workout - cardio equipment; selectorized machines; resistance bands; free weights; and more.  The price is right, whether paying daily or monthly fees, and there are NO initiation fees and NO contracts.  Personal training with a certified trainer is available.  If you're ready to get in shape, this facility will meet all of your fitness needs.


Fitness Facility Fees: Link