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
  • Ybor Alvarez Sports Complex on Bailey Road
  • 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 Aqua Aerobics
  • Adult sports leagues

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


Two weeks to register at Peck Gym:

  • On-time - January 27th - 31st:  $360 team registration fee
  • Late - February 3rd - 7th:  $385 team registration fee
  • Two-game refundable forfeit fee due by February 14th:  $72

For credit card payments over the phone, please call 904-310-3358.

For more information, open the following link:  Spring Co-ed Softball League registration


Swim with Manatees in Crystal River!

Join us on an excursion to Crystal River to swim / snorkel with manatees.  Transportation and snorkeling gear / wetsuits provided.

Sunday February 9th

$65 City residents, $80 Non-City
Register at the Atlantic Recreation Center

For detailed information, open the following link:  Swim with Manatees - 2020


New Aquatics Programs in 2020

Open the following links for information (in English and Spanish) on new aquatics programs being offered in 2020:


Private Swim Lessons

Lessons available in either single 30-minute sessions or packages of 4 lessons.  Ages 6 months - adult.  Weekday morning and early afternoon hours only.  Days and times are based on instructor availability.  

For more information, please open the following link:  Private swim lessons


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 may 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 or duplicate 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