Parks & Recreation

Weather Opens in new window

Click for Weather

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.


Clean-Up Day at Bosque Bello Cemetery - Volunteers Needed!

March 23rd from 9:00am-12:00pm

Friends of Bosque Bello, in cooperation with the City of Fernandina Beach, is holding a clean-up day at the Cemetery.  Twenty (20) volunteers are needed who have completed the Cemetery Resource Protection Training provided by FPAN.

If interested, please:

For more information, email friendsofbosquebello@gmail.com 


Spring Community Yard Sale - March 30th

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

Outdoor spaces (12' x 12') available for sellers for $15 each.  Sellers must provide their own tables and chairs.

Visit the Atlantic Recreation Center to reserve your sales space.


Pool Lifeguard Certification Course in April

April 11th - 14th (Thursday - Sunday) at the Atlantic Recreation Center.  

Swimming pre-tests (successful completion of a pre-test required in order to enroll for the course) offered on March 20th or March 27th at 5:00pm at the Atlantic Pool.

$150 City residents, $199 Non-City.  Register at the Atlantic Recreation Center.

Open the following link for an informational flyer:  April Lifeguard Certification Course


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.

MLK, Jr. Recreation Center Survey/Questionnaire

We are interested in the community's input about new programs and events they would like to see offered at the MLK, Jr. Recreation Center on Elm Street.  Please download and complete the following Survey/Questionnaire:  MLK, Jr. Center Survey/Questionnaire

Completed surveys may be:

  • Returned to the MLK, Jr. Recreation Center, 1200 Elm Street;
  • Picked up by John Coverdell, Supervisor of the MLK, Jr. Recreation Center.  Please call 904-310-3351 or 904-556-6950; or
  • Scanned and emailed to 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

8Y8A1188

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