Parks & Recreation

Beginning October 1, 2021, the Parks & Recreation Department’s credit card payment processing company will begin charging a nonrefundable service fee of 2.5%, with a minimum charge of $1.95, for the use of a debit or credit card in person, online, or by phone (the City will not retain any portion of this fee).  To avoid this service fee you are welcome to pay by cash or check. 


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Parks and Recreation Survey

City of Fernandina Beach residents:  Due to several shortcomings, contradictions, and failures of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan that was created in 2015, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee and Parks & Recreation Department staff are committed to a renewed effort to re-envision parks and recreation in the City with an "Assessment and Action Plan."  They invite you to take part in this process by participating in a survey to give your input, with the ultimate goal of creating a Parks & Recreation Department that meets the needs of you, the residents, through programs, amenities, and facilities.  Please click on the above heading titled "Parks and Recreation Survey" to participate in the survey.  Thank you.

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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:

  • City parks and playgrounds
  • Sports and fitness facilities
  • Recreation centers/swimming pools
  • Egans Creek Greenway
  • Amelia Island Lighthouse
  • Bosque Bello Cemetery
  • Landscaping of Historic Downtown
  • Lightning/Pool Status - ThorGuard

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:

  • Senior trips
  • Homeschool swim clinics (spring and fall)
  • Summer group swimming lessons
  • Summer Aqua Adventure Camp 
  • Summer Junior Lifeguard Exploration and Ocean Beach Junior Lifeguard 
  • 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.


Guided Nature Tours by Amelia Naturally

Explore the Egans Creek Greenway or the beach at North Beach Park with tour leader Christina Nelson from Amelia Naturally (www.amelia-naturally.com).  These 90-minute tours will highlight the native wildlife and plants that make our island a natural paradise.

Tour fees:

  • Adults:  $20
  • Children ages 6 - 12:  $10
  • Children under age 5 free when accompanied by adults
  • Register for tours at the Atlantic Recreation Center or call 904-310-3350 ext. 1

Download an information flyer with tours' descriptions and dates here:  Eco Tours - Amelia Naturally



Private Swim Lessons

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

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



Parks and Recreation 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.  Email Scott Mikelson for information.

Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Text only version


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


Indoor Fitness Offerings

The Parks & Recreation Department offers two facilities with a variety of fitness equipment for all fitness levels.

Peck Gym - Weight Room and Cardio Area
510 South 10th Street

Weight Room

Peck Gym Cardio Area

If you prefer a more private setting but an intense training environment, with back-to-the-basics equipment, then the Weight Room at Peck Gym is right up your alley.  Steel weights, urethane dumbbells, and traditional strength training equipment (flat and incline bench presses, power cage, leg press/hack squat, smith machine, cable crossover machine, high and low lat row machines, and more) will help you attain personal strength and fitness goals.  For the heart-and-core conscious enthusiasts, our Cardio Area consists of commercial cardio machines (elliptical, treadmills, arc trainer, and upright and recumbent bikes) and classic Nautilus core machines (abs and lower back).

Atlantic Fitness Room
2500 Atlantic Avenue

Atlantic Fitness-homepage

This fitness facility at the Atlantic Recreation Center possesses all of the equipment you need for a complete workout session - cardio equipment; selectorized machines; resistance bands; free weights; plate loaded weight equipment; and more.  The variety of weight machines at Atlantic Fitness Room emphasizes focus on the total body, with controlled movements that promote a safer exercise experience for users of all levels of fitness.  Step, bike, walk/run, row, or stride your way to a healthy heart on the numerous pieces of top-brand commercial cardio equipment.

The price is right for our fitness offerings, whether paying daily or monthly fees, and there are NO initiation fees and NO contracts.  Plus, monthly fitness passes are valid at both the Peck Gym Weight Room/Cardio Area and Atlantic Fitness Room!  Personal training with a certified trainer is available.  If you’re ready to get in shape, the Parks & Recreation Department's fitness facilities will meet all of your fitness needs.

View fitness facilities' days/hours and fees here: Link