Parks & Recreation


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5/12/2021:  Update on Parks & Recreation Department Activities and Re-Openings of Facilities

Please read below for updates on re-openings of Parks & Recreation Department facilities and status of programs:

  • Aquatics programs -  Public swim will resume June 5th, with weekday and weekend hours.  Private swim lessons with certified Parks & Recreation staff will resume this summer on a limited basis, based on instructor availability (private lessons are available now at Atlantic Pool through Jax Mobile Swim School, a contracted swimming instruction service; email Whitney at info@jaxswim.com).    Atlantic Pool is open for lap swim, Aqua Aerobics, and homeschool swim clinics only (registration for clinics required).  First come, first served for lap swim and Aqua Aerobics.  Social distancing waiting area available.  Aqua Aerobics (Monday-Friday morning classes) have no separate classes for shallow and deep water.  MLK, Jr. Pool is open for AquaGym Fitness classes Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons and AquaGym Boot Camp classes on Saturday mornings.  Lap swim is also offered at the MLK, Jr. Pool on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings.  View hours and download an informational flyer with information about Aqua Aerobics and AquaGym classes in Aquatics/Scuba section, Aqua Aerobics link.  Lap swim information in Lap Swim & Public Swim Hours link.
  • MLK, Jr. Kiddie Pool will re-open June 5th.  Atlantic Kiddie Pool is open.  Monday-Sunday hours.  View hours in "Aquatics/Scuba" section.
  • Scuba certification classes are being offered but with a reduced class size (6 participants maximum), social distancing requirements, and online academics.  More information in the Aquatics/Scuba section, Scuba Diving link.
  • The Atlantic Recreation Center, the MLK, Jr. Center, the Peck Center, and the Peck Gym facilities are open and available for rentals.
  • Youth and adult sports:  Open Basketball, Youth Team Volleyball, Open Adult Volleyball, and Open Adult Indoor Soccer at Peck Gym.
  • Peck Gym basketball/volleyball court and fitness areas are open.
  • City sports fields:  Hickory Street Park; Joe Velardi Field; Eugene Richo Field; Buccaneer Field on Beech Street (Fernandina Beach Football Association, Fernandina Beach Babe Ruth League, and Amelia Island Nassau County Youth Lacrosse only); Charles Albert Field (Elm Street Little League only); MLK, Jr. practice field; Ybor Alvarez Softball Fields and soccer fields (Amelia Island Youth Soccer Club on soccer fields only).
  • Indoor fitness areas - Atlantic Fitness Room is open normal days/hours. Open "Fitness Opportunities" link, then scroll down to "Atlantic Fitness Room at the Atlantic Recreation Center" section for days/hours.  Peck Gym Cardio Area and Weight Room are open:  Monday - Friday, 11:00am-7:00pm (later hours on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays during evening court sports activities - open "Sports" link, then scroll down to "Peck Gym Activities" section for activities and times).  
  • Instructed programs:  Aerial yoga and aerial dance classes at the Atlantic Center; Kenjutsu, Ju Jitsu, and Women's Martial Arts & Self Defense at the Peck Center; youth and adult tennis clinics with Rod Gibson Tennis Services at Central Park Tennis Courts. 
  • Central Park tennis courts and pickleball courts, as well as the petanque courts, are open, but users are encouraged to maintain social distancing and employ personal protective measures.
  • Amelia Island Lighthouse tours:  1st and 3rd Wednesdays of every month.  10 people maximum per tour.  Face coverings are recommended but not requires. Social distancing will be required.
  • The Fernandina Beach Skate Park at Main Beach is open, but users are encouraged to maintain social distancing and employ personal protective measures.
  • The City’s restroom facilities at Main Beach Park and Seaside Park are open and are being cleaned and maintained daily.

Rentals of park pavilions are available through the Atlantic Recreation Center administrative office, but renters are advised to adhere to CDC guidelines for social distancing (www.cdc.gov). 

If you have questions about any of the information above, please call the Atlantic Recreation Center Administrative Office at 904-310-3350 Monday - Friday between 8:00am-6:30pm, Saturday between 8:00am-3:30pm.  Changes/updates will be posted on this page as they become available.  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.


Register for Summer Adult Co-ed Open Softball League Beginning May 17th

Registration will be held for 2 weeks at Peck Gym:

  • On-time - May 17th - 21st:  $250 team registration fee
  • Late - May 24th -28th:  $275 team registration fee
  • Two-game refundable forfeit fee due by June 4th:  $80
  • 10 teams maximum for summer league

For more information, download a registration flyer here:  Summer Co-ed Open Softball League


Summer Aquatics Programs are Back!

Open the links below for information about:


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

NOTE: Private swim lessons with City instructors will resume in June. Lessons are available now at Atlantic Pool through Jax Mobile Swim School, a contracted swimming instruction service. Email Whitney at info@jaxswim.com


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.  Email nvoit@fbfl.org 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