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.


Men's Summer Basketball League Registration

Register April 1st through May 31st at the MLK, Jr. Recreation Center.

Team registration fee:  $375, due at time of registration

Season begins June 3rd

Click here for an informational flyer:  Summer Men's Basketball League


Register Now for Summer Aquatics Programs

Registration is being held now for our several summer aquatics programs.  Click on any of the links below for more information.


Register Now for Summer Camp Amelia at the Atlantic Recreation Center

Three age groups:

  1. Going into kindergarten
  2. Going into 1st grade - Going into 2nd grade
  3. Going into 3rd grade - Going into 6th grade

Registration fee:  $137

Weekly fees:

  • $85 City residents, $75 additional sibling
  • $106 City residents, $96 additional sibling

Download registration form here:  Summer camp registration form

Download handbook here:  Summer camp handbook


Pool Lifeguard Certification Course in April - dates have changed

The Lifeguard certification course that was scheduled for April 11th - 14th (Thursday - Sunday) at the Atlantic Recreation Center has been moved to April 25th - 28th.

Swimming pre-tests (successful completion of a pre-test required in order to enroll for the course) will be administered during the first in-person class session.

$159 City residents, $199 Non-City.  Register at the Atlantic Recreation Center.

Open the following link for an informational flyer:  April 2019 Lifeguard Certification Course


Goat Yoga in Central Park

Saturday, May 11th
11:00am - 12:00pm
Instructor:  Pam Kato
Ages 12 and up (ages 12 - 17 must be accompanied by a parent).  Space limited.

$35 per person.  Register at the Atlantic Recreation Center.  904-310-3358


Bat Trek - May 18th

Learn about Florida bats from Shari Blissett-Clark of Bat Belfrys, Inc. (Merritt Island, FL; www.floridabats.org) in a personal session with some of the bats in her care, and then search for local bats in the Egans Creek Greenway!  

$10 per person
$15 per couple
$20 per family

Register at the Atlantic Recreation Center.  For more information, click on the following link:  Bat Trek 2019


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.

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