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 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.


Halloween Carnival

Saturday, October 19th
5:00 - 8:00pm
Atlantic Recreation Center Auditorium
All ages welcomed

Come dressed in your costumes, and enjoy an evening of games, crafts, tasty treats, face painting, and a tractor ride!  Tickets for games and refreshments are $.25 each.


Register Now for Fall Men's 30-and-Over Basketball League

Register your team through October 30th at the MLK, Jr. Recreation Center.

Team registration fee:  $300, due at time of registration

Season dates:  November 4th - December 16th (games on Mondays & Thursdays at Peck Gym).  League Championship Game on December 30th.

Click on the "Athletics" link in the left-hand column for more information.


Jacksonville University Basketball!

Join us on a trip to watch the Jacksonville University Dolphins' men's basketball team play a home game against the New Jersey Institute of Technology Highlanders at Swisher Gymnasium in Jacksonville.

Thursday, January 9th, 2020
$20 per person
Depart the Atlantic Recreation Center at 5:30pm.  Return at 10:00pm.
Price includes transportation and admission to the game.

Visit the Atlantic Recreation Center to reserve your spot.  Email smikelson@fbfl.org 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 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