Community

About Gainesville

Learn more about the City of Gainesville - its history, fun facts and our award-winning community.

Programs & Events

From nature walks and community clean ups, to art walks and medieval faires, the City of Gainesville offers fun for the whole family all year long.

Get Involved

Discover ways to engage with your community and provide public feedback on city ordinances.

Recreation & Parks

With more than 3,200 acres of recreation spaces, natural areas and facilities, the City of Gainesville offers a diverse array of things to do and spaces to enjoy.

Sports, Swimming & Fitness

The city offers a variety of sports and recreation opportunities including golf, swimming, softball, football and more.

Arts & Culture

The city supports community-based cultural resources and programming that offer ethnic, ecological and/or historical value to our neighbors.

Depot Park

Depot Park is the City of Gainesville's signature park in downtown. Depot features a children's adventure play area with a splashpad, playground and promenade to host special events.

Bo Diddley Plaza

Bo Diddley Community Plaza in the heart of Historic Downtown Gainesville is available to rent for concerts, festivals, church gatherings and more throughout the year.

Student Guide

Welcome to the City of Gainesville! Learn all about your new city and the many things Gainesville has to offer!

Youth Programs & Camps

Gainesville is full of great, family-friendly activities and programs.

Visit Gainesville

Explore parks and trails, events and things to do, where to eat, and arts and culture in Gainesville and Alachua County.

Ironwood Golf Course

Come out and try the City's beautiful 18-hole, par 72 championship course. Named by Golf Digest as one of the best places to play, the course hosts more than 50 tournaments annually.

Our Urban Forestry Division maintains our urban forest to ensure diversity of age and species, mitigate canopy loss, minimize hazards; and conserve the high-quality heritage trees that make Gainesville a Tree City of the World!

Community Interests

The City of Gainesville Commission may, on occasion, issue policy direction enabling city staff to participate in fact-based public education activities which do not expressly advocate for or against an issue.

2024 Holiday Parade

This year's holiday parade is Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024 along University Avenue, and leads into the holiday dance party and lights celebration.

Sip & Stroll Areas

Sip & Stroll areas (also known as the Arts, Culture and Entertainment - or ACE - Districts) are walkable, compact areas with a number of restaurants, bars and local shops and businesses. Adults of legal drinking age may carry alcoholic beverages while in public areas within district boundaries between 8 a.m. and midnight daily.