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1. Are there different facility and shelter fees?

Yes, there are different fees depending on the type of event that is being held. Events that are being held not for profit are charged a lower rate than events where admission fees or concession fees are being collected by the event holder. See the facility rental guide or call the Administrative Office at 910-938-5312.

2. Are there special forms needed to complete to hold an event at one of the city's shelters or facilities?

There are forms that need to be completed for certain events. These can range from forms needed by the City of Jacksonville, to permits needed by the Jacksonville Police Department. See the facility rental guide or call the Administrative Office at 910-938-5312.


If you have completed forms for a previous event and are looking to hold another of the same or different nature, new forms will need to be completed for each new event.

3. Can I bring a moon bounce or bounce house to a park or facility reservation?

Moon or bounce houses are no longer permitted on city property.

4. Can I register for activities online?

Yes, registering for activities online is an option. In order to do so, you will need a user name and password to log-in online; these can be obtained by contacting the Recreation and Parks department at 910 938-5312.

5. How far in advance do I need to reserve a shelter or facility?

The Recreation and Parks Department requires 48 hours notice for shelter reservations and a two week notice for facility reservations. These guidelines are set so that we may ensure we are prepared for your event. We cannot guarantee an attempt to place a reservation last minute can be staffed or accommodated. It is best to inquire upon reserving a shelter or facility as soon as possible. See the facility rental guide or call the Administrative Office at 910-938-5312.


Reservations cannot be placed further than one year in advance from the current calendar date.

6. If I rent a park shelter and get rained out, can I reschedule?

Yes, you have three days from the original scheduled reservation to reschedule. Contact the Administrative Office at 910-938-5312 to reschedule.

7. My child was registered for the after school program last month, is a spot held for the rest of the school year?

New for the 2012 to 2013 school year, registration includes enrollment for the entire school year. A discount will be given for full year registration / payment. If you are paying on a monthly basis, fees are due by the first of the month. If not paid by the fifth, a $5 late fee will be assessed. If not paid by the tenth, the participant will be dropped from the roster and re-enrollment will be required. All of the programs offered through the City of Jacksonville are on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information, please contact the Administration Office at 910-938-5312.

8. What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept cash, check, Visa, or Mastercard. If making a payment for a registration or rental online or over the phone, we only accept Visa or Mastercard.

9. Why does Jacksonville not have a public swimming pool?

In past years, it has not been a priority of the city to build one.

10. Where is Recreation and Parks located?

The Jacksonville Commons Recreation Complex is located at 100 Recreation Lane. Take Western Boulevard Extension and turn right at the intersection of Marine Chevrolet and Toys R Us. Continue on that road until you arrive at the Complex. See parks and facilities for more information.

11. What programs do you have for children ages 2 to 5?

We offer performing arts classes (ballet, tap, and creative movement) for children 3 to 5 years of age. We also offer the happy steps program. It is an interactive play group for children 2 years to pre-kindergarten and their parents.

12. Does the Jacksonville Recreation Department offer youth soccer programs?

While we do not actually operate the youth soccer program, the Jacksonville Area Soccer Association (JASA) plays their games at Woodlands Park. For more information regarding JASA, you can view their webpage.

13. Why are there different fees for non-city residents and city residents?

There are different fees for city and non-city residents due to difference in tax information. City residents pay city taxes while non-city residents do not. Due to this fact, non-city residents pay a slightly inflated rate. City residency is based on the citizen's physical address and whether it falls within city limits.

14. Do you rent your facilities, and how much are they?

Facilities can be rented. Fees are set by the fee schedule adopted by City Council each July. See the facility rental guide or call the Administrative Office at 910-938-5312.

15. What programs do you offer?

We offer a wide variety of programs for all ages. We suggest that you call the Recreation Administration Office at 910-938-5312 for questions regarding programs or special events we offer. You may also pick up our quarterly brochures at City Hall or at any of our recreation centers for a full listing of the programs we offer. Check the Recreation and Parks online registration for updates.