Annie Mattox Recreation Center

Are you a Florida local in search of a versatile and welcoming space to engage in sports, enjoy outdoor activities, or simply participate in community events? Look no further than the **Annie Mattox Recreation Center** in Lake City, FL. This isn't just another park; it's a vibrant sports activity location and a deeply rooted historical site that has served the local community for generations, offering a clean and accessible environment for all ages.

The Annie Mattox Recreation Center holds significant historical importance within Lake City. It originated from a piece of land generously donated to the Black community back in the 1950s, specifically intended for recreational purposes. This historical legacy means the center is more than just a place to play; it's a testament to community spirit and a continuing commitment to providing recreational opportunities for everyone. This rich history makes every visit not just about physical activity, but also about connecting with a meaningful part of Lake City's heritage.

Today, the Annie Mattox Recreation Center stands as a well-maintained and highly valued asset for residents. It’s a place where families can gather, friends can engage in friendly competition, and individuals can stay active outdoors. The center is regularly utilized for various community events, demonstrating its ongoing role as a central gathering point. Visitors consistently praise the cleanliness of the park and its facilities, ensuring a pleasant experience for everyone.

We understand that when seeking a sports activity location, factors such as cleanliness, accessibility, and a safe environment are paramount. The Annie Mattox Recreation Center excels in these aspects, providing a well-kept space for a variety of activities. Whether you're attending a special event, enjoying a quiet afternoon, or participating in a vigorous game, you can expect a welcoming and functional environment that caters to the community's recreational needs.

So, if you're in Florida and looking for a sports activity location that combines historical significance with modern amenities and a strong community focus, consider the **Annie Mattox Recreation Center** in Lake City. It's more than just a park; it's a living piece of local history and a vibrant hub for active living and community connection for locals.

The **Annie Mattox Recreation Center** is conveniently located in Lake City, Florida, making it an easily accessible and central point for residents throughout the area. You can find this cherished community resource on **NE Center Ave, Lake City, FL 32055, USA**. This prime location ensures that whether you are traveling from within Lake City, or from surrounding communities in Columbia County, reaching the center is straightforward and hassle-free.

The center’s address on NE Center Avenue positions it within a well-established part of Lake City, facilitating easy navigation for visitors using GPS or local maps. We understand that ease of access is crucial for community members, especially for families and individuals participating in recreational activities. The central location minimizes travel time, allowing more time to be spent enjoying the facilities and engaging in various sports or community events.

Accessibility is also enhanced by the center's nature as a public park and recreation area, which typically means ample space for parking and easy pedestrian access. Its integration into the fabric of Lake City ensures that it's a familiar and convenient spot for locals. This easy access encourages more frequent visits, strengthening the center's role as a key recreational and social hub for the Florida community it serves.

• Recreational Facilities Usage: Access to various outdoor and indoor facilities for sports and general recreation.
• Community Event Hosting: Serves as a venue for public and private community-based events, such as drive-in movies, Easter celebrations, and more.
• Park and Grounds Maintenance: Regular upkeep of the park, including clean restrooms and general environmental cleanliness.
• Support for Educational Events: Hosts events like those from Florida Gateway College, indicating a capacity for diverse community activities.
• Space for Gatherings: Provides areas suitable for informal gatherings, picnics, and family outings.
• Sports Program Support: Likely supports or hosts local sports leagues and practices for basketball, softball, and tennis (based on available facilities).

• Historical Significance: A deeply rooted historical site, recognized as land donated to the black community in the 1950s for recreational purposes, serving as a "safe haven for all."
• Clean Park: Consistently praised by visitors for being a "clean park" with "clean restrooms."
• Indoor Air-Conditioned Gymnasium: Features a full-size gymnasium with locker rooms and restrooms, ideal for year-round indoor sports and activities.
• Regulation Softball Field: Equipped with a regulation-size softball diamond for organized games and practices.
• Outdoor Basketball Courts: Offers multiple (8) outdoor basketball courts, providing ample space for games and practice.
• Tennis Court: Includes at least one tennis court for enthusiasts of the sport.
• Youth Playground with Equipment: A dedicated area for children with playground equipment, ensuring fun for younger visitors.
• Covered Picnic Tables/Pavilions: Provides shaded areas for relaxation, picnics, and small gatherings.
• Conference Room: An indoor space suitable for meetings and smaller community gatherings.
• Concessions Room: Available for events, supporting food and beverage service.
• Cafeteria and Kitchen: Features a cafeteria and a kitchen equipped with an oven, stove, refrigerator, microwave, and a three-compartment sink, enhancing capabilities for larger events.
• Walk Trail / Nature Trail: Offers pathways for walking and enjoying the natural surroundings.
• Community Hub: Frequently hosts community events, fostering a strong sense of local engagement and connection.

Address: NE Center Ave, Lake City, FL 32055, USA

Phone: (386) 755-5076

For residents of Lake City and the wider Florida region, the **Annie Mattox Recreation Center** stands as an exceptionally suitable and highly valued local amenity. Its profound historical roots as land donated to the Black community in the 1950s for recreational purposes lend it a unique and significant character, making it more than just a sports facility; it is a living testament to community heritage and resilience. This historical context enriches every visit, connecting locals to a meaningful part of their shared past while enjoying modern amenities.

The center's comprehensive range of facilities directly caters to the diverse recreational needs of the community. With an indoor air-conditioned gymnasium, a regulation softball field, multiple outdoor basketball courts, a tennis court, and a youth playground, there are ample opportunities for individuals of all ages and interests to engage in physical activity. Whether you're looking for organized sports, a casual game with friends, or a safe place for children to play, the Annie Mattox Recreation Center delivers.

Customer reviews consistently highlight the park's exceptional upkeep, noting that "the park was clean and restrooms were clean as well." This commitment to cleanliness and maintenance ensures a pleasant and hygienic environment for all visitors, a crucial factor for any public recreational space. Furthermore, the center's role as a host for various community events, such as drive-in movies and Easter celebrations, underscores its function as a vital social hub. These events bring people together, fostering community spirit and providing accessible entertainment for families.

In essence, the **Annie Mattox Recreation Center** is perfectly tailored for Florida locals because it offers a rare blend of historical significance, diverse modern recreational amenities, and a consistent dedication to cleanliness and community engagement. It’s a place where children can play, families can connect, and individuals can pursue active lifestyles within a well-maintained and historically rich setting. For residents in and around Lake City, this recreation center is not just a destination for sports; it's a cherished local institution that continues to serve as a cornerstone of community well-being and recreational enjoyment.

Annie Mattox Recreation Center

NE Center Ave, Lake City, FL 32055, USA