Farmers’ Market Pocket Park Includes Tractor-Themed Playground

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Downtown Ocala, Florida, suffered from "sleepy" Saturday syndrome -- bustling during the work week, but a little dull and lightly trafficked on the weekends. So the local merchants hatched a great solution–a downtown farmers' market.

The market was an instant success -- and as it continued to grow, the city converted an old building into an open air, outdoor market space.

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The goal with the new space was to create more than just another stop on Saturday morning errands, but a weekend destination, a place where friends and family could connect. 

What better place for friends and family to connect than a pocket park?

The city worked with the Ocala Downtown Business Alliance to convert a green space near the market into a pocket park, complete with a tractor themed playground, designed by GameTime's exclusive representative in Ocala, Dominica Recreation Products. Framing the playground are chicken-shaped bike racks and a landscape of fruit and olive trees.

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Kathy Crile, the Recreation and Parks Director of Ocala, said it best: "The seeds for the Ocala Downtown Market were planted and cultivated into a thriving Saturday morning farmer’s market the whole community has come to enjoy."

Learn more about adding a pocket park and cultivating social capital that benefits merchants and families throughout your community.