Sholom Park — Attraction in Ocala

I have been trying to visit Sholom Park the last three times I have been in the area. Finally we visited. This is a wonderful park for quiet and tranquility. You have beautiful concrete paths to walk around beautiful landscaping. A pretty simple formula. There are rules that folks need to know. Pets are not allowed. As are bikes, scooters, golf carts, drones or smoking. As such, there is little to disturb the peaceful nature of this beautiful park. There are multiple garden or paths that you can stroll along enjoying nature. My favorite is the Labyrinth. But close behind are the pond, the olive tree promenade, and the pergebo. I also like the formal garden with the fountain. In reality, I like them all. They all have something different for you to enjoy. If you bring quarters, you can buy food to feed the Koi in the pond. You can sit on many benches and soak in the nature with the sights and sounds of the birds. Even the smell of a lot of the plants and flowers fill the air. There is very little outside noise to destroy this. Although you can hear a car or truck now and then. There are restrooms in the building right behind the pavilion. The pavilion is itself right at the end of the parking lot and is kind of a central location for the paths through the gardens. There is a water fountain that will fill water bottles at the restroom building. They also have a stage and I guess they have events here at times. But I honestly don't know anything about them. And of course the pavilion which has some benches and ceiling fans for relaxation. But the fans were not on when we were there. The fountains were on in the formal garden and in the pond when we were there. There was a lot of shade when we went with lots of foliage to block the summer heat. It was pretty hot out, but the shade helped keep it at bay. All in all, I can't think of many relaxing and tranquil places that costs you nothing to enjoy. If people respect the rules and the park itself. Hopefully people will be able to enjoy this place for a long time to come. It took us a while to find the time to visit. We should not have waited so long. It was one of, if not the best thing we have done...

Sholom Park is a serene and tranquil place that truly embodies its founding vision of being a sanctuary for inner peace and learning. This privately-owned park, open to the public, was inspired by a visit to Boston Gardens and named after Sidney Colen's grandfather, Sholom, which means "peace" in Hebrew. The park does not serve any political or religious agenda, ensuring a neutral and welcoming atmosphere for all visitors.

The park's design is both environmentally conscious and aesthetically pleasing, with little to no supplemental watering required. It beautifully integrates native plants with ornamentals, perennials, and annuals, creating a resilient and diverse landscape. With numerous species of flora and fauna, including a variety of bird species, Sholom Park is a haven for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers. The park features miles of paved trails that wind through open meadows and under the shaded canopies of trees like live oaks, hickories, and long leaf pines. Strategically placed tribute benches offer spots for rest and reflection.

Adding to the community spirit, Sholom Park has introduced a new volunteer program, "Friends of Sholom," starting in 2024. This initiative involves light park maintenance and sharing the history and vision of the park, along with enforcing tranquility guidelines. This program is open for weekend and weekday volunteering, making it a great opportunity for those who wish to contribute to the park's upkeep and share its story.

Sholom Park, with its combination of natural beauty and a mission to provide peace and learning, is a unique...

Although beautiful and well maintained with a lovely koi pond, the park closes far too early and not allowing dogs in a park is an absolute unacceptable killjoy. What kind of Park doesn't allow for dogs? Absolute absurdity and they should be ashamed of themselves for even suggesting such a thing.

Part 2 response to the owner's response.

Perhaps YOU are under the misconception that your operating costs have anything to do whatsoever with whether or not I'm able to take my dog to the park and enjoy a pleasant walk. Nothing in your statement had anything to do with giving any valid reason as to why someone can't take their dog to the park.

Maybe you would have more donations if you actually allowed people with dogs to frequent the park. You have some nerve even suggesting a donation for a park where I can't even take my dog for a walk. Dogs being in the park is not going to increase your operational costs nor is it a threat to anyone being "safe" as you call it. It's just so you people can act like a bunch of cretins.

Your no pets policy makes no sense and don't even dare try to make it out to be something to do with any safety reasons or costs. Such a ridiculous statement is nothing short of an insult. As I said, you're losing donations because of...