The Gainesville Parks and Recreation Foundation (GPRF) champions the necessity of our City Parks, connecting all people to our valuable natural resources.

GPRF engages the community and fundraises through various activities in support of its mission.

• Friends of the Parks was formed in response to citizen concerns for the need to restore Ivey Terrace Park.

• In 1996, a public-private partnership was created between the City of Gainesville, Gainesville Parks and Recreation, and the 501(c)(3), Friends of Gainesville Parks, Inc.

• Friends of the Parks is funded through private donations and grants.

• Friends of the Parks is under the direction of its Board of Directors, a mixture of City Council and Board-appointed members.

• Friends of the Parks hosts the annual Sunday in the Parks Butterfly Release.

• The non-profit focuses on:

  • Restoring the Rock Creek Greenway Corridor, including streambank restoration, erosion control, landscape beautification, and the construction of multi-use trails

  • Acquiring land for parks and greenways to develop a greenway network in partnership with the City of Gainesville

  • Maintain and beautify parks and greenways

  • Increase connectivity and greenspace awareness through educational programs

• In 2023, the organization changed its name to Gainesville Parks & Recreation Foundation.

• Creation of the Rock Creek Park, or "Gateway Park," dedicated in 2001

• Land acquisition along the linear corridor

• Master Plan development for the Rock Creek Greenway

• Stormwater management and streambank stabilization

• Restoration of Ivey Terrace Phases I, II, and III

• Annual Butterfly Release

• Sidewalk Initiative (In partnership with the City of Gainesville Sidewalk Master Plan)