Parks and Recreation

The Parks and Recreation Department in Fruitland Park, Florida, is responsible for providing recreational programs, maintaining public parks and sports facilities, and organizing community events for residents of all ages. The department focuses on promoting healthy lifestyles, family activities, youth development, and community engagement throughout the city.

Key services and programs offered by the department include:

Youth Recreation Programs
Adult Recreation Programs
Community Events and Festivals
Parks and Facilities Maintenance
Aquatics Programs
Facility and Park Rentals

The department manages several recreational areas and parks, including:

Northwest Lake Complex and Cales Field
Barking Lot (Dog Park)
Gardenia Park Recreation Complex
Gardenia Community Center
Olive Park
Veteran’s Memorial Park

Check out the Arts, Recreations, and Culture section to see all that Parks and Recreation has to offer!

Director of Community Services

Barbara Fields

Barbara Fields joined the City of Fruitland Park in July 2024 as the Library's Children and Teen Program Coordinator and was appointed Director of Community Services in 2026. As Director of Community Services, Ms. Fields oversees the City's Library and Parks & Recreation Department, providing leadership for community programs, special events, recreational services, parks, facilities, and library operations.

With more than 30 years of experience in education, recreation, and public service, Ms. Fields has dedicated her career to enriching communities through innovative programming, leadership, and service. Prior to joining Fruitland Park, she served in a variety of leadership roles, including Director of a Boys & Girls Club and Director of Programming Services and Wider Opportunities for a Tri-State Girl Scout Council. Her career also includes 17 years as a public school teacher and nine years as a public school principal, where she focused on student achievement, organizational leadership, and community partnerships.

Ms. Fields holds a Bachelor of Science in Parks and Recreation with a concentration in Therapeutic Recreation, a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (K–6), and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership. She attended West Virginia State University and the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

Throughout her career, Ms. Fields has served communities in Charleston, West Virginia; Fredericksburg, Virginia; Charleston, South Carolina; Naples, Florida; and now Fruitland Park, Florida. She is passionate about creating vibrant parks, engaging library services, enriching recreational opportunities, and meaningful community events that enhance the quality of life for residents of all ages.