Albert "Ray" Massey Park

Albert “Ray” Massey Park, formerly Westside Park, has something for everyone to enjoy.  Shaded walking trails and paths provide the perfect spaces for wayfaring and includes gym equipment to help keep you fit in the fresh air. Sports enthusiasts will enjoy the beautiful baseball and softball diamonds, batting cages, concession stands and lit basketball courts. Gather with your friends to play racquet sports at the Joyce Oransky Tennis Center.

Book online with the US Tennis Association (USTA)for court reservations:  Court reservations at Play Tennis Gainesville - A USTA Florida Managed Facility

The Albert “Ray” Massey playground is Gainesville’s first boundless, fully inclusive playground. This play station is designed for access for all ages and abilities. Its largest play feature, the “Space Station,” features ramps and flat surfaces. The playground elements are bright and multi-colored to help children with sensory and processing disorders find their way. Inspired by the adjacent NW 8th Avenue Solar Walk public art installation, the brightly colored playground boasts a space-themed motif. Visitors requiring mobility supports, such as crutches or wheelchairs, will find it easy to maneuver throughout the play structure. Swings, slides and spinners are designed for care providers to more easily assist those with varying levels of mobility. A colorful walkway at the south end of the playground features activity boards to help develop fine-motor skills. A variety of physical, social and sensory elements are integral to the park’s design. A communication board, supporting the communication needs of visitors with differing abilities, is also incorporated into this accessible park. The Albert “Ray” Massey Park playground is a fully lighted. This enables visitors to use the play area after sunset in seasons with fewer daylight hours.

Pavilions with picnic tables and grills are available for outdoor get-togethers. Parties of 30 or more need to fill out a park reservation form: Park Reservations   Dogs on leashes are welcome.

The H. Spurgeon Cherry Pool is also part of the overall complex.  Click here for more information about pool hours, fees and activities.

Park namesake Albert “Ray” Massey was Gainesville’s Parks and Recreation Director for many years. After retiring, Mr. Massey served on Gainesville’s Recreation Advisory Board. Ray was a lifetime member and past president of the State Recreation Associations of South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. He was also the past president of the Gainesville and Hawthorne’s Lions Clubs. He was also a Shriner and a Mason.

Scherer Construction of North Florida completed the project that was paid for with the extended Wild Spaces Public Places funds, a sales tax passed by Alachua County voters.  The park reopened after the project completion on March 31, 2023.

Location

1001 NW 34th St, Gainesville 32605  View Map

29.6598659,-82.37173849999999

1001 NW 34th St , Gainesville 32605

1001 NW 34th St , Gainesville 32605

Albert "Ray" Massey Park