The City of Florence Parks and Leisure Services Department is comprised of thirty-six full time employees and approximately 80 part-time employees. Seasonal help includes summer playground activity instructors, arts/craft instructors, maintenance workers, lifeguards, concessions cashiers and servers, scorekeepers and gymnastics instructors.

The Parks and Leisure Services Department is responsible for planning, organizing, implementing, supervising and coordinating a comprehensive plan of leisure activities for the citizens of Florence. The Department is also charged with the responsibility of providing safe, well- maintained parks and facilities that serve the City of Florence neighborhood residents.

The City operates and maintains sixteen neighborhood park sites and facilities totaling over 600 acres, including several miles of an extensive trail system, 27 ballfields, 24 tennis courts, 9 outdoor basketball courts, 10 playgrounds, 10 picnic shelters, 1 administrative office and 4 community center buildings. Program opportunities are geared to various age groups and are coordinated through department staff with community organizations to provide a wide range of programs and activities which enhance the quality of life for the Florence resident. While many of the athletic programs are geared to accommodate the at-large community population, specific activities, such as the summer playground program, after school program and P.A.L. program, are directed at neighborhood parks and community residents.

In order to accomplish program and maintenance requirements, the Parks & Leisure Services Department is divided into three operational components – Park Facility Maintenance and Development, Community Programs and Athletics, including Freedom Florence.

The City of Florence Parks and Leisure Services Department administrative offices are located at 400 Timrod Park Drive.