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Gainesville Area
The University of Florida is located in the gently rolling hills of North Central Florida approximately 85 miles southwest of Jacksonville and 125 miles northeast of Tampa. The surrounding area contains numerous state parks and national wildlife refuges, reflecting a major regional commitment to the preservation of natural resources and wildlife. These include Devil's Millhopper (a giant sinkhole 500 feet across and 120 feet deep); Paynes Prairie State Preserve noted for its sand hill crane population; and Kanapaha Botanical Gardens which features a hummingbird garden, medicinal and aromatic herb area, and the largest collection of bamboo in the state. The area is geographically unique in that literally hundreds of freshwater springs are located within easy driving distance of Gainesville. The Atlantic and Gulf Coast beaches are each about an hour's drive away, and the tourist attractions of Orlando (e.g., Disney World, Epcot, Universal Studios, Sea World) and Tampa (Busch Gardens and Weeki Wachee Springs) are about two hours south. There are numerous parks in the area for camping and hiking purposes.
Recently Gainesville was named by Money magazine as the #1 place to live in the U.S.A. Gainesville has an abundance of recreational facilities. The favorable climate encourages a wide variety of outdoor activities. Bicycling, jogging, swimming, tennis, and golf are especially popular, and are available year-round. The department sponsors a co-ed softball team which competes in the organized programs offered by the city recreational department. Proficiency (or intense interest) in slow-pitch softball is not an essential prerequisite for admission to the graduate program, but it doesn't hurt. Students may make use of the University's recreational facilities, which include weight rooms, swimming pools, tennis and basketball courts, etc. The sports-minded student will note that the University of Florida Gators belong to the Southeastern Conference, a highly competitive NCAA Division I conference, and have recently fielded conference or national championship teams in football, baseball, women's tennis, women's golf, and gymnastics. Gainesville is also host for the annual Gatornationals Drag Races.
The population of Gainesville is approximately 192,000, including the 40,000 students on campus. As a university city, it boasts a variety of cultural and entertainment opportunities. The Hippodrome State Theatre offers season series in film and live theatre. University concert series are available throughout the year, and well-known musicians and musical groups frequently visit the area. The Harn Museum of Art opened to the public in 1990, providing up-to-date facilities for the exhibition, study and presentation of works of art. This contemporary 62,000 square foot museum offers a full range of educational programs -- including films, lectures, tours and workshops -- for the general public as well as the academic community. The new 1,800-seat Center for Performing Arts which opened in January 1992 is a state-of-the-art facility fully equipped to stage Broadway musicals, full scale operas, ballets, symphonies and more. It houses a multi-purpose black box theatre, dressing rooms and a full-sized proscenium stage and an orchestra pit.
Despite the cosmopolitan influences brought to the region by the University, Gainesville retains a quiet southern charm. Those interested in southern culture and artifacts will want to visit the Florida State Museum on campus and explore the numerous antique shops in which quality furniture, quilts, and other items can be purchased at auction. Frequent arts festivals bring local artisans to Gainesville or nearby communities to display and sell their wares.
For children, there are numerous parks, swimming pools, ball fields, and biking trails, and many organized nature, educational, artistic, and athletic activities. There are a number of private schools in addition to a well-respected public school system.
For more information, http://www.cityofgainesville.org/
http://www.visitgainesville.net/
http://www.co.alachua.fl.us/