About Belleview

Belleview, Located in the Heart of Florida

History

The City of Belleview was founded in 1884 around Nine Mile Pond, which today is known as Lake Lillian. Nine Mile Pond received its name because it was a pond nine miles away from the larger settlement of Ocala. It is said that Belleview was named after the daughter of one of the founders, but that story has largely been discounted. Belleview actually gets its name from the French words “belle” and “view” which translates to “beautiful vistas” such as the ones that can be seen around the town.

Community Events

As a focal point of our “City with Small Town Charm” many events take place around Lake Lillian every year. During the winter months Light Up Lake Lillian takes place and the entire lake glows with holiday cheer. In the beginning of spring an Easter Egg Hunt is hosted, and in October an annual arts and crafts event takes place that celebrates the history of Lake Lillian and Belleview in the Nine Mile Pond event. Other events in the City include the yearly Christmas Parade and the Founder’s Day Celebration at City Hall Park, which includes food, vendors, and a beauty pageant.

Parks & Facilities

The City has a variety of both active and passive recreational facilities. The focal point of the City is Lake Lillian, which contains a small fishing dock for the children and senior citizens, as well as several picnic pavilions and a walking trail that is used by young and young at heart. Lake Lillian is host to several civic events throughout the year as well as weekend birthday parties and an occasional wedding.

The Belleview Sports Complex is an 80-acre park which is used throughout the year by several football, softball, baseball and soccer leagues, both youth and adult. It also contains basketball and tennis courts as well as a playground for small children and a walking trail which weaves through and around several of the league fields.

The Fred King Playground is a newer playground built with the help of the Home Depot KABOOM funding. Several local businesses, citizens and City of Belleview employees helped to construct the playground in a six-hour day. It is well suited to the younger children, providing physical activities to enhance creativity and coordination skills. The City Hall Park adjacent to the City Hall building is used for several annual events such as the Christmas Parade, Founder's Day, the Freedom Walk and Relay for Life activities.