Parks

Although best known for Sims Park, New Port Richey is actually home to a number of parks.  They range in size from the 80 acre Grey Preserve to tiny pocket parks, like the one next to the Grand Blvd bridge.

Parks have always been a key to the quality of life in New Port Richey.  The very first ordinance passed by the city council was to accept the donation of the Sims Park property.

The city is currently starting a multi-million dollar upgrade of Sims Park.  When completed later this year, Sims Park will have a new playground, new docks, a kayak launch, and additional shade for daytime concerts.  You will also be able to walk from Sims Park to Orange Lake without getting run over.

The Grey Preserve is amazing.  It protects a section of the Cotee River that could be from 100 years ago.  You can canoe or kayak through this pristine section of the river and see all manner of wildlife.

 

It is not unusual to see turtles and gators sunning themselves.  Manatee and other mammals are also often seen.

The Grey Preserve is only reachable by driving down Plathe Road, a dirt road with fairly deep potholes.  That is about to change.  The city has plans in the works to pave Plathe Road and add a second entrance to the Park off Congress.

Not as well known, but with a following of its own is the city’s dog park off Cecilia Avenue.

The dog park includes fenced in areas for dogs to run, a playground, and a very nice covered overlook on the river.

 

One very nice park is the Frances Avenue park.  it has restrooms, a playground, and an area where you can “beach launch” canoes and kayaks.  When I visited there this past weekend, I saw someone standing on top of a paddle board out in the river.

The Grand Blvd Bridge Park is one of the “pocket parks” along the river.  It includes a playground and spots where you can simply watch the water and the manatees go by.

I’m hard pressed to pick a park I like best.  There are so many of them and each one has its own special charm.  I’ve only published pictures for SOME of the parks.  Explore your city and see what other city parks you can locate.  Check out the City’s Parks page for more of the parks that help make New Port Richey a great place to live and work.

 

Rob Marlowe, Mayor