Nature Coast

Fun in the sun

Looking for a few top waterfront parks?Pasco and Hernando counties have several.

By DAVID A. BROWN, Times Correspondent
Published September 22, 2007

Water - it's never far away for North Suncoast outdoors enthusiasts. Whether you're into boating, fishing, swimming, sunbathing, picnics or just kicking back and enjoying a nice view, Pasco and Hernando counties offer an enjoyable selection of well-maintained waterfront parks. Amenities might vary, but most provide safe, family-friendly environments. Top choices include:

Anclote River Park

Location: 1119 Bailey's Bluff Road, Holiday

Amenities: Boat ramp, fishing access, picnic area and shelters, playground, restrooms, swimming, beach and volleyball

Fees: None

Hours: Dawn to dusk

Why it's nice: This 29.4-acre park has plenty of room for multiple activities without anyone feeling cramped. The adjacent Anclote Gulf Park - just north on Bailey's Bluff Road - adds another 23 acres with a fishing pier, picnic area and shelters, playground and restrooms.

Robert K. Rees Memorial Park

Location: 4835 Green Key Road, New Port Richey

Amenities: 45 acres, boardwalk, canoe/kayak access, fishing, picnic area and shelters, playground, restrooms, swimming and beach

Hours: Dawn to dusk

Fees: None

Why it's nice: Green Key was once a free-standing island, but a causeway now links it to the mainland. Still, the way the area juts into the gulf creates the feeling of an island getaway. Accessible to waders and paddlers, surrounding shallows hold lots of redfish, trout and snook.

Rogers Park

Location: 7244 Shoal Line Blvd., Spring Hill

Amenities: Boat ramp, canoe/kayak launch, beach and swimming area, lifeguards (seasonal), restrooms, outdoor showers, picnic shelters and barbecue grills, playground and volleyball

Hours: All day

Fees: $2 parking (April through September)

Why it's nice: Tucked along the super-clear Weeki Wachee River, this park provides such regular views of fish, otters and manatees that it's like swimming in an aquarium. There are closer launches for gulf fishing, but starting at Rogers Park adds a memorably scenic ride whenever time permits

Bayport Park

Location: 4140 Cortez Blvd., Spring Hill (western end of State Road 50)

Amenities: Picnic pavilions, barbecue grills, restrooms, boat launch and fishing pier. Hernando County will be renovating and improving the park. Planned improvements include gazebos, electricity, concessions, playground and nature trails. A parking fee will likely be added when renovations are complete.

Hours: All day

Fees: None

Why it's nice: The fishing pier faces the Weeki Wachee River channel, so anglers often get their shots at passing redfish, trout and cobia. Sheepshead and snapper are pier regulars. Manatee and dolphins frequent this area, and the sunset view is picture perfect. The canal accessing the boat launch gets treacherously shallow on outgoing tides - particularly winter's extreme lows. Watch the water level and time your launch/return accordingly.

Alfred McKethan/Pine Island Park

Location: 10800 Pine Island Drive (off County Road 495 west of Weeki Wachee)

Amenities: Beach and swimming area, picnic tables, shelters, barbecue grills, observation point, volleyball court, playground and concession stand

Fees: $2/car (Feb. 15 through Nov. 14)

Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 1 through March 31 and 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. April 1 through Oct. 31

Why it's nice: Small park (3 acres) wrapped in seclusion. Paid entry keeps the crowds minimal and manageable. Beautiful sandy beach, with spectacular sunset views, feels more like resort towns of lower latitudes.

For complete listings of Hernando County parks, visit www.co.hernando.fl.us/parks_rec/parks. Find Pasco County parks at www.pascocountyfl.net/pubser/deptp/parks.html.

[Last modified September 21, 2007, 22:25:52]