parks & recreation
Pasco offers leisure-time pursuits for every interest, age and activity level. With its proximity to the Gulf coast and to the Tampa Bay Area you’re sure to find just the right entertainment to satisfy any craving.
For a trip filled with natural adventures in the Florida sunshine, take a day in one of Pasco’s over 30 well-maintained parks. Enjoy a picnic lunch under a pavilion or snag the catch of the day while fishing in the Gulf. From children’s teams to adult leagues, tournaments and training courses, the Pasco County Parks and Recreation Department provides programs and facilities for Pasco citizens.
Since its establishment in 1973, the department has created and maintained 35 parks covering 9,436 acres.
Sims Park is a five-acre natural sector in New Port Richey and is home to a super playground and amphitheater. Orange Lake, adjacent to Sims Park, boasts a winding sidewalk with sitting areas and is a favorite walking site for near-by residents.
Enjoy a fascinating wilderness walk through the 80 acre James E. Grey Preserve Park, the 8300 acre Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park or bike, roller blade, walk or jog the Suncoast Bike Trail.
In the 3,400-acre Werner Boyce Salt Springs State Park, visitors can enjoy fishing and paddling the inlets and bayous that wonder though the salt marsh. The Salt Spring looks small, but it is an amazing 320 feet deep.
Take a memorable canoe trip along the beautifulCotee River to its tropical origin or get active on the waterways around West Pasco, ideal for:
- Boating
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Jetskiing
- Fresh or Saltwater Fishing
- And much more!
Want to spend a day on the green? Test your skills on one of the private, semi-private or public courses of PGA caliber awaiting your arrival.
Tampa Bay is home to the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa Bay Rays and the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning. Our area also hosts Spring training camps:
- The Phillies in Clearwater
- Toronto Blue Jays in Dunedin
- The New York Yankees in Tampa
- The Tampa Bay Rays at home in Al Lang Field at Progress Energy Park
Enjoy one of the many Theme Parks located in Central Florida including:
- Busch Gardens
- Walt Disney World
- Sea World
- Universal Studios
