• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • About Us
  • Videos
    • Featured Video
    • Foodie Friday
    • Monthly ReCap
  • Online E-Editions
    • This Week’s E-Editions
    • 2022
    • 2021
    • 2020
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
  • Social Media
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
  • Advertising
  • Local Jobs
  • Puzzles & Games
  • Circulation Request

The Laker/Lutz News

  • Home
  • News
    • Land O’ Lakes
    • Lutz
    • Wesley Chapel/New Tampa
    • Zephyrhills/East Pasco
    • Business Digest
    • Senior Parks
    • Nature Notes
    • Featured Stories
    • Photos of the Week
    • Reasons To Smile
  • Sports
    • Land O’ Lakes
    • Lutz
    • Wesley Chapel/New Tampa
    • Zephyrhills and East Pasco
    • Check This Out
  • Education
  • Pets/Wildlife
  • Health
    • Health Events
    • Health News
  • What’s Happening
  • Sponsored Content
    • Closer Look
  • Homes
  • Obits
  • Public Notices

Hercules Aquatic Center

Hercules Park workshop set June 10

June 8, 2021 By Kevin Weiss

Zephyrhills residents will have an opportunity to weigh in on the future development and proposed amenities of Hercules Park.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their ideas and opinions to a public workshop meeting on June 10 at 6 p.m., at Zephyrhills City Hall, 5335 Eighth St., in Zephyrhills.

The City of Zephyrhills will host a workshop on June 10, to gather public input about the development of Hercules Park. Renovations could feature a circuitous BMX bike track with jumps and rollers, plus other passive amenities, based on this conceptual sketch from the project’s consultant, Kimley-Horn. The 12-acre park site is situated at the corner of County Road 54 and Gall Boulevard. (File)

Other stakeholders in attendance are expected to include the city’s parks and recreation advisory board, CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) board and representatives from the project’s consultant, Kimley-Horn.

The City of Zephyrhills in recent months has pondered ways to spruce up the languished 12-acre park property at the corner of County Road 54 and Gall Boulevard, next to Zephyrhills High and Woodland Elementary schools.

One possibility for the park’s update includes installing a BMX (bicycle motocross) track where youth and adult bike enthusiasts traverse winding trails and thrilling jumps, in a safe and comfortable setting.

The latest conceptual sketch plan from Kimley-Horn shows a circuitous riding trail spanning roughly 5.29 acres of the park property, albeit with many details still to be hashed out.

Height levels on jumps and bumps haven’t yet been determined, but the track is expected to have variations for beginner, intermediate and advanced bikers — keeping safety in mind, too.

Surface material hasn’t been decided, either, though one option is a dirt track with wooden features for jumps and stunts.

Also proposed is a paved pathway encircling the BMX course for parents, walkers and runners to use for general exercise purposes.

Based on renderings, remaining Hercules Park property upgrades would then take on a mostly passive vibe — with a nearly 1-acre open playfield, 1.42-acre playground and picnic/shelter area, and a soft walking trail surrounding an existing retention pond and lighted fountain spray.

An open playfield —situated at the former Hercules Aquatic Center — would offer a grassy space for throwing footballs, Frisbees and so on.

A playground, meanwhile, could include some nature-based equipment beyond conventional slides and swings — think rock climb, bridges, tunnels, rope play structures and more.

The budget for the entire Hercules Park renovation will be determined from the workshop, where amenities could be added or removed based on community feedback, Zephyrhills CRA director Gail Hamilton wrote in an email to The Laker/Lutz News.

Final design and construction is expected sometime after park funding is identified for the city’s 2021-2022 fiscal year, Hamilton says.

Depending on the amenities and project cost, the development could be completed in a year, or built out over multiple years, she says.

City officials also have previously mentioned facilitating public-private partnerships for some of the park’s improvements.

In addition to its proximity to local schools, Hercules Park borders a busy Wawa gas station and Culver’s fast food restaurant, which could prompt those patrons to drop by the park to have a relaxing meal.

The park also is accessible to surrounding neighborhood developments through Henry Drive.

Should the BMX concept follow through, it would create an amenity otherwise not readily available to the East Pasco community. (Local BMX enthusiasts have previously tried accessing the Zephyrhills Skatepark at Krusen Field for those purposes.)

The closest public BMX pump tracks in the surrounding Tampa Bay area include Tampa BMX in Lutz and Oldsmar BMX.

City leaders for years have been calling for an action plan for vacant park land that once had a buzzing aquatic center and swimming pool.

Ownership of the land was transferred to the city from the Pasco County School Board in June 2018.

The park land is a legacy from about 80 acres once owned by the Hercules Powder Co.

The company, which converted pine stumps into resin and turpentine, had been the city’s largest employer at one point.

During a city council meeting last month, City Manager Billy Poe deemed the upcoming Hercules Park workshop “important” to provide additional information, plans and ideas to the public and other interested parties.

Published June 09, 2021

Hercules Park renovations may include BMX track

March 9, 2021 By Kevin Weiss

Over the past several months, the City of Zephyrhills has pondered ways to spruce up the Hercules Park property at the corner of County Road 54 and Gall Boulevard, next to Zephyrhills High and Woodland Elementary schools.

Following meetings with consulting firm Kimley-Horn, public works, and the parks and recreation advisory board, city officials may have an answer for the languished 12-acre site —  a BMX (bicycle motocross) track where mountain bike enthusiasts traverse winding trails and thrilling jumps, in a safe and comfortable setting.

Renovations to Hercules Park could feature a circuitous BMX bike track with jumps and rollers, among other amenities. This conceptual sketch was unveiled during a Zephyrhills Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board of Commissioners meeting in January. The 12-acre park site is situated at the corner of County Road 54 and Gall Boulevard, next to Zephyrhills High and Woodland Elementary schools (Courtesy of City of Zephyrhills)

Zephyrhills Community Redevelopment Agency Director Gail Hamilton detailed how the BMX track idea came to be formed, during a January CRA Board of Commissioners meeting.

“We asked Kimley-Horn to look at the park and try to figure out what we can do with it to give the kids something to do and give the public something to do. There’s nothing on the north end of town as far as a park goes, and I heard very loud and clear from some of the CRA members in this year’s budget they wanted to see something at Hercules.

“If you are walking through those pine trees and those oak trees (at the park), it’s beautiful, and you don’t want to cut those trees down, so, as we were walking around the consultant said, ‘What about a BMX bike track around here? Kids would love it. It’s wooded, and we could do jumps and all kinds of stuff…’”

Hamilton proceeded to unveil a conceptual sketch plan — showing a circuitous riding trail spanning roughly 5.29 acres of the park property, albeit with many details still to be hashed out.

Height levels on jumps and bumps haven’t yet been determined, though the track is expected to have variations for beginner, intermediate and advanced bikers.

Surface material hasn’t been decided, either, though one possibility is a dirt track with wooden features for jumps and stunts. Hamilton described the course overall as “something kids could be excited about and not hurt themselves on.”

Also proposed is a paved pathway encircling the BMX course for parents, walkers and runners to use for general exercise purposes.

Hamilton told the board the BMX track concept received strong support from the city’s parks and recreation advisory board: “They were pretty pumped about it and excited about it.”

Remaining Hercules Park property upgrades would take on a mostly passive vibe, with a nearly 1-acre open playfield, 1.42-acre playground and picnic/shelter area, and a soft walking trail surrounding an existing retention pond and lighted fountain spray.

The open playfield — to be situated at the former Hercules Aquatic Center— would offer a grassy space for throwing footballs, frisbees and so on. “Kids can just run and play; they don’t have to be contained,” Hamilton noted.

The playground, meanwhile could include some nature-based equipment beyond conventional slides and swings — think rock climbs, tunnels, rope play structures and more.

No established budget has yet been put forth for the entire Hercules Park renovation, nor is there a timeline for construction; the city also plans to seek public-private partnerships to get a project in motion. “Right now, we’re at a 30,000-foot view on this,” Hamilton said, signaling preliminary plans.

Following Hamilton’s presentation, the CRA Board expressed enthusiasm with the overall park concept, while putting forth some input of their own.

At least one sticking point may be ensuring various segments of the park have ample lighting, particularly for evening hour use. Said board member Ken Burgess: “I think we need to look and make sure there’s some well-lit areas, especially in the wintertime when it gets darker early; we want to make sure it’s pretty well-lit there.”

In addition to its proximity to local schools, Hercules Park borders a Wawa gas station and Culver’s fast food restaurant, which could prompt those patrons to also drop by the park to have a relaxing meal.

The park also is accessible to surrounding neighborhood developments through Henry Drive.

Should the concept follow through, it would create an amenity otherwise not readily available to the East Pasco community. (Local BMX enthusiasts have previously tried accessing the Zephyrhills Skatepark at Krusen Field for those purposes.)

The closest public BMX pump tracks in the surrounding Tampa Bay area include Tampa BMX in Lutz and Oldsmar BMX.

There were preliminary discussions last fall on a nonprofit group bringing a BMX track and bike park to a 23-acre tract situated off the intersection of State Road 54 and Gunn Highway, in the Odessa/Trinity area in Pasco County. Under that proposal, about 3 acres would be used for a BMX dirt race course made of various jumps and rollers.

Published March 10, 2021

Maintenance costs could drown Hercules pool for good

September 4, 2013 By Michael Hinman

Another summer without the Hercules Aquatic Center is coming to a close, and yet the future of this once vibrant public swimming pool park is still dried up.

Pasco County Schools, which owns the nearly 16 acres, wants to figure it out, and they’ve enlisted the Zephyrhills City Council to help them. But coming to a consensus may prove more difficult than either side realized.

“We do have to be realistic,” Council President Lance Smith said during the council’s regular Aug. 26 meeting.  “It’s a loser — financially — but it does provide a service that is needed. And the question is, at what cost do we feel that we can provide it?”

Jim Drumm
Jim Drumm

Pasco County leased the property from the school district for nearly two decades, maintaining a large public swimming pool there. However, budget cuts in 2009 forced the county out, threatening to close the park, which is located on the corner of US 301 and CR 54.

The Zephyrhills Police Athletic League kept Hercules open in 2010, but didn’t return after that. The main problem was the cost to maintain the facilities, estimated at just north of $100,000.

Even if Zephyrhills decided to lease the property from the school board and reopen the park, there are some other obstacles in the way.

First, the county has plans to widen CR 54, which is going to force both the park and its immediate neighbor to the east, Zephyrhills High School, to give up some land. That means the school’s baseball fields and some of the parking lot to its outdoor athletics complex would need to be reconfigured, possibly taking some of the land where Hercules is now.

On top of that, the school board wants to cash in on part of the land, namely the piece that sits directly on the corner of US 301 and CR 54, which could be sold to build a potential gas station there.

“We are being asked to give up the most attractive and profitable piece of property and really push it to be a gas station,” said Councilwoman Jodi Wilkeson. “But it’s either that or do nothing, right?”

School district officials have mentioned turning Hercules into a maintenance facility for its area schools, and anything that happens to the westernmost piece of the property would still have to go in front of the council for rezoning, City Manager Jim Drumm said. If the city wanted to control that piece, it may have to cough up at least $1.2 million, which is about $1 million more than what the city even has on hand to deal with parks.

Allen Altman, who represents the Zephyrhills area on the Pasco County School Board, encouraged city officials to work with the school district on creating something the entire community can enjoy at Hercules Park.

“One of the things I have pushed for since I was elected was for us to participate with other governments as much as possible,” Altman said. “It cuts down on replication and provides as much savings and benefits to the taxpayer as possible.”

Altman acknowledged that the school board was exploring all possibilities with the land, including a potential sale of a portion of it, but he’s confident both governments can develop the best plan for both.

“It’s a beautiful piece of property,” Councilman Kenneth Compton said. “Talk about one of the best pieces of property, and that’s it. Just see this beautifully treed area, and then I just envision a gas station. I don’t know if I like that.”

Primary Sidebar

A Conversation with Lutz Filmmaker, Alexis Yahre

Search

Sponsored Content

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel Aims to Provide A Sense of Belonging

May 24, 2022 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

For Mental Health Awareness Month, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is focusing on the message: “Together … [Read More...] about Avalon Park Wesley Chapel Aims to Provide A Sense of Belonging

A Guide for Summer Camps in Pasco County 

May 23, 2022 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Summer break is quickly approaching and organizations throughout Pasco County are offering camps for children of all … [Read More...] about A Guide for Summer Camps in Pasco County 

More Posts from this Category

What’s Happening

05/26/2022 – Food distribution

Farm Share, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, Pasco Sheriff Charities, the Pasco County NAACP, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay will partner for a free food distribution on May 26 starting at 9 a.m., at the Boys & Girls Club of Lacoochee, 38724 Mudcat Grant Blvd., in Dade City. Food will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last. The event is a drive-thru, rain or shine. … [Read More...] about 05/26/2022 – Food distribution

05/26/2022 – Lawn fertilization

Keep Pasco Beautiful will host a workshop for HOAs, homeowners and anyone who wants to learn how to properly maintain their lawn, on May 26 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Patel College of Global Sustainability, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Room 136, in Tampa. Panelists will include members from the Tampa Bay Estuary Program and the University of Florida Pasco Extension Office, who will explore a range of fertilization topics. For information and to register, visit EventBrite.com. … [Read More...] about 05/26/2022 – Lawn fertilization

05/28/2022 – Memorial Day Concert

The “Let’s Do Good Memorial Day Concert” is scheduled for May 28 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., to benefit the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Tunnel to Towers provides mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children, and builds custom-designed smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. The foundation is committed to eradicating veteran homelessness and aiding the victims of major U.S. disasters. The event will include vendors, gifts, a Forget-Me-Not Garden, and more. Entertainment will be provided by Fred Chandler, Charles Goodwin, Cruz Er Mac, Mike Henderson, and Travis White. Special guests include Congressman Gus Bilirakis and State Sen. Danny Burgess. Rain date is Sept. 10. … [Read More...] about 05/28/2022 – Memorial Day Concert

05/28/2022 – Pet supply drive

Munchies Natural Pet Foods, 1722 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Wesley Chapel, will host a Pet Supply Drive on May 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., to benefit the Pet Peace of Mind Program at Gulfside Hospice. Gulfside team members will be on site to offer information about the program and to collect donated supplies, such as pet food, cat litter, treats, basic supplies and other items. The donations will be distributed to hospice patients, to help provide care for their pets. For information about the Peace of Mind program, visit Gulfside.org, or call 727-845-5707. … [Read More...] about 05/28/2022 – Pet supply drive

05/28/2022 – Seafood Festival-CANCELLED

The North Tampa Bay Chamber’s Summer Seafood Festival is scheduled for May 28 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., at the Tampa Premium Outlets, 2300 Grand Cypress Drive in Lutz, between the outlets and At Home. There will be seafood, crab races, a kids zone, live bands, craft beer, a local market, a Nautical Art Show, and a crab claw-eating contest. For information, call 727-674-1464. … [Read More...] about 05/28/2022 – Seafood Festival-CANCELLED

05/30/2022 – Memorial Day Ceremony

Lexington Oaks Community Center, 26304 Lexington Oaks Blvd., in Wesley Chapel, will host a Memorial Day Ceremony on May 30 from 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., in front of the big flag. There will be patriotic songs and readings, and the playing of "Taps."  The event is weather permitting. … [Read More...] about 05/30/2022 – Memorial Day Ceremony

More of What's Happening

Follow us on Twitter

The Laker/Lutz NewsFollow

Home for all your local news in Land O' Lakes, Lutz, New Tampa, Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills and Dade City.

The Laker/Lutz News
LakerLutzNewsThe Laker/Lutz News@LakerLutzNews·
22 May

SUNDAY MORNING SPORTS: Wyatt Deaton, 11, of Wesley Chapel, swam 2 miles and raised $5,900 for charity at the Swim Across America fundraising event. Great picture @MikeCamunas! Full story ---> https://buff.ly/3lktCIv

Reply on Twitter 1528367595258265600Retweet on Twitter 15283675952582656001Like on Twitter 15283675952582656001Twitter 1528367595258265600
LakerLutzNewsThe Laker/Lutz News@LakerLutzNews·
21 May

Go Pasco — Pasco County’s public bus service — is planning to use technology to enable riders to get up-to-date information to track buses in real time https://buff.ly/3aafXS6

Reply on Twitter 1528073180073574404Retweet on Twitter 1528073180073574404Like on Twitter 15280731800735744042Twitter 1528073180073574404
LakerLutzNewsThe Laker/Lutz News@LakerLutzNews·
21 May

What an AMAZING transformation! 💫 The Block is housed in a historic building that was an auto dealership in the 1920s. Now, its a venue space, a brewhouse, a restaurant, a CrossFit gym and more ---> https://buff.ly/3PsLvTo

3
Reply on Twitter 1528027975391772673Retweet on Twitter 15280279753917726731Like on Twitter 15280279753917726731Twitter 1528027975391772673
Load More...

Archives

 

 

Where to pick up The Laker and Lutz News

Copyright © 2022 Community News Publications Inc.

    Doc