Pasco County has been phasing in the reopening of some of its recreational facilities.
Activities such as walking, biking, hiking, fishing or running can be done in specific locations, according to a Pasco County news release.
Groups of more than 10 will not be permitted and people must maintain social distancing from others of at least 6 feet, to help prevent the spread of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19).
There are limited access openings at Pasco County parks, listed below. Restrooms remain closed unless noted, so please plan accordingly:
- Withlacoochee River Park, Dade City
- Aripeka Sandhills Preserve, Hudson
- Boy Scout Preserve, New Port Richey
- Crews Lake Wilderness Park, Spring Hill
- Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, New Port Richey
- Key Vista Nature Park, Holiday
- Lake Lisa Park, Port Richey
- Pasco Palms Preserve, New Port Richey
- Upper Pithclachascotee Preserve, Spring Hill
- Robert J. Strickland Memorial Park, Hudson
These public boat ramps remain open:
- Anclote River Park, Holiday (restroom access)
- Robert J. Strickland Memorial Park, Hudson
- Moon Lake Park, New Port Richey
- Middle Lake, Dade City
- Eagle Point Park, kayak and canoe, New Port Richey
These trails remain open
- The Suncoast Trail
- Starkey Boulevard Trail
- Starkey Gap Trail
The county also recently reopened these additional locations, effective May 2:
- Anclote River Park
- Anclote Gulf Park
- Eagle Point Park
- Moon Lake Park
- Robert K. Rees Memorial Park
SunWest Park will be open to 100 cars at a time, in addition to annual passholders.
All Pasco County recreation complexes, community centers and playgrounds remain closed.
All events, activities, youth and adult sports leagues, special event reservations, pavilions, camp/RV grounds, cabin rentals, field reservations and any other reservations also remain closed until further notice.
The status of summer camp programs is not yet known. The county is awaiting updates from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to determine how it can safely offer its summer camp program.
Gov. Ron DeSantis also announced that the state’s parks would reopen, effective May 4.
In Hillsborough County, officials reopened most of its nature preserves and the boat ramp at E.G. Simmons Conservation Park on May 2. It also reopened several conservation parks, along with walking trails at six neighborhood parks on May 4.
Residents will be required to follow social distancing guidelines, and portions of the parks will remain closed, including playgrounds, picnic areas, and kayak/canoe facilities.
The following conservation parks reopened at 8 a.m., on May 4:
- Flatwoods Conservation Park, 14302 Morris Bridge Road, Thonotosassa, and 18205 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Tampa
- Morris Bridge Off-Road Biking Area, 12651 Morris Bridge Road in Thonotosassa
- Alderman’s Ford Conservation Park, 100 Alderman’s Ford Park Drive, Plant City, for hiking and biking only
- Upper Tampa Bay Trail and all parking areas
Walking trails are open at these neighborhood parks:
- Jackson Springs Community Center, 8620 Jackson Springs Road in Tampa
- Northdale Community Center, 15550 Spring Pine Drive, Tampa
- Carrollwood Village Community Park, 4680 W. Village Drive, Tampa
- Ruskin Community Center, 901 6th St. S.E., Ruskin
- Apollo Beach Community Center, 664 Golf and See Blvd., Apollo Beach
- All People’s Life Center, 6105 E. Sligh Ave., Tampa
All other parks remain closed.
Published May 06, 2020
