The City of New Port Richey Parks and Recreation Department invites everyone to DISCOVER THE PRESERVE at the James E. Grey Preserve 6938 Plathe Road, New Port Richey from 9:00 to 11:00am on Saturday May 19, 2018.
Presented by The City of New Port Richey Parks and Recreation Department Youth Advisory Board, “Discover the Preserve” is an annual event celebrating “National Kids to Parks Day”. For the fourth annual “Discover the Preserve” celebration, a variety of activities will be presented, from a scavenger hunt and nature walk to healthy snacks and giveaways. There will be something for everyone in the family to enjoy from 9a.m. to 11a.m. This event is a great way for parents to encourage kids to unplug and spend more time outdoors. There’s no better place than James E. Grey Preserve to connect with nature in a pristine native environment.
The James E. Grey Preserve is a hidden treasure of natural wilderness just minutes from Downtown New Port Richey where a quiet raised boardwalk follows the winding path of the Cotee River. The Preserve is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, has an ADA accessible kayak launch, a playground and four shade structures with picnic tables and grills.
The City of New Port Richey Parks and Recreation Department along with their Youth Advisory Board are proud to be participating for the third year in the “National Kids to Parks Day.”
“National Kids to Parks Day” is an annual nation-wide initiative to gets kids and families into our parks. “Discover the Preserve” is a perfect way to celebrate “National Kids to Parks Day” as all generations come together to be actively engaged in the James E. Grey Preserve. “Discover the Preserve” in conjunction with “National Kids to Parks Day” is a great opportunity for parents to inspire active and healthy lifestyles, while building the next generation of American stewards to enjoy and protect our nation’s special places.
“National Kids to Parks Day” has been endorsed by the Department of the Interior’s Youth in the Great Outdoors, American Academy of Pediatrics, National Education Association and the Western Governors’ Association among many others.
For safety, visitors are encouraged to consider personal comfort needs by wearing sunscreen and appropriate footwear. Domestic animals are not allowed in the James E. Grey Preserve so please leave family pets at home.
The City of New Port Richey Recreation and Aquatic Center is a 35,000 square foot facility on 14 acres with 4 pools, two full size gyms, a dance studio, fitness center, restaurant style kitchen, and meeting rooms, situated at the edge of Downtown New Port Richey. After a $1.8 million dollar expansion project completed this year, the center boasts an expanded state of the art fitness center, additional multi-purpose rooms and an indoor playground complete with child watch for members.
The Aquatic Center has a kiddie pool, dive pool, lap pool and a plunge pool complete with a 28 foot high water slide. Tables, chairs, chaises and shade structures assure members of areas to relax and get out of the sun. Ping Pong and other outdoors games are available free of charge. Healthy snacks from the concession stand can be purchased on weekends. Pickleball is played Monday through Friday from 6am to 12:30pm with free lessons available on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
The Recreation Center is open Monday –Friday from 6am to 8pm and from 10am to 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday. The Aquatic Center lap pool is open from 8am to 7pm Monday through Friday and all four pools are open from 10am to 4:30pm on Saturday and Sunday. Memberships are available daily, monthly or annually and are open everyone, City and County Residents as well as visitors to our area.