Parks and Facilities

Within its four square miles, The City of New Port Richey contains boundless Florida nature to explore and enjoy. Residents and visitors regularly visit the City’s beautiful parks, nature preserve, and state-of-the-art Recreation and Aquatics Center.

Many City parks are located along the banks of the Pithlachascotee River – or the Cotee, as it’s known by the locals. Boat docks and kayak launches are available for public river access from the parks. Swimming dolphins and manatees are a common sight on the Cotee, along with a variety of native Florida wildlife.

The City is home to James E. Grey Preserve, an 80-acre wildlife preserve featured on the Great Florida Birding Trail. The preserve is home to 140 different species of birds, as well as deer, wild boar, turtles, and manatees.

New Port Richey welcomes leashed dogs in three of its major parks: Cotee River Park, Orange Lake, and Sims Park. The City is also home to Meadows Dog Park, where canine companions are free to explore off-leash. We ask that you commit to the beautification of public spaces by cleaning up after your dog.

We invite you to experience the natural beauty of Florida and all it has to offer – right here in the City of New Port Richey.

Entry and use of the parks, including parking and launching your boat, are free of charge. The City also offers facility rentals for parties, events, and other social gatherings.

Sims Park and Orange Lake Park

Grand Blvd. and Bank St.
New Port Richey, FL

Details:
George R. Sims, one of New Port Richey’s earliest promoters, donated Sims Park (then named Enchantment Park) to the City in 1924. He died in 1954, and per his instructions was buried about 50 feet from Orange Lake without a tombstone – just a redbud tree to mark the spot (years later his remains were relocated to a cemetery). Today, Sims Park is protected by New Port Richey’s very first ordinance, Ordinance One, which ensure that Sims Park will remain the people’s park forever. Leashed dogs are welcome in Sims Park and around Orange Lake.

For information on facility rentals or to reserve a park shelter, please visit nprrec.orgopens in a new window