The City of New Port Richey issued a press release this morning announcing the closure of Sims Park on Tuesday, June 16th for construction of improvements. Previously, a section of Grand Boulevard has been closed to link the park areas around Orange Lake to the main park at Sims.
The park will remain closed to public for the duration of the construction, which should be some time in the fall of 2015.
Sims Park was originally known as “Enchantment Park,” but when the land was donated to the City of New Port Richey by George Sims as the first official act of the City, it was renamed as “Sims Park.” The renovations will cost approximately $2 million and include a splash pad, a new playground, shading structures and a kayak launch. A majority of the project will include the integration of the Orange Lake area of the park with the main area and will have space for vendors for special events. A brick pathway will also continue where the Orange Lake Circle road will be closed so that the Chasco Parade can proceed through the park. The plan includes the installation of bollards at that location.
See the full text of the press release below:
The New Port Richey Parks and Recreation Department is proud to announce that construction for the Sims Park Improvement Project is tentatively scheduled to begin on June 16, 2015. As a result, Sims Park will be closed to the public as of June 15, 2015 and will remain closed until the project is completed. Improvements to the park will include a new playground, splash pad, shade structures and kayak launch. Frances Avenue Park and the James E. Grey Preserve are available as alternate picnic and playground locations. For more information, please contact Elaine Smith, Parks and Recreation Director, at (727) 841-4560, via e-mail at smithe@cityofnewportrichey.org or visit the City’s website at www.citynpr.org.
How in the world is this going to complete by the fall of 2015?
Will the main street blast still go on June 26 and 27th?
Kenneth,
Judy deBella Thomas replied below, but I clarified with her that indeed the Main Street Blast will be taking place on the 26th and 27th of June. It will be hosted in the downtown area along Grand Boulevard near Nebraska.
Let me know if you have any further questions, or contact New Port Richey Main Street at http://nprmainstreet.com
There are some critical components of the park plan that must be completed by early December to comply with grant money tied to the project; specifically the children’s playground.
The friendly KIAFEST Main Street Blast will still take place June 26 and 27th but it will be staged in the historic downtown district – with the fireworks over Orange Lake as usual. Same great music, family friendly activities, “Be the Match” KIA Trolley pull, classic car cruise-in, and great music.
I still wonder how the city can close down a portion of SR595 which is Grand Blvd. we used to receive funding for this road. Wonder if we still do ? I remember Mayor Altman stating that we had to keep the road open even if one way . Funny how we can do it now. Seems like all of us who pay more in waterfront taxes will be finding new longer routes home. Remember that for elections
The plan look like there will be no east bound traffic from sims to the circle. I now have to travel blocks out of my way to home where I live on Grand.
I hope that they leave some of those beautiful trees.
Ohh boo. Suck it up and drive an alternative route. Its no dofferent than if they were to tear the pavement up and pour new roads. Everything is in close proximity around there and not that far out of your way. And since you pay water front taxes, it should be no worries for you to drive a few extra blocks like it really does damage to gas guage.
Melissa,
Do please keep your replies cordial. This is meant as a community website, not a place for Facebook or Youtube comments.
Thank you!
Jon Tietz
NewsPortRichey Editor
I think this is a great idea, I would love to have a local splash park.
That’s great! Close the park in the summer when the kids need it and open it up after they’re all back in school! Wow, the thinkers over in NPR sure have their stuff together…
I am excited about the new park and splash parks opening. My kids make us go by there all the time to see the progress. We will be so excited to see the park reopen.