Who: Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing and Basin Board members and staff, Hernando County commissioners and Parks and Recreation Department staff, the Sensitive Lands Committee
What: The District, County and the Sensitive Lands Committee are celebrating the rededication of Bayport Park.
Bayport Park was originally developed in the 1950s with boat launch facilities and a fishing pier. The 1.5-acre historic park site, located at the tip of an upland peninsula, is owned by Hernando County. The upland peninsula borders the western portion of an 869-acre tract purchased by the District in 1999.
As part of a cooperative effort, the park has been expanded to include 10 acres of District-owned land. The entire park has undergone a $1.4 million renovation that includes a 144-foot scenic boardwalk along the coastline, nature trails, shelters, a pavilion, new restrooms, an upgraded boat ramp and additional parking for boat trailers.
When: Thursday, May 15, 10 a.m.
Where: The park is located at 4140 Cortez Blvd. in Spring Hill.
District Contact: Colleen Kruk, 800-492-7862, ext. 4471 or (352) 279-3876
Bayport Park Fact Sheet
Bayport Park was originally developed in the 1950s with boat launch facilities and a fishing pier. It is one of the most popular parks in Hernando County.
The park site is notable because it was used as a battery during the Civil War and debris from this event is still visible on the property.
The 1.5-acre historic park site, located at the tip of an upland peninsula, is owned by Hernando County. The upland peninsula borders the western portion of an 869-acre tract purchased by the District in 1999.
As part of an interlocal agreement, the District and the county agreed to share the costs of acquiring the 869-acre tract with the understanding that the county would use up to ten acres of the property to expand the historic park. As part of the agreement, the District’s Governing Board and Coastal Rivers Basin Board, allowed the county to redirect the $1.4 million it planned to contribute toward acquisition costs for the park expansion instead.
In addition to providing additional parking, the goal of the expansion was to create more areas for park patrons to experience the natural coastline and to protect the propertys historical and cultural aspects.
The renovations included more parking, upgraded boat ramp, shelters, pavilion, a scenic boardwalk along the coastline, nature trails and new restrooms. The park’s septic tanks were also removed and the new facilities are connected to the Countys sewer system to improve water quality. The County will also be installing public signage to provide information about the history of Bayport and the ecology of the area.