Pasco County Parks and Recreation

About Us

Mission Statement

To improve the quality of life for Pasco County citizens by providing excellent parks and recreation facilities and program opportunities for everyone to enjoy.

History

In March of 1973, the Board of County Commissioners created the Pasco County Parks and Recreation Department. By 1974, there were three parks covering a total of five acres. By 1985, the department had expanded to 22 parks covering 435 acres. In 1986, Pasco County citizens voted favorably for a multi-million dollar bond referendum to build a new and extensive parks and recreation system. By 1993, the department had expanded to 24 parks covering close to 9,000 acres. With completion of Impact Fee funded Wesley Chapel District Park and the expansion of Land O' Lakes Recreation Complex in 2005 and Lake Lisa Park in 2008, the department now manages 37 parks covering 9,623 acres.

From it's beginning in 1973, the goal of the department has been to provide excellent parks and recreation services for the citizens of Pasco County, and to provide something for everyone.

Parks and Recreation Divisions

The Parks and Recreation Department is comprised of two divisions with the following specific responsibilities:

Administrative Services Division monitors all financial activity, including the Department's General Fund, Park Development Trust Fund, Parks and Recreation Impact Fee Funds, Florida Boating and Improvement Fund, Williamsburg West Municipal Service Taxing Unit, and various State and Federal grants. This Division is also responsible for Department-wide community resource coordination, including volunteers, planning and coordinating capital construction and maintenance projects, initiating and monitoring agreements of all types, State and Federal grants, and all agenda items prepared for submission to the Board of County Commissioners. Administrative Services coordinates with other County departments and other State and Federal organizations and agencies, such as the Florida Recreation and Parks Association, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), and the National Park Service. This division provides an extensive amount of planning and support services for Comp-Plan-guided and department-wide issues and Parks and Recreation.

Operations Division's primary responsibility is for all of the maintenance and recreational programming of 37 park facilities comprising approximately 9,623 acres. Along with day-to-day monitoring and operations, this Division is also charged with athletic turf management, significant park renovations and improvements, maintenance of waterway navigational markers and artificial reefs, the Beach/Pool Safety Program, the Summer Day Camp Program, and administration or coordination of all organized recreation activities, athletic programs, and special events.