Nature, fun, and frolic for Klueger's write off.
Written: Mar 31 '03
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Pros: Just a perfect place to go to.
Cons: If you have allergies, they may flair up.
The Bottom Line: Want to walk, ride a bicycle, or ride a horse, then check this park out. The children just love the playground. Plenty for everyone, or relax and do nothing.
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| Susie-34668's Full Review: Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park |
Once again, Len and I have been visiting our local parks. This time Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park. This one can be hard to find, so I will give directions at the end of my review. You want to really know what Florida is all about, then this is the place for you.
There is a really long drive from the entrance to the information kiosk. Definitely stop here and pick up a map. Please turn it over and check out the 'Camping area rules', if that is what you are planning. There is also another leaflet which gives a history of the land.
Before Len had his surgery, we would put our bicycles in the minivan, and head to the the first parking lot, by Shelter 1. We would have to pass the 'bike trail' to get to this area. Now for proficient cyclists there would be no problem, riding back down to road, to join this trail. However, it was a major problem for me. I had ridden as a child, but that is going back forever. Len would have to be behind me, and out a little, to protect me from traffic.
When I got to the 'bike trail', that was a different story. One of the best around. There are markings along the way, so you know how far you have rode you bike. I would do a half a mile and then turn back. After a while I would get up to 1 mile, and make it back. That was how good I managed to get. We haven't rode our bikes in months, so probably would have to start from scratch again.
If you are not into cycling, then head over to the parking lot by Shelter 5. Here you can go on the nature trail. This is one and a third miles long, and you can't get lost. There are places along the way to check out nature. 25 stations in all. The brochure states 'It was designed to pass through and reveal the different ecosystems and habit native to the park.' The only thing I am worried about are snakes. Yes, Len did see one, on one of our visits. He pulled me away from it, as we are always holding hands.
Now if you are more athletic then try out the thirteen miles of hiking trails. These go through the flat scrub, sand pines, long leaf pines, prairie grass, sand-hill and wetland communities. Some friends of our have been through, but I am not that fit.
Last week we headed that way. Pulled in the first parking lot, and I got out my scooter. Len walked and I had fun. It is the first time I have used it this year. I went way ahead of him, then looped again, and came up behind him. After about 30 minutes, I put it back in the vehicle, and we walked. It was so pleasant, as the trees shaded the sun. We left the park before noon, as it gets extremely hot, here in Florida. Remember to take plenty of water with you. Also if you are staying for any length of time, food as well.
So what else if there.
There are 5 area shelters and 2 large pavilions, for those of you who like to have a picnic. A great kiddie playground, just by the first pavilion. There is also an open play area, by the second pavilion. The 'birding trail', has been designated by the Audubon Society. If you are into horses, then try out the 'horseback riding trail'. This run for 10 miles and passes ponds, pines, and scrubs. This trail is marked and you are asked to stay on it.
Would you fancy staying over, then how about tents, camping, or cabins. The cabins are suitable for up to 4 person, or up to 8. I will give the telephone number at the end of the review. These are very basic, but at a cost of only $15 per night. If you are in the area you can also book at the kiosk too. Camping if free, but you have to give your details to the person at the kiosk. You can also book a camp site for your tent. This is at a cost of $5. Up to 2 tents, with 8 people maximum.
Throughout the Wilderness park are plenty of restrooms. In the camping and tent areas are restrooms, with showers, and also a shelter too.
So why do I like this 8,300 acre park. It is wild and natural. We were watching the squirrels frolicing about last week. We have seen many a creature in the distance, when on the bike trail. Unfortunately they have been at a distance, and I was making sure I wouldn't fall off my bike, so couldn't look long enough to find out what they were. Come to think of it, perhaps that was a good thing.
A little history from the second leaflet.
In 1937 Jay B. Starkey and 3 partner purchased the land to use for cattle grazing. Over the next 30 years more forests were lost to development. To ensure that the land would be preserved in its natural state, Mr. Starkey approached the Southwest Florida Water Management District about public acquisition.
In 1972 Mr. Starkey donated 250 acres to the District. Since then, the District has purchased approximately 8,000 acres from the Starkey family. It was agreed that a public park would be developed. The park was opened on August 29th, 1992.
Today, this park not only provides a variety of passive recreation pursuits friendly to the environment, it also provides 14 productive well sites which serve the coastline communities of Pasco county.
So if you want to go back to nature in it's raw, then head to:
Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park,
10500 Wilderness Park Road,
New Port Richey,
Fl 34655.
Telephone 727-834 3247.
This is in West Pasco county. North of Hillsborough. If you are heading north on U.S.19, you need to turn east on S.R. 54, until you reach S.R.1 (Little Road), then go north until you see River Crossing Blvd. Turn east (right) and continue to the T junction. Turn left, and Jay B. Starkey Wilderness park will be on your right. Heading south from Hernando county follow the same directions from U.S.19. Coming from the east on S.R.54, turn on S.R.1 (Little Road) and follow the directions above. Anymore help? Leave a comment or e-mail me.
For safety reasons please go in a party, or a couple. You may not meet anyone on your travels. However, you will see birds, rabbits, squirrels, turtles, sometimes snakes, unfortunately for me, and many more creatures.
The cost. From dawn to dusk, as a day visited, free. Please abide my the rules and regulations that you can pick up from the kiosk. This kiosk is run by volunteers, who also arrange for guided tours, bird walks, hiking trails walks and educational discussions and activities.
I particularly wanted to write this one today, as my dear friend Dan, wanted us to keep his lovely wife's spirits up. She has surgery tomorrow. Prayers are coming your way Ahlstromomy.
Hope you have enjoyed reading about the wonderful parks we have in our area.
Here is my other entry.Key Vista Nature Park
Susie.
Recommended:
Yes
Best time to go: Anytime
Recommended for: Familes
Review Topic: Overview
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