James E. Grey Preserve
Address: 6938 Plathe Rd, New Port Richey, FL
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Fees: free, there is no entry or parking fee
ADA Accessible
Dogs not allowed
A hidden gem located in New Port Richey, James E. Grey Preserve is an 80-acre park nestled on the banks of the Pithlachascotee River. A stop on The Great Florida Birding Trail, you can explore the preserve with a leisurely paddle on the river, or roam about it’s peaceful trails.
Playground
Located just beside the parking lot, the playground is well shaded, and has a few benches to sit while watching the kids play. In addition to the playground, you can find 3 pavilions, the restroom and the Little Free Library in this area of the park.
Pavilions
The park features five pavilions, with three situated adjacent to the playground and restroom area, each equipped with a grill. The ADA-compliant pavilion can be found along the paved pathway leading from the parking lot, and does not include a grill. Lastly, the 5th pavilion is near the kayak launch, and also lacks a grill. Visit the City of New Port Richey website for reservation information.
Canoe/Kayak Launch
One of the highlights of James E. Gray Preserve is its kayak launch, which is ADA-accessible and lets you explore the Pithlachascotee River. It’s common to see turtles and a variety birds along your paddle, and on a rare occasion you may spot a gator or manatee.
Adjacent to the launch you will find a pavilion, kayak stand, bike rack and one of the parks 2 Little Free Libraries.
James E. Grey Preserve Viewing Deck
At the end of the boardwalk you’ll find the park’s Observation Deck. With two covered benches, this is a nice spot to stop and enjoy the view, and is also a popular spot for casting your line into the river.
Boardwalk and Trails
The main trail at the preserve is the 1.3 mile boardwalk and upland loop. It’s a well shaded trail with views of the Pithlachascotee River. Along the way you will find benches to rest and enjoy the scenes of the river. There are additional trails toward the back of the park, also well shaded. While not on the river, on these trails you’ll often see turtles, butterflies and big buzzing bees.
Open Green Space
Play a fun game of tag or grab a blanket and soak in the sun in the preserve’s open green space.
Little Free Library
Take a book, share a book. The park has two Little Free Libraries, one is located by the playground, and the other is near the bike rack at the kayak launch.
StoryWalk
The StoryWalk is a series of signs that display pages from a children’s story along the trail. You can read the story as you walk along the trail and follow the characters’ adventures.
Restroom
The restroom is conveniently situated near the playground and three of the park’s pavilions.
James E. Grey Preserve Photo Gallery
City of New Port Richey Directory: https://www.cityofnewportrichey.org/parks-facilities/
