The Pasco County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources department has announced plans to close, demolish, and reconstruct a 1,500-foot wooden boardwalk at the Upper Pithlachascotee River Preserve. Located in Spring Hill at 17135 Minneola Drive, this elevated pathway currently leads visitors through the floodplain to an ancient bald cypress tree that is over 200 years old. The closure will remain in effect until reconstruction begins sometime in 2027, during which time some vegetation has already begun to overgrow the path. This boardwalk connects approximately two miles of nature trails including the scrub loop and Ryals Branch, offering easy-packed earth and shell paths for visitors. The preserve encompasses 129 acres of protected land featuring a nature center, playground, open fields, and hiking trails that support diverse wildlife species.
Key Points:
- The 1,500-foot wooden boardwalk at the Upper Pithlachascotee River Preserve will be closed for demolition and reconstruction starting in 2027.
- The preserve is located at 17135 Minneola Drive in Spring Hill and features an ancient bald cypress tree over 200 years old.
- The property was the first acquired through Pasco County’s ELAMP program using funding from the Penny for Pasco sales tax.
