John Elwell

We are nearly 4 months into the 2009 hurricane season here, and so far we have had no problems at all. It has been a rainier summer than in the past, but that is good. Our aquifers are low, and the rain we have received is much appreciated.

Let us hope that we make it through this year with no major storms hitting our state. That could encourage more insurance companies to offer policies and could possibly lower rates. Who knows? But no hurricanes is a very, very good thing.

If you have items that you wish to donate, you can drop them off at the above address. If you need more information, you can call our office during regular business hours at 813-782-5506.

So donate if you can and stop by to browse through the bargains that will no doubt be here. It is for a good cause that helps so many individuals in need of assistance!

If you would like to see a map of our location, just click on the image below. It will open to a larger version that should help you find where we are located.

• No entry fee
• Food
• Music
• 50/50 Raffle
• Door Prizes
• Cars, Cars, and more Cars!

Previously I have posted articles on Hillsborough River State Park and the Pasco County Park System. They are wonderful natural resources for us to enjoy that cost little or nothing, and are located within a short distance from where we live. What more could we want?

In addition to these many and varied public recreational facilities, we are lucky to have in Zephyrhills an excellent city park that is a jewel within our boundaries. When I first arrived here in 1982, I lived in a mobile home to the west of the city and used to come to the park often to make use of its lighted tennis courts. I always enjoyed bringing friends over for a friendly match in the cool of the evenings.

Now the park has even more to offer our residents and the people living in the surrounding areas. Much has changed since 1982. However, the park's charm remains unmarred.

The park is located on Zephyr Lake where you can see turtles, numerous water fowl, and an occasional alligator? Have never seen one, but you never know. The water level may go up and down depending on the yearly rainfall, but it still creates a beautiful backdrop, especially at sunset.

Recently constructed is a bandstand on the lake's banks. Most of the time people use this shady spot to relax while watching the park visitors, ducks, squirrels, egrets, etc.

Within the park are several pavilions where picnickers can enjoy their repasts in shaded comfort. Plenty of picnic tables to go around. When it is not mealtime, I used to spend many hours just sitting under one of these structures and watching the world pass by.

There are sidewalks and paths around the park and many residents use them as the perfect place to exercise. Whether walking, jogging or running, this is a beautiful place to stretch those muscles and work off a few calories. These include a 5/8 mile fitness path.

Don't forget to bring a few scraps of bread for the ducks and squirrels that inhabit the park. They are quite friendly and will readily take your handouts. Why look for nuts when popcorn or bread is tossed at you?

Most of the park is covered by large live oak trees and this provides welcome relief from the Florida sun. The ground is sandy and easy on the feet. And if you little one should fall, it is unlikely that a knee will get scraped.

Speaking of little ones, the city has not forgotten them at all. In recent years the city has spent several hundreds of thousands of dollars to create a water park for the small fry in your families. Here they can frolic under sprays, water drops, etc. No chance of anyone drowning and parents have shaded seating to the side where they can supervise their kids.

In addition, there is more traditional playground equipment for your children to enjoy. Swings, a slide, a jungle-gym, and a merry-go-round are there for their enjoyment. Again, the shady environment minimizes the risks of sunburn and keeps the little ones and their parents cooler. Nothing like seeing the young ones enjoying themselves in the same way that we once did "way back when!"

For adults, the tennis courts are still here and get a lot of use every day and evening. Forget paying a fortune to join a tennis club. Here you can play for free and do it in a convenient setting. Why not grab your racket and a friend and give these wonderful courts a tryout?

Also in the park is the Alice Hall Community Center. This building can be rented for functions such as parties, wedding receptions, anniversaries, etc. The price is minimal, tables and chairs are available, and it even has a kitchen attached. We had my parents' 50th Anniversary there a few years ago. One of our agents has her Thanksgiving dinners there. That way there is plenty of room, she does not have to get her house in order, and there are plenty of activities to occupy the guests (especially the small ones) while the preparations are being made. Not a bad idea, if you ask me! You can call the Zephyrhills City Hall to make arrangements to rent this facility.

I highly recommend that you make it a practice to stop by the Zephyrhills City Park from time-to-time and enjoy its ambience. So much of our days is spent running here and there. Why not come by this oasis and let it work its calming effect on you? You can find the park at: 38116 5th Avenue, just to the west of the intersection of US 301 and State Road 54/5th Avenue.

You can also visit the City of Zephyrhills Parks website to find out about other facilities they have to offer. Just click here: http://ci.zephyrhills.fl.us/index.asp Then click on the DEPARTMENTS button to find the Parks Department.

Whether you live here all year long, are a seasonal resident, or are just visiting Zephyrhills, stop by and enjoy this great venue. It is there for you to enjoy and its cost is $0.

Click on any of the images above or below to see larger versions.