Hernando County Reopens Upgraded Pine Island Park with New Amenities

Alfred McKethan Pine Island Park at 10800 Pine Island Drive near Weeki Wachee reopened with extensive repairs and new amenities following hurricane and storm damage. Completed in 2025, the work includes ADA accessible, air conditioned portable restrooms set on concrete pads, a new food truck pad, replenished sand and rebuilt sidewalks to improve and secure beach access, new and stronger pavilion roofing, concrete cornhole boards, and plans for a new playground.

The upgrades aim to restore services and extend usable season for families and visitors while improving compliance with accessibility standards and basic comfort on site. The county warns that the park can reach capacity during busy periods and may close to incoming visitors when full. To reduce congestion and the chance of a closure, residents should plan to arrive early, carpool when possible, or use public transit via Mermaid Route 9.

Operational hours and other updates are posted on the Hernando County Parks and Recreation pages, and the county maintains contact information for Parks and Recreation on its website. Those planning visits should check the county pages before travel for the latest information on capacity rules and any temporary restrictions.

The project carries practical implications for local governance and budgeting. Restoring a damaged public amenity required coordinated work across county parks, public works, and procurement, while decisions about durable materials and amenities reflect a focus on resilience and accommodating a broader range of users. Capacity limits and the recommendation to use transit highlight the need for integrated planning between parks management and county transportation services as seasonal demand grows.

For residents, the reopening restores a local recreational asset and supports nearby businesses that benefit from beach visitors. The county will need to monitor visitor patterns and maintenance needs to sustain these improvements over time. Community members with questions about operations, accessibility features, or future park investments can consult the Hernando County Parks and Recreation web pages for current hours and contact details.