About Palm Harbor Parks & Recreation

Palm Harbor is an unincorporated area within Pinellas County. Palm Harbor Parks and Recreation (PHPR) is a nonprofit organization that oversees some county properties. We, along with the Palm Harbor Library, are overseen by a volunteer board called the Palm Harbor Community Service Agency (PHCSA, pronounced Fix-sa). PHCSA was established in 1985 according to Pinellas County Ordinance 85-28, to provide library and recreation services to the Palm Harbor Community Services District residents, a municipal services taxing unit. The 0.5 mills ad valorem tax, voted on by the residents of Palm Harbor, is allocated to library and recreation services. Any additional funds needed to operate are raised independently by each entity.

Origin and History

Our Beginnings – Palm Harbor Recreation League

The organization of recreational activities in Palm Harbor began when a group of volunteers aimed to create safe playing environments for residents, similar to those found in neighboring cities. In 1980, these volunteers established the Palm Harbor Recreation League. By 1985, the league became an integral part of the Community Services Agency (PHCSA), providing guidance and direction for leisure services in Palm Harbor. Since then, Palm Harbor Recreation has managed several facilities within the Palm Harbor area.

The Centre
In 1999, a Senior Center was established with funding from the Penny for Pinellas program, state grants from Florida, and a substantial contribution from the North Pinellas Community Action Council. The Centre quickly became the hub of activity for the local senior population. However, within four years, it began to face financial difficulties due to a lack of steady, ongoing funding.

At the same time, the Parks and Recreation Department was operating from a small local house, which had become inadequate for its needs. Both organizations sought a partner to support their operations. A proposed merger involved Parks and Recreation taking over operations at the Senior Center, which would sustain the Centre while allowing Parks and Recreation to manage local fields.

In 2004, this experimental merger between the Senior Center (The Centre) and Parks and Recreation was deemed successful and was subsequently made permanent.

Centre Field

Nestled behind the Centre is a full-size football and soccer field that is utilized by local schools and clubs for their sports programs. The field is open to the public and available for rent.Situated behind the Centre lies a spacious, full-size football and soccer field, perfectly maintained for athletic activities. This versatile field serves as a key resource for local schools and sports clubs, providing a dynamic space for their various programs and events. It is also open to the public, making it an excellent option for community members interested in playing or practicing their skills. For those seeking to organize a game or event, the field is available for rent, offering a welcoming venue for sports enthusiasts of all ages.

Putnam Park
The county-owned park has been part of Palm Harbor Recreation’s portfolio since 1993. It was named after Steven J. Putnam, a volunteer who was instrumental in the Recreation League.

Sunderman Park
This multi-sport complex was built by local residents who organized fundraising and managed the construction themselves, enlisting several local companies to create this recreational playground.

Pop Stansell Park
This park has been part of Palm Harbor Parks and Recreation since 2012. It boasts a rich history that dates back many years. This 5-acre waterfront park features a boat ramp to the Intracoastal Waterway and a fishing pier.

5-acre waterfront park that sports a boat ramp to the Intracoastal and a fishing pier.

Rheba Sutton White Chapel and Harbor Hall

This historic chapel sits beside a reception hall in Historic downtown Palm Harbor.

As part of an overall downtown revitalization program, Pinellas County purchased the property in 1999, restored the Chapel and built the adjacent Harbor Hall which complements the historic chapel. Palm Harbor Parks and Recreation has managed the event venues since 2015.

We are confident that Palm Harbor Parks & Recreation, along with its facilities, parks, and multi-sport complexes, will continue to be a vital part of the Palm Harbor community. We believe that it will maintain a strong and mutually beneficial relationship with the community that established it.

PHCSA Meeting Agendas

The PHCSA agency proudly manages all recreation and library department funds while hiring the directors for Palm Harbor Parks & Recreation, the Palm Harbor Library, East Lake Community Library, and the East Lake Recreation Services District. Comprised of eight appointed members who serve two-year terms, the professional Board conducts monthly meetings on the third Wednesday at 7:00 pm. The meeting location rotates each month as each entity hosts. The Public is welcome to join our open meetings.