ZEPHYRHILLS, Fla. — A new park has opened in the city of Zephyrhills, marking the city’s first public park to open in 40 years.

Underneath a patch of green shade, Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe takes in the view of the city’s newest addition.

“I think that this is the best park in east Pasco,” he said.

Hercules Park was opened in mid-February after five years of planning by the city. The 12-acre park is designed to help meet the recreational needs of its residents while paving the way for other future developments.

From walking trails to a splash pad area for kids along with a jungle gym, there is plenty to offer for families.

“There are other things that we hadn’t thought of that citizens ranked high,” Poe said. “So we used that information to build a park that we’re standing in today.”

Hercules Park is now one of nine parks located throughout Zephyrhills. It cost $7.5 million to build. Poe said the city had been looking at building the park for the last five years.

“It’s all about creating amenities so that our residents want to stay here,” he said. “They want to stay and enjoy Zephyrhills, specifically, and so to be able to have a park like this so they don’t have to drive to Lakeland or Tampa to experience — a lot of families are just able to walk here.”

The park is also honoring the city’s history, including elements inspired by the Hercules Powder Company, which once operated on the site more than 70 years ago.

“It’s just a great place with a lot of different opportunities for families to be able to come out and enjoy each other, and it’s all free,” Poe said.

It is also inspiring talks for what else can be done, recreationally, throughout the city.

“Now we’re looking at our entire park system and how we improve each of those parks to add that many more amenities for our citizens,” Poe said.

There are more plans on the way for parks throughout Zephyrhills. A parks master plan workshop will take place to discuss improving the city’s park system. That meeting will take place on March 19.