Park Perusal: Riverside Pavilion Park

By: Dawn B. Jeffers

Riverside Pavilion Park, Port Orange, Florida

One of a number of classic cars, customs and hot rods on display

  A short, and pleasant walk just south of my new home, is a wonderful little multi-use park located directly on the Halifax River, and it's brand new. Called Riverside Pavilion Park, it's located in the city of Port Orange, Florida. When you first enter the park, either by car or on foot, you'll notice the mature oak trees and native vegetation. I was told by a park employee that there was quite a bit of work involved clearing out the overgrowth in preparation, but you would never guess that by looking at it now. I think it looks just great, with the oak trees providing lots of shade for those hot Florida days. Under the canopy of the trees, there is a small playground for the kids to enjoy, as well as several picnic tables that are placed to give an opportunity for an outdoor meal or snack. A new building on site houses two bathrooms, water fountains, and two concession areas that plan to open in the future for sales of water, snacks, and soft drinks. There's a nice concrete walkway for walkers and bikers, with three or four seating benches placed alongside. The walkway semicircles the area which features a great kayak launch and a large, newly constructed fishing pier. During my same conversation with the park employee, I was told that plans are in the works for renting kayaks and canoes that will launch directly into the Halifax River. Already in place is an outdoor shower and faucet for personal use, as well as rinsing off the salt and dirt from kayaks and canoes. The launch has already seen a good bit of use in the short time the park has been open, as has the fishing pier. On my first visit to the pier, I was greeted by a large blue heron, waiting patiently to steal a fishy treat from an unsuspecting angler's basket! If you like local nature, there's a plentiful variety of shore birds, fiddler crabs, and on one visit, a 3 foot long black snake came slithering out from underneath the fishing pier! I was unable to determine the variety of snake, but it had no use for me, and certainly was not shy of my presence there! I left it to it's own devices. 

A lovely, shaded playground

  A former mobile home park, roughly about 10 acres in size, was bought by the city and is adjacent to the park. This area has plans for different events to take place in the near future. As I write, there is an antique car show scheduled for Sunday, May 8th, which I'll be checking out. The city also has plans to further develop a 36 acre district that will tie in to Riverwalk. This district will include shops, restaurants,stores, and plans for a multi storied condo.

Concession stand with restrooms

One of several picnic tables overlooking a canal

The brand new kayak launch

A great blue heron enjoying the view of Daytona Beach Shores from the pier

  I'm happy this new park has opened up on the beautiful Halifax River. It's perfect if you have plans to do some kayaking or fishing. It's also a great place to stroll, bike ride, or just sit and relax. And, there should never be any excuses about it being too hot to go outside.  It's on the Halifax River, where there is always a lovely, salty breeze! Go check it out!


For more on this and other parks in Volusia County, Florida, visit Volusia.org.

Indian Seats, Sawnee Mountain Preserve

Hiked up to the Indian Seats in the Sawnee Mountain Preserve. Beautiful spot.

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After a very scientific, clinical survey...

After a very scientific, clinical survey of substantial sample size of the best fly fishers on Instagram, it has been determined that the humble Bluegill is the most underrated fish species caught on a flyrod. Funny, if you think about it, the results of said survey completely negate themselves. Bluegill are our absolute favorite (in case you haven't noticed) and their accessibility to just about any angler in North America is why we chose to use their profile for The Suburban Angler logo!!

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Less Than a Quarter Mile Downstream

Hard to believe there's a major interstate less than a quarter mile downstream.  

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Such a blast on the fly!!

Got out with Steve Hudson tonight and caught a few more of these guys. Such a blast on the fly!! Too bad the run is winding down, but it was sure fun while it lasted!

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The One Pound Range!

Managed another largemouth on a popper today! According to the Release Ruler he was about 12 1/2" long, which clearly put him into the 1 pound range! I've never been one to carry a scale while fishing, so it's nice to have an easy to carry ruler that gives approximate weights!

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Poppers on the Office Pond

It was warm and sunny today so I thought I'd give poppers a try on the office pond. I figured I'd be catching bluegill, so it was a pleasant surprise when this gorgeous largemouth slammed the topwater!! Beautiful markings and a solid 11" on the Release Ruler!!

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An Incredible Day...

I got to spend an incredible day helping Steve Hudson introduce fly fishing to Georgia State University's Touch the Earth group. The day started with fly tying and casting instruction, then to a small bluegill stream to practice their new skills, then on to bigger water chasing white bass. Everyone in the group landed a fish on a fly they tied themselves!! Including this white bass caught by Michelle!! An awesome group of folks, I really hope fly fishing becomes as much a passion for them as it has for me these past few years. And, I hope I get to help Steve again with another enthusiastic group!

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You just can't beat...

You just can't beat catching bluegill on a 2 weight!!

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Another great day on the water!

 Another great day on the water! This time, white bass fishing with a whole group! Definitely not what I'm used to, but we all caught fish and we all had a fantastic day!!!

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Saturday Night's Sunset...

Saturday night's sunset with a line out. The white bass are beginning to show up, but its not quite on yet.

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It was a quiet evening on the office pond

It was a quiet evening on the office pond.

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A well spent lunch break!

A well spent lunch break!

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Proof....

Proof that there are, in fact, fish in the office pond and they will even bite a fly! Caught this beautiful bluegill on a small, black wooly bugger. I could see bass in the shallows, but they weren't interested in the bugger. There's also a small deer herd in the woods behind the building, but they're much more difficult to catch on rod and reel.

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Office Pond

The company I work for just moved into a new facility and there just happens to be a large pond out front. I guess I know where I'll be spending my lunch breaks this spring!!

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