Ernie Wever Youth Park gives families a place to gather outdoors in Brooksville.
Park Location and Amenities
Hernando County lists Ernie Wever Youth Park as a 113-acre property off U.S. 98 North in Brooksville, open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. The county describes it as its largest sports complex, with eight baseball and softball fields and two tee-ball fields. Listed amenities include picnic shelters and tables, pavilions and grills; two pavilions are available to rent. Details are on the Hernando County parks website.
History and Facility Reservations
The Hernando Sun reports that Ernie Wever Youth Park was established in the mid-1980s, after the Hernando Youth League had played at several locations around the area. For facility-use requests, Hernando County's posted form says a request is not confirmed until an authorized Recreation employee signs, dates, reviews and approves it.
Park History and Recent Improvements
In March, members of the Weeki Wachee Area Club and Hernando Environmental Land Protectors unveiled two memorial pavilions at Rogers Park, according to the Hernando Sun. The county built them, while the club and HELP each donated funds for one. The pavilions were dedicated as the Audrey Holley and Kay Shaffer Pavilions, honoring two longtime club members.
The Hernando Sun reported that construction took only a couple of days. Its report also said the effort began after Weeki Wachee Area Club President Mary Ann Johnson told the county's Parks and Recreation Department that more covered areas were needed.
At Ernie Wever Youth Park, Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative, Florida Drilling and Geopoint donated and installed 12 poles and nine lights at the park's four baseball fields in May 2024, according to the Hernando Sun. The fields had not previously been lit.
