a good place that's fairly near Negril that has a river running through it & also a "lazy" natural-water pool to hang out near & swim in. I'm not wanting to go really far away from Negril to a place - - I was considering Steven's Aqua Nature Park, but looking on Google Maps, that looks to be quite a ride from Negril. Can you, or any other boardie, recommend such a place nearby? In advance, thank you!

yes Jenny, Steven's Aqua Nature park is exactly what i would suggest

http://aquanaturepark.com/index.html

it's very near the place where I go .... both are in Williamsfield, which is about, oh 45 mins to an hour from Negril. i can't tell u how to get to where i go - my friends just take us there; but it's very similar to Steven's. although it's by no means a lazy-pool spot, the current runs very cold, hard, and fast where i go, it's not built up in any way & you gotta be strong to get in there. which is why Steven's might be preferable, as they have it set up nicely for visitors to swim, enjoy & have lunch. and i think they have nature walks too, in addition to swimming.

Williamsfield is the closest spot i know of - you have to go a ways inland away from the coast to reach the rivers; you're not gonna find any right near Negril.

so no matter what river you want to go to, you have to do a little work to get there. but trust me, getting to experience one of Jamaica's magnificent rivers is WELL worth the beautiful drive thru some small towns and country roads.