Director, Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources
LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR
Walk in the Park offers a look back at Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) and a preview of what’s ahead. This report highlights our achievements, valuable partnerships and the economic impact of sports tourism driven by our facilities. FY24 was a year of major milestones, including the 100th anniversary of MLB Spring Training in Sarasota County and the 50th anniversary of the Sarasota BMX Track.
Looking ahead to 2025, we’ll be celebrating key projects like the 25th anniversary of the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program’s (ESLPP) first land purchase— marking 25 years of protecting the natural lands and wildlife that make our region so special.
This report also celebrates our special events and the dedicated volunteers who make our work possible. As you read, take a walk down memory lane through FY24 and step into the exciting path we’re paving for the future.
MISSION
To provide clean, safe and inclusive parks with diverse opportunities for all.
VISION
A dynamic parks system that is essential to quality of life and enriches our community through participation, connection and diverse recreational opportunities.
VALUES
Stewardship, Preservation, Innovation, Respect, Inclusivity, Teamwork, Sustainability, Health and Wellness.
Total economic impact to Sarasota County produced by sports tourism events held throughout the region (Including neighboring counties)
$113,530,895
Total economic impact produced by events supported by the Visit Sarasota County Sports Grant Program
$91,723,620
Total economic impact produced by venues owned by Sarasota County
$40,294,872
TOTAL SPORTS TOURISM VISITORS
Participants: 52,859
Spectators: 89,084
TOTAL EVENTS AND TRAININGS (Held in Sarasota County-owned venues)
152
SPORTS TOURISM
Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources identifies opportunities for economic impact and growth through a variety of sports tourism events. We work closely with Visit Sarasota County and partner with facility operators including Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy, Sarasota Sharks, Baltimore Orioles, Atlanta Braves and Sarasota BMX. Local event organizers also use PRNR-operated facilities to host tournaments and events.
Nathan Benderson Park
• 2023 ICF Stand Up Paddling World Cup
SPORTS TOURISM EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
• 2024 USA BMX Sunshine State National Championship
• 2023 Solomon Trophy International Croquet Competition
• 2024 Miss Florida Softball All-Star Tournament
• 2024 Florida Babe Ruth South State Tournament
• 2024 USRowing Youth National Championships
• 2024 USA Swimming Open Water National and Junior National Championships
• 2024 US Olympic and Paralympic Team Rowing Trials
• Olympic training in rowing, canoe-kayak and BMX
• 100th Anniversary of MLB Spring Training in Sarasota County
• 50th Anniversary of Sarasota BMX Track
100th Anniversary of MLB Spring Training in Sarasota County Commission Meeting
50th Anniversary of Sarasota BMX Track
PARK OPERATIONS
Acres reduced in backlog in prescribed fire program
289
Acres burned on natural areas
1,988
Acres treated for infestation of non-native vegetation
698 Artificial reef material deployed (In tonnage)
73
Overall customer satisfaction rating (5=very satisfied to 1=not at all satisfied) 4.6
field utilization rate (during available hours)
Campground
Did you know there are 150 parks and 233 employees working within Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources?
The Legacy Trail users
619,773
Environmental programs
251 Activity registrations
14,950
Interior space participants
267,302
Turtle Beach Campground visitors
29,629
Beach attendance (Lifeguarded beaches)
6,146,178
Recreation program participants
318,539
PEOPLE IN PARKS HIGHLIGHTS
Siesta Beach
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
QUARTER 1
• Held ribbon-cutting ceremony at Scherer Thaxton Preserve on Dec. 19 for park improvements including a new fishing pier, pavilion and restroom, as well as an upgraded kayak launch, walking trail, parking and overall park connectivity.
• Through the Neighborhood Parkland Acquisition Program, Sarasota County purchased a 0.56-acre property at 133 W. Bay St., Osprey, which will serve as an additional water access location.
• Nathan Benderson Park hosted the International Canoe Federation (ICF) Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) World Cup.
• In partnership with the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, Parks hosted the 12th annual Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Competition with over 18,500 paid attendees, 24 master sculptors and 90 vendors.
QUARTER 2
• Celebrated the 50th anniversary of Sarasota BMX and hosted the 2024 Sunshine State BMX Nationals at Youth Athletic Complex BMX Track which included over 11,600 attendees and approximately 925 riders over the three-day event.
• Hosted Fire Fest at T. Mabry Carlton Jr. Memorial Reserve with over 826 visitors attending, the second highest attendance on record.
• Held the ribbon-cutting ceremony at Red Bug Slough Preserve for park improvements including an accessible pathway to an accessible fishing pier/overlook, new playground, butterfly garden, picnic shelters and improved parking and restroom facilities.
• Completed over 745 wildfire mitigation site assessments across 58,069 acres.
• Celebrated 100 Years of Baseball Spring Training in Sarasota County.
Scherer Thaxton Preserve Ribbon Cutting
2024 Sunshine State BMX Nationals
QUARTER 3
• Through the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program, Sarasota County purchased the following properties: 43.34 acres located on Woodland Blvd. in North Port and five acres located at 3905 E. Venice Ave., Venice.
• Nathan Benderson Park hosted the USRowing Olympic Trials where five rowers were selected to compete with Team USA in Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympics.
• Hosted the annual Big Truck Day at CoolToday Park with over 6,000 people in attendance to explore more than 70 trucks.
• Hosted the Therapeutic Recreation (T-Rec) Prom at Phillippi Estate Park with over 100 participants registered.
• Held groundbreaking for the new Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Administration Building.
• Completed the North Jetty Dune Walkover Project which included reconstruction of two dune walkovers and four existing shelters. It also included construction of accessible beach showers, accessible pedestrian walkways and accessible parking.
• In collaboration with Emergency Services, safely completed prescribed burns on 3,246 acres in Quarter 3.
QUARTER 4
• Through the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program, Sarasota County purchased a conservation easement over 655 acres of Longino Ranch in eastern Sarasota County within the Myakka River watershed.
• Hosted Kids’ Summer Beach Runs with 845 participants at Siesta Beach and 451 participants at Brohard Beach.
• Hosted the Back-to-School Youth Activity Fair at Venice Community Center with nearly 300 participants and 30 vendors.
• Successfully completed the 2024 Summer Camp season serving 1,101 youth with Counselors-in-Training logging nearly 1,800 service hours. Additionally, campers read approximately 14,000 books as part of the Summer Reading Program and more than $60,000 was awarded in financial aid.
• Hosted the Florida Babe Ruth South State Baseball Tournament at Babe Ruth Park.
• Assessed damage, cleared debris and reopened parks to the public after impacts from hurricanes Debby and Helene.
AGENCY AWARDS
In February 2024, TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice rated Siesta Beach #2 in the United States and #9 in the world.
ACCREDITATIONS
American Camp Association (ACA); Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA)
Reaccreditation; American Public Works Association (APWA) Accreditation
AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
August 2024
Florida Recreation and Park Association (FRPA) - Public Relations (Electronic) - Natural Areas Story Map
July 2024
The Florida Association of the American Institute of Architects - Honor Award of Excellence New Work to Seibert Architects (Architect of Record) and Guy Peterson OFA (Conceptual Design) for Nora Patterson Bay Island Park Restroom Pavilion
June 2024
National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials (NACPRO) - Outstanding Support Organization - Friends of Phillippi Estate Park
May 2024
Small Park of the Year by The Florida and Alabama RV Park and Campground Association for Achievements of Excellence in Outdoor Hospitality Accommodations and Service - Turtle Beach Campground
February 2024, 2023, 2022, 2020, 2017, 2015 and 2011
No. 1 Beach in the United States by TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice™ Awards (2020, 2017 and 2015); No. 1 Beach in America by Dr. Beach (2017 and 2011); No. 2 Beach in the United States by TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice™ Awards (2024, 2023 and 2022), Siesta Beach
COMPLETED BOARD STRATEGIC PLAN ITEMS
Boat Access and Possible Opportunities for the County to Create More:
Presented a comprehensive report that included the following: Evaluation of current water access parks for additional improvements to support further access; Properties that are for sale or meet criteria as outlined in the item description; Feasibility for the acquisition and public use of properties identified; Evaluation of other public lands and potential expansion for water access.
Environmentally Sensitive Lands Communication and Education:
Completed the full communications plan for the promotion and education of the current Land Acquisition and Management Program, including the development of a program mark.
South County Regional Park:
The City of Venice and the Board of County Commissioners approved the Interlocal Agreement, the Conveyance Agreement for Wellfield Park, and the Funding Agreement, designating Wellfield Park as the site for the South County Regional Park.
Event Sponsorship Guidelines:
Evaluated event sponsorship opportunities and developed recommended standardized sponsorship levels and guidelines.
American Public Works Association (APWA) Accreditation:
Successfully became accredited through APWA.
Concession Agreement for Snook Haven:
The Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) was developed and a Request for Proposals (RFP) was issued for concession services at Snook Haven Park.
Future Land Acquisition and Park Referendum:
Developed a timeline and milestone dates associated with the planned 2026 park referendum.
County Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Use within Parks:
Reviewed and evaluated current and future IPM products and uses for application on athletic fields and developed a final report with recommendations.
Chapter 130 of the County Code:
Reviewed and identified proposed amendments to Chapter 130 of the Sarasota County Code.
PARK PROJECTS
SCHERER THAXTON PRESERVE
This project included a new restroom, pavilion, accessible fishing pier and an improved parking area.
(Ribbon-cutting ceremony held December 2023)
RED BUG SLOUGH PRESERVE
Improvements included an enhanced playground, an accessible trail to the fishing pier and expansion of the existing parking area. (Ribbon cutting ceremony held February 2024)
NORTH JETTY PARK
Improvements included the replacement of dune walkovers, existing picnic shelters and installation of new sidewalks and parking. (Construction completed May 2024)
PROJECTS COMPLETED IN FY24
Scherer Thaxton Preserve
Red Bug Slough Preserve
PROJECTS COMPLETED IN FY25
POTTER PARK
The addition of six lighted pickleball courts, accessibility improvements and new site furnishings. (Completed December 2024).
TWIN LAKES PARK
These improvements included upgraded play structures for ages 2-5 and 5-12 years, new swings, baseball-themed artificial turf surfacing, accessibility improvements and new site furnishings (Opened January 2025).
PHILLIPPI ESTATE PARK
Restoration of the Edson Keith Farmhouse. It will become an interpretive center featuring both temporary and permanent exhibits. (Restoration completed April 2025).
Twin Lakes Park playground
Edson Keith Farmhouse
PROJECTS UNDERWAY IN FY25
17TH STREET PARK
Phase 1 of the Athletic Complex includes eight youth softball fields including a championship field, three adult softball fields, four artificial turf multi-purpose fields and upgraded circulation systems for both pedestrians and vehicles. (Construction completion is anticipated in 2026).
RONALD FOXWORTHY CAMPUS
Three new pickleball courts, upgrades to six existing pickleball and two tennis courts, a new restroom and an upgraded playground. (The playground improvements were completed in February 2024; court improvements will be completed in 2025).
NOKOMIS COMMUNITY PARK
Project improvements include eight new lighted pickleball courts, lighting added to the existing tennis courts, new restroom facilities, a new pavilion and upgraded trails and sidewalks. (Construction completion is anticipated in 2025).
Ronald Foxworthy Campus playground
PROJECTS UNDERWAY IN FY25
PRNR ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
The PRNR administration building will house the department’s administrative functions in one location and will provide operational efficiencies with our Parks Internal Operations division that is currently located at the park. A multi-purpose building with two meeting rooms/programming spaces is also part of this project. (Construction completion is anticipated in 2025).
TWIN LAKES PARK
Improvements include six new dedicated pickleball courts, shade structure, lighting for pickleball and existing tennis courts, improved pedestrian access and upgraded site furnishings. (Construction completion is estimated in 2025).
THE LEGACY TRAIL BIFURCATED TRAIL
Design and construction of a parallel secondary trail along portions of The Legacy Trail extension to accommodate pedestrian use of the trail. The bifurcated trail will extend from Beneva Road to Shade Avenue. (Construction completion is anticipated in 2026).
VAMO DRIVE PARK
Phase I improvements include a fishing pier, installation of site furnishings, pedestrian/accessibility improvements and reorganization of parking. (Construction completion is anticipated in 2026).
VENICE GARDENS PARK
Proposed improvements include paved trails, outdoor fitness equipment, new picnic shelters, replacing and enhancing the playground, the addition of a parking area and accessibility improvements. (Construction completion is anticipated in 2026).
SNOOK HAVEN PARK
Design and construction enhancements including a new food service facility and pavilion, new bandshell, a new fishing pier and new site amenities. The project will also enhance the shoreline of the Myakka Wild and Scenic River. (Construction completion is anticipated in 2026).
LAND ACQUISITIONS
Sarasota County’s Land Acquisition and Management Program includes both the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program (ESLPP) and the Neighborhood Parkland Acquisition Program (NPP). These voter-approved and taxpayer-funded programs are designed to acquire and protect environmental lands and parklands throughout Sarasota County.
Program Overview
Since the programs began in 1999 and 2005, the county has protected over 110 properties totaling approximately 42,000 acres.
Acquiring environmental lands enhances biodiversity, protects species and habitats, and connects lands to create wildlife corridors and nature-based recreational areas.
Successful parkland acquisitions provide community access, preserve natural and cultural resources, and increase recreational opportunities for water and trail access.
WHAT ARE CONSERVATION EASEMENTS?
Conservation easements remove the land’s development rights and require the landowner, current and future, to protect the land for greenways, water quality, habitat and wildlife protection in perpetuity.
LAND ACQUISITIONS IN FY24
DECEMBER 2023
Acquired 0.52 acres of bayfront property on Little Sarasota Bay and West Bay Street in Osprey. The property was acquired for $2,200,000 through the NPP.
APRIL 2024
Acquired 43.35 acres of improved pasture, mesic hammock and depression marsh in eastern Sarasota County, within the Deer Prairie Creek Protection Priority Site. The property was acquired for $1,450,000 through the ESLPP.
APRIL 2024
Acquired 5 acres of scrubby flatwoods habitat along E. Venice Avenue, within the Sleeping Turtles South Protection Priority Site. The property was acquired for $950,000 through the ESLPP.
JULY 2024
Acquired a conservation easement over 656 acres of pine flatwoods, mixed hardwood forest, shrub and brushland, bottomland forest, wet prairie, depression marsh, improved pasture and cropland in eastern Sarasota County, within the Eastern Ranchlands Protection Priority Site. The conservation easement was acquired for $2,899,560 through the ESLPP.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Our department offers a wide range of events and activities developed with families, athletes and nature enthusiasts in mind. Highlighted here are some of FY24’s most significant occasions, provided at our beaches, natural areas and at some of our unique sporting venues. We hope that these community-wide events impact your overall quality of life as much as they impact ours.
Merry Meals with Santa Big Truck Day
Sandy Claws Beach Run
SPECIAL EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
2024 OLYMPIC TRIALS AND TRAINING
Nathan Benderson Park, Selby Aquatic Center and Sarasota BMX
Qualifiers and national team training sessions were held in rowing, canoe-kayak, swimming and BMX leading up to 2024 Paris Olympics.
SANDY CLAWS BEACH RUN
Siesta Beach
Over 750 adults and children participated in the 5K and 1-mile runs.
MERRY MEALS WITH SANTA
Newtown Estates Park, Laurel Park and Englewood Park
Provided activities and gifts for nearly 800 participants.
SUMMER KICK-OFF YOUTH ACTIVITY FAIR
Phillippi Estate Park
This event had more than 40 vendors and over 250 participants.
FOOD TRUCK RALLY
North Jetty Park
More than 1,200 people attended the November-January series.
FIRE FEST
T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve
About 826 visitors attended this event, which provides a first-hand look at how prescribed fires restore our natural areas and protect our communities.
BIG TRUCK DAY
CoolToday Park
Over 6,000 people attended and enjoyed trucks, crafts, stadium tours, pedal car races, games and more.
SPORTS TOURISM HISTORIC MILESTONES
Sarasota County celebrated 100 Years of Major League Baseball Spring Training and the Sarasota BMX track’s 50th anniversary.
THE SIESTA KEY CRYSTAL CLASSIC
Siesta Beach
A $10.5 million economic impact was produced and the event brought in 18,500 paid attendees, 24 master sculptures and 90 vendors.
BACK TO SCHOOL BASH
Venice Community Center
This event had more than 40 vendors and over 250 participants.
For information about volunteering, call 311 or visit bit.ly/parksvolunteersrq
VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers are vital to our department’s success. Many of our programs rely on people contributing their own time and resources to help ensure our parks continue to be part of a premier system. Whether it is serving as a surrey or pedicab pedaler along The Legacy Trail, assisting with special events or a park cleanup, volunteers are a branch of our success!
TOTAL HOURS
(All volunteer services provided in support of parks through partnerships and direct hours.)
Total volunteer hours
221,975
Value of volunteer hours
$7,325,175
Staff full-time equivalent 107
DIRECT HOURS
(Volunteer services provided directly through the department’s volunteer program guidelines; authorized by staff.)
Total direct volunteer hours
27,950
Value of direct volunteer hours
$922,350
Staff full-time equivalent 13
BEACH AMBASSADORS
This is a seasonal or year-round opportunity for an individual that is passionate about the outdoors and engaging the public and visitors to our parks. Whether on a beach, in a park or at the campground, our ambassadors play a key role in educating the public about local activities and the importance of conservation and environmental stewardship.
DONE IN A DAY
This opportunity can be for adults, families, organizations, businesses and teens. It can be done as a one-time event, or periodically throughout the year. Whether it is for school credit, a day of service or corporate activities to engage your employees and promote team building, we have opportunities for you!
Beach Ambassadors
FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
The department’s budget is funded through the Sarasota County General Fund, Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program (ESLPP) and Tourist Development Tax (TDT) funds. The department has a Capital Improvement Program (CIP) plan which budgets projects over the next five years. For FY24, the department operating budget was $41,531,084.
ADOPTED OPERATING BUDGET BY FUND
FY24 FAST FACTS
Adopted operating budget $41,531,084
Adopted capital budget $54,088,091
Actual revenues $15,319,530
Actual expenditures $39,393,795 Cost
capita $82
EXPENDITURES BY DIVISION
BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS
Nokomis Community Park
RECREATION
VETERANS DAY RIFLE COMPETITION
Knight Trail Park
Attendees, including many local veterans, participated in this one day event. It was free to veterans, in honor of their service.
WOODMERE BARK
Woodmere Park
Woodmere Park had a fur-tastic time exploring a paw-sitively adorable lineup of pet-related businesses and finding valuable resources to keep furry pals happy and healthy.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
Woodmere Bark
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
CHRISTMAS IN JULY CRAFT SHOW
Venice Community Center
Over 70 vendor tables and more than 2,000 shoppers attended this popular craft show.
SUMMER KICK-OFF YOUTH ACTIVITY FAIR
Phillippi Estate Park
Over 250 families came through to enjoy the day and gather information on upcoming summer opportunities in Sarasota County.
BACK TO SCHOOL BASH
Venice Community Center
This event had more than 40 vendors and over 250 participants.
Program participation at all recreation and nature centers was 374,296 in FY24.
SUMMER IN THE PARKS HIGHLIGHTS
Program overview: More than 60 programs were offered throughout the nine weeks of summer camp with user fees totaling $532,147.
Summer day camp: Offered an additional ninth week of mini-camp at two parks, one in north county and one in south county.
Specialty camps: More than 55 sessions of specialty camps were offered to include waterfront activities, STEM activities, arts and crafts, fishing, theater and more.
Summer camp
SUMMER IN THE PARKS HIGHLIGHTS
Financial assistance: Awarded a total of $69,284 in financial assistance to Sarasota County families demonstrating a financial need.
Summer reading program: Four day-camp sites participated in The Patterson Foundation’s Summer Reading Challenge, designed to reduce the summer learning slide. A total of 14,559 books were read by 564 data matched campers over the eight week summer camp program. A total of $22,960 was received from The Patterson Foundation.
Sarasota County school partnership: Continued partnership with Sarasota County Schools Food and Nutrition Services to offer free breakfast and lunch at the full-day camp programs.
