SARASOTA COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES
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TABL E OF C ONT E NT S Letter from the Director / Mission, Vision, Values ..............................1 Agency Awards and Recognitions......................................................2 Completed Board Strategic Plan Items..............................................3 Accomplishments...........................................................................4-5 Park Operations..............................................................................6-7 Land Acquisition.............................................................................8-9 Sports Tourism........................................................................... 10-11 Recreation and Neighborhood Parks........................................12-15 Special Events...........................................................................16-17 Volunteers..................................................................................18-19 Park Projects.............................................................................20-23 Financial Overview....................................................................24-25
The Legacy Trail
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Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources (PRNR) is dedicated to providing exceptional natural spaces, diverse sports facilities and safe recreational environments that serve people of all ages and abilities. From playgrounds and beaches to trails, preserves, sports complexes and recreation centers, PRNR offers residents and visitors a wide range of opportunities to stay active, healthy and connected.
SHAWN YEAGER Director, Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources
As our community continues to grow, PRNR strives to offer a diverse range of recreational experiences, enhance and expand parks and facilities, improve operational efficiency and strengthen our outreach.
To guide our efforts and progress toward achieving the goals outlined in the Parks, Preserves and Recreation Strategic Master Plan (Parks Master Plan), PRNR has developed a comprehensive five-year strategic plan. This plan is closely aligned with Sarasota County’s Comprehensive Plan and the 2026 Enterprise Strategic Plan, ensuring coordination with broader county goals and objectives. This year, one of PRNR’s key priorities is updating the Parks Master Plan to reflect evolving community needs, address emerging trends and ensure continued stewardship of Sarasota County’s natural and recreational resources. The PRNR Strategic Plan provides a roadmap for achieving these goals, which supports a vibrant, active and sustainable community for future generations.
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: We responsibly manage and protect our natural, cultural and financial resources to ensure they endure for future generations. INNOVATION: We embrace creative thinking, technology and new approaches to improve park experiences, expand access, and meet evolving community needs. RESPECT: We foster a culture that welcomes all people, places and perspectives, ensuring that everyone feels accepted in our spaces. TEAMWORK: We foster a culture of collaboration where different perspectives are valued and work across teams to deliver exceptional results. QUALITY OF LIFE: We champion active lifestyles, mental well-being and community connection by providing safe, engaging spaces. 11
AGENCY AWARDS In 2025, TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice™ rated Siesta Beach No. 1 in the United States.
AC C R ED I TAT I O N S Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) Reaccreditation American Camp Association (ACA) American Public Works Association (APWA) Accreditation A W A R D S A N D R E C O G N ITIO N S National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials (NACPRO) – Conservation: Land Acquisition and Management Program Rebranding and Community Education Plan Florida Recreation and Park Association (FRPA) – Voluntary Service Group: Friends of Lemon Bay Park Travel + Leisure’s “World’s 50 Best Beaches” report ranked Siesta Beach as the best beach in the United States, the 12th best beach in North America, and 42nd in the world. Siesta Beach was the only beach in the U.S. to make the global list. No. 1 Beach in the United States by TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice™ Awards (2025, 2020, 2017 and 2015); No. 2 Beach in the United States by TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice™ Awards (2024, 2023 and 2022) – Siesta Beach
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COMP L ETED B OA RD S T RAT E G I C P L AN I TE M S Long Range Funding Plan Considerations for Making Wellfield a Regional Park: Provided a proposed timeline and funding options for the redevelopment of Wellfield Park and presented to the Sarasota County Commission.
25-Year Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program (ESLPP) Anniversary Promotion: Developed and executed a communications plan to promote the 25-year anniversary of the first Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program (ESLPP) purchase.
Concessions at 17th Street Regional Park: Issued an Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) for concession services at 17th Street Regional Park.
Nathan Benderson Park Indoor Sports Complex and Boathouse: Provided an update on Nathan Benderson Park Indoor Sports Complex and Boathouse project design and construction plans with an updated project cost to the Sarasota County Commission.
City of Venice Park Interlocal Agreement and Wellfield Park Conveyance: Received approval from the Sarasota County Commission and the City of Venice for a new interlocal agreement, an agreement for conveyance of real property and a funding agreement for Wellfield Regional Park.
ESLPP 25th Anniversary celebration
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FY25 ACCOMPLISHMENTS • Celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the first purchase of the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program (ESLPP). • Assessed damage, cleared debris and reopened parks to the public following impacts from hurricanes Helene and Milton. • Sandbags were made available to the public before storms in June through September as part of community preparedness efforts. • Cleared more than 150 miles of trails and firebreaks of storm debris and mitigated wildfire risks. • Completed renovations at Turtle Beach Campground following severe damage during the 2024 storm season and fully reopened to the public. • Eight AmeriCorps volunteers completed four months of service, assisting with storm recovery by clearing vegetation along 14 miles of fence lines and conducting wildland fire community outreach. • Treated more than 900 acres of exotic and invasive plant species and removed more than 1,800 invasive animal species.
Turtle Beach Campground
• Planted 568 trees across multiple park sites, with 133 funded through the County Reforestation Fund. • Continued the long-term Manasota Key marine turtle tagging project with 23 team members, including 17 county staff and six trained volunteers. • Acquired nine properties totaling 39.76 acres through the ESLPP and the Neighborhood Parkland Acquisition Program (NPP). • Held ribbon-cutting ceremonies for pickleball improvement projects at Potter Park, Nokomis Community Park and Foxworthy Campus. Improvements at Nokomis Community Park also included a connection to The Legacy Trail; Foxworthy Campus improvements also included new restrooms and a walking trail. • Collaborated with the Florida Department of Transportation to open The Legacy Trail overpasses at Clark Road and Bee Ridge Road. • Held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the grand reopening of the historic Phillippi Estate Edson Keith Farmhouse.
The Legacy Trail Clark Road overpass
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Accomplishments (continued) • New lighted artificial turf multipurpose fields were opened at Oak Park and Skye Ranch schools. • Conducted a community needs assessment survey in March, receiving 1,282 responses to guide future programs, amenities and facilities. • Hosted public meetings for 17th Street Regional Park, Red Rock Park and Pinecraft Park with more than 130 registrants. Big Truck Day
• Launched the Agents of Discovery program at multiple park sites in partnership with University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension and Sustainability. • Delivered diverse summer camp programs to 2,123 campers across six county sites and specialty locations. In partnership with The Patterson Foundation, secured $18,000 through the Suncoast Summer Reading Challenge to support summer reading activities. • The Therapeutic Recreation (T-REC) program hosted multiple events each month, including Glow Bingo Nights, a holiday party and T-REC Prom, serving an estimated 3,450 participants and volunteers. • Hosted signature events including Fire Fest!, Big Truck Day, Sandy Claws Beach Run and Holly Jolly Holiday Party, drawing an estimated 13,850 participants. • In partnership with the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, hosted the Annual Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Competition, welcoming more than 20,000 paid attendees, 24 master sculptors and more than 90 vendors.
Holly Jolly Holiday Party
• Hosted major sporting events, including the Under 21 Croquet World Championships, International Team BMX training, Sarasota Cup Soccer Tournament, International Canoe Federation Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) World Championships, Florida Scholastic Rowing Association Sculling and Sweeps Championships and USRowing Youth National Championships. Total economic impact from sports tourism events in FY25 exceeded $111.8 million. • Volunteers contributed more than 167,650 total direct and indirect hours to county parks. Beach Ambassadors donated more than 2,110 hours of service in FY25. • Hosted PRNR staff workdays at Knight Trail Park and Lakeview Park, with 116 staff participating in invasive removal, site improvements and educational sessions. • Received notice of award and alternate funding totaling more than $2.8 million from local, state and federal agencies to support operations and projects.
Lakeview Park workday
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PARK OPERATIONS Acres burned on natural areas
Overall customer satisfaction rating (5=very satisfied to 1=not at all satisfied)
2,289
4.52
Acres reduced in backlog in prescribed fire program
Athletic field utilization rate (during available hours)
428
67%
Acres treated for infestation of non-native vegetation
Turtle Beach Campground occupancy
818
75%
Artificial reef material deployed (in tonnage)
70.76
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Playgrounds
14
Beaches
86
Athletic fields
9
Recreation centers
2
Nature centers
61
Did you know there are 150 parks and over 250 employees working within Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources? The Legacy Trail users
615,504
Environmental programs
212
Activity registrations
9,865
Interior space participants
232,510
Turtle Beach Campground visitors
15,873
Beach attendance (Lifeguarded beaches)
5,896,840
Recreation program participants
74,537
PEOPLE IN PARKS HIGHLIGHTS North Jetty Park
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LAND ACQUISITION
Sarasota County’s Land Acquisition and M anagement 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 t o acquire and protect environmental lands and parklands throughout Sarasota County.
P R O G R A M OV E R V I E W Since the programs began in 1999 and 2005, the county has protected over 133 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 development rights from land and require the landowner, current and future, to protect their land for native habitat and wildlife protection, water quality and open space in perpetuity.
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LAND AC Q U ISITIO N S I N F Y25 JA N UA RY 2 0 2 5
Acquired 4.14 acres of mangrove, mesic hammock and remnant scrub habitat on Lemon Bay Drive in Venice. The property was acquired for $350,000 through the ESLPP. Acquired 5 acres of mesic hammock and remnant scrubby flatwoods along East Venice Avenue, within the Sleeping Turtles South Protection Priority Site. The property was acquired for $950,000 through the ESLPP.
FEB RUA RY 2 0 2 5
Acquired 14.50 acres as part of a conservation easement consisting of scrubby flatwoods, coastal hammock, mesic hammock and wetland habitats along South Tamiami Trail in Sarasota. The property was acquired for $821,666.57 through the ESLPP.
JUN E 2 0 2 5
Acquired a 2.25-acre parcel located east of the Celery Fields Regional Stormwater Facility. This was purchased through NPP as a park parcel and there is limited intact habitat onsite. The property was acquired for $575,000 through the NPP.
SEPTEM B E R 2 0 2 5
Acquired a 0.76-acre parcel located adjacent to The Legacy Trail and north of Bee Ridge Road. The property was acquired for $650,000 through the NPP. Acquired 0.25 acres of mesic hammock habitat extending Deer Prairie Creek Preserve on Durango Avenue in North Port. The property was acquired for $40,000 through the ESLPP. Acquired 1.96 acres of mangrove habitat on Siren Road in Venice. The property was acquired for $75,000 through the ESLPP. Acquired a 5-acre parcel that expands Sleeping Turtles Preserve South on East Venice Avenue in Venice. The property was acquired for $1.3 million through the ESLPP. Acquired 5.94 acres of property adjacent to Senator Bob Johnson’s Landing for $6 million through the NPP. 91
Total economic impact to Sarasota County produced by sports tourism events held throughout the region (Including neighboring counties)
$117,115,737
Total economic impact produced by events supported by the Visit Sarasota County Sports Grant Program
$98,616,650
TOTAL SPORTS TOURISM VISITORS Participants: 48,684 Spectators: 68,442 TOTAL EVENTS AND TRAININGS (Held in Sarasota County-owned venues) 130
Total economic impact produced by venues owned by Sarasota County
$34,429,751
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.
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S P ORT S TO U RI S M E VE NT HI GHL I GHT S
Englewood Sports Complex
Sarasota BMX
Nathan Benderson Park
• 2025 Under-21 Golf Croquet World Championships
• 2025 FL Scholastic Rowing Association Championships
• 2025 Prospect Wire Baseball National Championship
• 2025 USRowing U19 National Team Trials
• 2025 Florida Babe Ruth South State Tournament
• 2024 ICF Stand Up Paddling (SUP) World Championships
• 2025 USRowing Youth National Championships
• 2024 FHSAA Swimming Districts
• 2025 USA Swimming Open Water National and Junior National Championships
• Special Olympics SUP State Championships
• 2025 FL Swimming Age Group Championships
• AVP Next Beach Volleyball Tournament
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RECREATION AND NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS T H ER A PE U T I C R E C R E ATIO N (T- REC) T-REC Center Our multiple T-REC events hosted 3,450 participants this year. This includes T-REC prom, the Halloween dance, summer barbecue, bingo and more!
G U LF COAS T GAME S FOR LIF E Locations throughout Sarasota County, Manatee County and the City of North Port Over 300 participants in FY25.
W I TC H E S N I G H T O U T Phillippi Estate Park Nearly 200 participants joined this seasonal event.
T-REC prom
Gulf Coast Games for Life
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EVENT H IG H L IG H T S
Program participation at all recreation and nature centers was
374,296
FA R M H O U S E MA R K E T Phillippi Estate Farmhouse Market This seasonal market featured over 40 vendors providing participants the opportunity to experience the best of fresh produce, prepared foods, artisanal products and live music.
in FY25.
H I S T O RY DAY I N T H E PA R K Phillippi Estate Park Over 1,000 participants attended this event. Patrons enjoyed historical vendors, historical interpreters, tours of the newly remodeled farmhouse and an overall great day in the park.
History Day in the Park
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SUMME R IN TH E PARK S H I G H LI GHT S
Summer camp
Program overview: Camp sessions were offered this summer, with many camps providing concurrent sessions. Program fees collected totaled $719,445 (excluding scholarships). 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: In total 2,111 campers enrolled in 2025 Summer Camps at our day, adventure and specialty camps. Our day and adventure camp programs hosted 1,218 and specialty camps had 893 enrolled.
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SUMMER IN TH E PARK S H I G H LI GHT S Financial assistance: Nearly $65,000 was awarded in financial aid to support families attending our day and adventure camps. Summer reading program: In partnership with Patterson Foundation for the Suncoast Summer Reading Challenge, our day and adventure camps provided opportunities for summer reading through camp activities. Campers logged 296,785 minutes read this summer. In total $18,000 was awarded by 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.
Summer camp
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T-REC Glow Bingo
Youth Activity Fair
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 FY25’s most significant occasions, provided at our beaches, community centers, 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.
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S PECIA L EV EN T H I G H LI GHT S 2 025 U S R O W I N G YO U T H N AT I O N A L C H A M P I O N S H I P S A N D YO U T H B E A C H S P R I N T N AT I O N A L C H A M P I O N S H I P S Nathan Benderson Park and South Lido Beach Qualifiers and national team training sessions were held in rowing, canoe-kayak and swimming. SA N DY C L A W S B E AC H RU N Siesta Beach Over 753 adults and children participated in the 5K and 1-mile runs. HO L LY J O L LY H O L I DAY PARTY Newtown Estates Park, Laurel Park and Englewood Sports Complex Provided activities and gifts for nearly 470 participants. SU M M ER K I C K - O F F YO U TH AC TI V I TY FA I R Phillippi Estate Park This event had more than 40 vendors and over 250 participants. FOO D TRU C K R A L LY North Jetty Park More than 1,200 people attended the annual series from November through January.
FIRE FEST! T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve About 723 visitors attended this event, which provides a first-hand look at how prescribed fires restore our natural areas and protect our communities. BIG TRU CK DAY CoolToday Park Over 6,500 people attended and enjoyed trucks, crafts, stadium tours, pedal car races, games and more. U N D E R - 21 G O L F C R O Q U E T WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS Participants from 10 countries competed at the Sarasota County Croquet Club. TH E SIESTA KE Y CRYSTAL CLAS S IC Siesta Beach A $10.5 million economic impact was produced and the event brought in over 20,000 paid attendees, 24 master sculptors and 90 vendors. YO U TH ACT IVIT Y FAIR Venice Community Center This event had more than 35 vendors and over 400 participants.
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For information about volunteering, visit bit.ly/parksvolunteersrq call 311 or 941-861-5000.
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 H O U RS
DIRE CT HOURS
Total volunteer hours
Total direct volunteer hours
Value of volunteer hours
Value of direct volunteer hours
Staff full-time equivalent
Staff full-time equivalent
(All volunteer services provided in support of parks through partnerships and direct hours.)
225,821
$7,389,779 90
Volunteer Event
(Volunteer services provided directly through the department’s volunteer program guidelines; authorized by staff.)
23,877
$787,941 11
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B EAC H AMBA S S A D O R S 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.
Beach Ambassadors
D ON E I N 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!
VOLUNTEER PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Done in a Day
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PARK PROJECTS PROJEC TS C O M PL E T E D I N F Y25 OA K PA RK F I E L D A ribbon-cutting was held for the new artificial turf field at Oak Park School, to be maintained and operated by Sports Tourism, Facilities and Programs staff. Programming began this summer with a soft opening before the busy fall season. (Ribbon-cutting ceremony held April 2025).
Oak Park Field
RONA L D F OX WO RT H Y CAMPU S Construction of three new pickleball courts, upgrades to the six existing pickleball courts and two tennis courts, accessibility improvements and a new restroom. (Ribbon-cutting ceremony held September 2025). NO KO M I S C O M MU N I T Y 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. (Ribbon-cutting ceremony held May 2025).
Ronald Foxworthy Campus
TH E L EG AC Y T R A I L B I FU RCATED TRAIL Design and construction of a parallel secondary trail along portions of The Legacy Trail extension from Beneva Road to Shade Avenue. (Ribbon-cutting ceremony held April 2025) KENSI NG TO N PA R K Improvements included perimeter fencing and gates, a parking area with ADA accessible parking, open grass areas, concrete sidewalks, two-pole shelters, picnic tables with ADA seating, grills, benches and playgrounds for ages 2-5 and ages 5-12. (Ribbon-cutting ceremony held October 2025). Kensington Park
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P ROJE C TS C O M PL E T E D I N F Y26 TW I N L AK E S PA R K Improvements include six new dedicated pickleball courts, shade structure, reconstructed tennis courts, lighting for the pickleball and tennis courts, improved pedestrian access and upgraded site furnishings. PR N R A DM I N I S T R AT I O N BU ILDIN G The PRNR administrative building houses the department’s administrative functions in one location, providing operational efficiencies with the Parks Internal Operations Division, which is currently located at the park. The project also included a community building with two meeting rooms/programming spaces. (A combined ribbon-cutting ceremony held June 2026). PRNR Administration Building ribbon-cutting
Twin Lakes Park improvements
Twin Lakes Park Community Building
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PROJE C TS U N D ERW AY I N FY2 6 17 TH ST R E E T R E G I O NAL PARK Phase I 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). SN OO K H AV E N PA R K Design and construction of park enhancements including a new food service facility with pavilion, new bandshell, a new fishing pier, improved pedestrian circulation with lighting and new site furnishings. (A groundbreaking ceremony was held in May 2025. Construction completion is anticipated in 2026).
Snook Haven Park groundbreaking
17th Street Regional Park groundbreaking
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VA M O D RI V E PA R K Phase I improvements include a fishing pier, installation of site furnishings, pedestrian/accessibility improvements and reorganization of parking. (Construction completion is anticipated in 2027). PI N EC R AF T PA R K Proposed improvements include replacement of the playground equipment, the addition of bleachers and shade structures at the shuffleboard and volleyball courts and pedestrian accessibility improvements. (Construction completion is anticipated in 2027). OLD MIAKKA PRESERVE Design and construction of restroom facilities, playground, pavilion, parking, pedestrian accessibility and connections to existing trails. (Construction completion is anticipated in 2027).
Vamo Drive Park
V EN I C E G A R D E N S PA R K 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 2027).
PROJE C TS U N D ER W AY I N FY2 6 Legacy Trail Pinecraft
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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 FY25, the department operating budget was $46,393,783.
ADOP TED O PER AT I NG BU DG E T BY FUN D
F Y2 5 FAS T FACT S Adopted operating budget
7.5%
$46,393,783
Other
14.5%
Adopted capital budget
ESLPP
$16,340,633 Actual revenues
17%
TDT - Beach Maintenance
61%
General Fund
$13,767,953 Actual expenditures
$41,944,626 Cost per capita
$87
241
The Legacy Trail
EXPEN D ITU R ES B Y DI VI S I ON 9%
19%
Natural Areas and Trails
Business Operations
FY25 Full-time Equivalent (FTE)
249
23%
10%
Sports Tourism, Facilities and Programs
Parks Internal Operations
5%
Park Planning and Development 21% Beaches and Water Access
13%
Recreation and Neighborhood Parks
BUDGE T HI GHL I GHT S 251
H OW TO RE ACH U S : Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources 5883 Hummingbird Ave., Sarasota Phone: 311 or 941-861-5000 Email: ParksOnline@scgov.net Follow us @SRQCountyGov | SarasotaCountyParks.com
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