Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources - Centennial Highlights

S A R A S OTA C O U N T Y PA R K S , R E C R E AT I O N A N D N AT U R A L R E S O U R C E S

Centennial

Centennial timeline Take a look back at Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and

Natural Resources’ most celebrated moments in time during the past 100 years. Find the entire timeline at

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The dates and events listed in this timeline are provided for informational purposes only. Should specific and verified historical data be required about a certain park, please contact Sarasota County at 9 4 1 - 8 6 1 - 5 0 0 0 .

Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources - Park Highlights

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Indian Mound Park | 210 Winson Ave., Englewood Year established: 1964

Indian Mound Park is home to rowing and sailing facilities, along with weekly concerts at the pavilion. Previously, the cardboard boat races occurred there. Indian Mound Park has a popular boat ramp launch and is located on the Lemon Bay Aquatic Preserve, which is the smallest of the five Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves. Designated as an aquatic preserve in 1986, Lemon Bay is about 13 miles long with an average width of threefourths of a mile. Seven tributaries flow into the aquatic preserve, creating a diverse network of mangroves, marsh grass and vast expanses of seagrass meadows. More than 150 species of birds, 100 species of invertebrates and 200 species of fish reside in the bay. Lemon Bay is perfect for fishing, kayaking, birding and wading.

Lemon Bay Garden Club working at Indian Mound Park, Englewood, Oct. 7, 1970 Photo courtesy of State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory

Indian Mound Park is named for the large archaeological feature that is part of the Paulsen Point site, which was occupied between 1,000 B.C. to 1,350 A.D. This site was purchased from Beverly Paulsen in 1960 and initially was referred to as Paulsen’s Point Park. In 1971, the name of the park was changed to Indian Mound Park following numerous letters of endorsement from clubs and organizations in the Englewood area. During the construction of the Intracoastal Waterway in the early 1960s, spoil was placed on the site to create the 10 acre park we know today. In 1973, the Englewood Rotary Club built the large picnic shelter next to the mound.

Nature trails that meander through the mound were then constructed by the Lemon Bay Garden Club.

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Nokomis Beach Park | 100 Casey Key Road, Nokomis Year established: 1948

The park features an accessible, elevated boardwalk that extends approximately 550 feet along the dune line. The boardwalk connects the historic pavilion with a concession area, providing a great place to view the beach and the Gulf of Mexico. A few current programs offered at Nokomis Beach are Sunrise Beach Walks and Say ‘I Do’ Again. Skim contests were popular in previous years. The Nokomis Beach Park boat ramp is located on Blackburn Bay, which is designated an Outstanding Florida Water and is within the Sarasota Bay National Estuary Program. In 15 minutes, boaters can be through the Venice Inlet, and into the Gulf of Mexico.

1959 Nokomis Beach Postcard

Photo courtesy of State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory

Established as Sarasota County’s first publicly owned beach, it was purchased as a part of a citizen-led effort for $5,200 and matched by Sarasota County funds. In subsequent years, additional beach frontage was procured and today a total of 25 acres comprise the park. The pavilion and plaza were designed by Sarasota School of Architecture designer Jack West, and represented a minimalist style associated with mid-century modern aesthetic. In 2003, West was rehired to oversee the renovation of the plaza and construction was completed in 2004. Nokomis Beach Park is an excellent example of community action to protect a valuable resource and remains a popular local beach.

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Phillippi Estate Park | 5500 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota Year established: 1987

Located on the shores of Phillippi Creek, Phillippi Estate Park is a scenic, 60-acre park that is the perfect setting for events and activities for the whole family. The historic Edson Keith Mansion and the park grounds offer idyllic surroundings for community and cultural events, as well as weddings and private parties. Public events sponsored by Sarasota County or other organizations are also held on the grounds throughout the year.

Edson Keith Mansion Photo courtesy of State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory

In 1915, Edson and his wife Nettie arrived from Chicago, fell in love with the picturesque property and decided to build their new home on the banks of Phillippi Creek. Edson purchased the property after he retired from the millinery business in Chicago.

In 1942, the property was sold to Mae Hansen Prodie, a Chicagoan who owned the Mae Marie Doll Company, and was responsible for creating accessories for Barbie dolls. Mae’s husband Charlie Prodie, a retired executive, operated the Phillippi Plantation Inn and Restaurant, serving meals in the living and dining rooms of the mansion.

In 1987, Sarasota County voters approved the purchase of the estate for $5.2 million. The property is now listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is a popular tourist destination for thousands of visitors every year.

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Pinecraft Park | 1420 Gilbert Ave., Sarasota Year established: 1952

Platted in 1914 in former Manatee County, Pinecraft Park was developed in 1952 and a park pavilion was constructed with community assistance.

Adjacent natural areas were procured years later to include a total area of approximately 20 acres. The complete site is uniquely valuable to its nearby community and serves as a meeting place for local and seasonal residents, many of whom use the park throughout the day, playing shuffleboard, horseshoes, bocce ball, basketball and volleyball. Visitors can also enjoy kayak access to Phillippi Creek or relax at one of the many picnic pavilions throughout the park.

Mural at Pinecraft Park was created by an unknown artist from Pennsylvania

The Pinecraft neighborhood of Sarasota is well known as a large Amish and Mennonite community. The district was platted in 1926 by Earl and Mary Craft and was centered at the intersection of Beneva Road and Bahia Vista Street. Pinecraft rose out of the fertile farming opportunities the region offered to grow celery. Families worked summers up north and spent winters harvesting the leafy crop, eventually securing seasonal residences and encouraging extended family members to visit. Today, the Pinecraft community has year-round residents, but local populations still swell in season as people journey to visit family and friends with many stopping by the park for a game of shuffleboard, volleyball, or to enjoy a meal together.

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BMX at the Youth Athletic Complex | 2810 17th St., Sarasota Year established: 1974

The Sarasota BMX track is the country’s oldest continuously running BMX track, located at the Youth Athletic Complex. This 40-acre park serves as one of Sarasota County’s most popular athletic complexes providing opportunities for sports such as youth baseball, football, tennis, pickleball, and BMX Supercross and Strider bike racing. The park also serves the neighborhood with its playground and picnicking opportunities.

Courtesy of Sarasota Herald Tribune, July 26, 1975

For many years, the park has hosted countless state, regional and national races. A cornerstone of Florida BMX racing, SRQ BMX (formally Sarasota BMX Club) has worked with the former National Bicycle League, the current Sunshine State Association and USA BMX. The track hosted the Strider World Championships from 2011-2013, and the Sarasota Track Team won the Florida Commissioner’s Cup six years in a row. In 2016, the track underwent construction to become Sarasota BMX Supercross and it now hosts UCI World Cup races.

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Travel back in time by listening to the music of tribute bands at Venice Community Center.

29. Take a leisurely hike to the lake view at Red Bug Slough Preserve.

2.

Enjoy a colorful sunset at Ted Sperling Park at South Lido Beach.

30. Hike along the majestic Myakka River at the Jelks Preserve.

3.

Stay the night at Turtle Beach Campground.

31. Plant vegetables at the community garden at Culverhouse Nature Park.

4.

Kayak the mangrove tunnels at South Lido Nature Park.

32. Play sand volleyball at Bee Ridge Park.

5.

Visit Brohard Beach Paw Park, the only designated dog beach in Sarasota County.

33. Seek out the elusive Florida scrub-jay at Manasota Scrub Preserve.

6.

Build a sandcastle at Caspersen Beach Park.

34. Discover Bay Street Park, a tucked away family park in the small community of Osprey.

7.

Visit Nokomis Beach, the oldest public beach in Sarasota County.

35. Watch the Stickney Point Bridge open and close from Christopher Wheeler Park.

8.

Hunt for shark’s teeth at Venice Beach.

36. Try a new sport at Englewood Sports Complex.

9.

Watch for dolphins at North Jetty Park.

37. Join the Boys and Girls Club after school program or camp at Newtown Estates Park.

10. Have dinner at Snook Haven.

11. Explore the nature center at Shamrock Park.

38. Try it all at Nokomis Community Park-indoor recreation, outdoor exercise equipment, playground and tennis.

12. Sharpen your target skills at the Knight Trail Park shooting range.

39. Work out on the outdoor exercise equipment at Fruitville Park.

13. Find Florida Cracker cattle at Urfer Family Park on the small working cattle ranch.

40. Take a yoga class at Venice Beach.

14. Step back in time walking the trails at Phillippi Estate Park and around the Edson Keith Mansion.

41. Visit Siesta Beach, the No. 1 beach in the U.S.

15. Have a birthday party at Rothenbach Park.

42. Discover the longleaf pine flatwoods of Curry Creek Preserve.

16. Let the dogs play off-leash at 17th Street Dog Park.

43. Stargaze for comets and meteor showers at Bypass Park/Foxworthy Campus.

17. Register for camp at Colonial Oaks Park.

44. Enjoy the majesty of Blind Pass Beach Park without a high-rise in sight.

18. Play a baseball game at Twin Lakes Park.

45. Get the kids out to play at the accessible playgrounds at Laurel Park.

19. Get excited about The Legacy Trail extension.

46. Remember the 65 missing American submarines at the On Eternal Patrol Reef.

20. Have a baby or bridal shower at Longwood Park.

47. Watch Special Olympic athletes train at the Gene Whipp Special Olympics Center.

21. Take on a tennis match at Woodmere Park.

48. Hike with your dog on a leash at Sleeping Turtles Preserve North.

22. Tour the historic circus train cars at Venice Train Depot and Rollins W. Coakley Railroad Park.

49. Learn to play Pétanque, pronounced "pay-tonk," at Lakeview Park.

23. Race at the country’s oldest continuously running BMX track at Youth Athletic Complex.

50. See who wins at a disc golf match at Wellfield Park.

24. Hike, bike or bring your horse to the 24,565-acre T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve.

51. Paddleboard around the mangrove islands at Jim Neville Marine Preserve.

25. Climb to the tallest point in Sarasota County at Celery Fields Regional Stormwater Facility.

52. Watch the sunrise at Bayfront Park Addition.

26. Search for gopher tortoise burrows at Scherer Thaxton Preserve.

53. Park at North Jetty Park to watch eagles in the trees at Rattlesnake Island.

27. Learn about Florida’s plants and animals at Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center.

54. Build a seashell collection from what you find at Manasota Beach Park.

28. Relax under the grand pavilion at Maxine Barritt Park.

55. Net a huge mullet from Osprey Fishing Pier.

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56. Walk the Pinelands Reserve and observe the smaller wildlife that camouflage themselves.

79. Coach all ages of soccer at Tatum Ridge Elementary School’s soccer fields.

57. Learn about a local pioneer, Fred Albee, and the Pollyanna Inn at the Pocono Trail Preserve.

80. Shoot some hoops at Glebe Park.

58. Test your orienteering skills at Deer Prairie Creek Preserve.

81. Rent the pavilion at Potter Park named after Sarasota socialite Bertha Potter Palmer.

59. Visit the Friends of The Legacy Trail information table, Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Osprey Junction Trailhead.

82. Play pickleball or tennis on Pinebrook Park courts.

60. Boat to or walk south from Turtle Beach to Palmer Point Park, where Midnight Pass used to flow.

84. Have a picnic at Nora Patterson Bay Island Park and watch the boats head out to Sarasota Bay.

61. Bike the single-track trails at Big Slough Preserve.

85. During sea turtle nesting season, keep your lights out of sight at Turtle Beach Park.

62. Watch children develop teamwork skills at Babe Ruth Park.

86. Discover the loop trail of Old Miakka Preserve, named after the historic, rural community, Old Miakka.

63. Experience the peacefulness of the Wild and Scenic Myakka River at Senator Bob Johnson’s Landing.

87. Remember the victims and first responders of the tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001, at Patriots Park.

64. Converse with the birds along the trails at Pinecraft Park.

88. Listen to the eagles and swallow-tailed kites in the pines of Bayonne, a small preserve.

65. Take only photos and leave only footprints along the ranchland trails of Walton Ranch.

89. Wear your mud shoes while hiking the hydric hammocks of Circus Hammock.

66. Watch airplanes come in and take off from Buchan Airport Community Park/ Kiwanis Foundation Park.

90. Trek the hidden gem of Myakka Islands Point trails that lead through Florida ecosystems.

67. Launch your boat to go deep sea fishing from Higel Marine Park.

92. Lay on a blanket and watch the clouds at Venice Gardens Park.

68. Hoot with barred owls at Loreto Court Bay Access.

83. Launch your own kayak from Vamo Drive Park and explore the islands of the Intracoastal Waterway.

91. Bike the Venetian Waterway Park north to connect with The Legacy Trail into Sarasota.

69. Swim along the coastline at Chauncy Howard Park.

93. Help protect some of the last undeveloped bay shorelines in Sarasota County at South Venice Lemon Bay Preserve.

70. Watch kids in a soccer game at Narramore Sports Complex.

94. Learn about recycling at the sea turtle sculptures at Venice and Siesta beaches.

71. Count how many wading birds you can find in the ponds along Ackerman Park.

72. Learn about archaeology at Indian Mound Park, which was occupied between 1,000 B.C. to 1,350 A.D.

95. Bring your camera and enjoy the variety of wading and nesting birds at the Venice Area Audubon Rookery.

73. Access the Lincer Preserve through the T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve.

96. Join a softball league at Bypass Park/Foxworthy Campus.

74. Hike the 4 miles of multi-use trails along a blackwater creek at Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park.

97. Relax under the huge live oak trees and have a picnic at Red Rock Park.

75. Reminisce at Hopewell Memorial Park and the Hopewell Cemetery.

99. Connect with others in your community by volunteering at any Sarasota County park.

76. Rollerblade around the lake at Nathan Benderson Park.

100. Support all of the parks you love by helping the Friends of Sarasota County Parks, a nonprofit volunteer group.

77. Watch a spring training game at Ed Smith Stadium or CoolToday Park.

78. Feel like an important part of the team regardless of performance at Miss Sarasota Softball Complex.

98. Watch scullers of all ages and abilities practice from Blackburn Point Park.

TO L E A R N M O R E , V I S I T S A R A S OTAC O U N T Y 1 0 0 . C O M Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources 1660 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34236 Phone: 941-861-5000 Follow us @SRQCountyPlay • scgov.net/parks

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