Walk in the Park

NICOLE RISSLER Director, Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources

LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR

Walk in the Park provides a year in review for Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) as well as a look ahead to future projects and goals. This comprehensive report celebrates our accomplishments, partnerships and the record-breaking economic impact of sports tourism that our facilities support. It highlights several capital projects including the groundbreaking of 17th Street Park, a Sarasota County Regional Park. It also introduces you to some of our upcoming 2024 projects and goals, including enhancements to Snook Haven Park and a new bifurcated trail along The Legacy Trail. Additionally, this report shines a spotlight on our extraordinary special events and the backbone of our department, our volunteers. So, as you journey through the pages of this report, I invite you to take a stroll back in time through FY23 and see the steps we’re taking for a promising path ahead.

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)

$99,899,691

Total economic impact produced by events supported by the Visit Sarasota Sports Grant Program

$85,895,238

Total economic impact produced by venues owned by Sarasota County

$38,894,916

TOTAL SPORTS

TOURISM VISITORS

Participants: 98,071

Spectators: 180,033

TOTAL EVENTS AND TRAININGS (Held in Sarasota County-owned venues)

143

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 county facilities to host tournaments and events.

Nathan Benderson Park

SPORTS TOURISM EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

• 2022 All-American Women’s Baseball Classic

• 2023 US Dragon Boat Federation Club Crew Nationals

• 2023 Miss Florida Softball Mid Season Tournament

• 2023 Florida Babe Ruth South State Tournament

• 2023 USRowing Youth National Championships

• 2023 USA Swimming Open Water National Championships

• 2023 US Masters Swimming Summer Nationals

• 2023 American Canoe Association (ACA) Sprint Nationals

• 2023 Snowbird Baseball Classic

• 2023 Big 10 Rowing Invitational

• Collegiate and Club Rowing Team Training

2023 US Masters Swimming Summer Nationals; Photo by Peter H. Bick

2023 American Canoe Association Sprint National Championships

2022 All American Women’s Baseball Classic

PARK OPERATIONS

Acres reduced in backlog in prescribed fire program

294

Acres burned on natural areas

5,508

Percentage of natural areas with moderate or below fire hazard risks when assessed with National Firewise Program

85%

Acres treated for infestation of non-native vegetation

750

Artificial reef material deployed (In tonnage)

65.85

Overall customer satisfaction rating (5=very satisfied to 1=not at all satisfied) 4.49

Utilization rate during available hours 71%

Percentage occupancy rate of Turtle Beach Campground 94%

Athletic fields turf to weed ratio 52%

Did you know there are 150 parks and 225 employees working within Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources?

The Legacy Trail users

667,260

Environmental programs

199 Activity registrations

9,735

Interior space participants

345,966

Turtle Beach Campground visitors

25,060

Beach attendance

(Lifeguarded beaches)

5,787,472

Recreation program participants

374,296

PEOPLE IN PARKS HIGHLIGHTS

Veterans Day Camping Weekend at Turtle Beach Park

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

QUARTER 1

• In response to Hurricane Ian, staff approved and issued purchase orders for more than $11 million for repairs within Nathan Benderson Park, CoolToday Park and Ed Smith Stadium.

• Held a groundbreaking ceremony and began construction activities for 17th Street Park, a Sarasota County Regional Park.

• Nearly 600 runners participated in the 46th annual Sandy Claws Beach Run at Siesta Beach.

• The Board of County Commissioners approved three separate land acquisitions through the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program (ESLPP), protecting over 300 acres of property.

QUARTER 2

• Developed and distributed the Community Needs Assessment Survey which received 2,500 responses.

• Completed the reaccreditation process for the National Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA).

• Held a ribbon cutting event for park improvements including a new accessible kayak launch, fishing pier and a new bridge at Deer Prairie Creek Preserve.

• TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice rated Siesta Beach #2 in the United States and #11 in the world.

17th Street Park ground breaking

Sandy Claws Beach Run

Deer Prairie Creek Preserve ribbon cutting

QUARTER 3

• In collaboration with Emergency Services, safely completed prescribed burns on over 5,508 acres.

• Held a ribbon cutting for park improvements including a new pavilion and multi-purpose court at Challenger Park.

• Hosted Big Truck Day at CoolToday Park with 65 different trucks/equipment displayed and over 5,100 attendees.

QUARTER 4

• Over $99,899,000 in economic impact from sporting events reported in FY23.

• Successfully completed the 2023 Summer Camp season with 80 seasonal staff serving 1,200 youth. Additionally, campers read 13,670 books as part of the Summer Reading Program.

• The Legacy Trail had an estimated 667,260 trail users in FY23.

• Opened The Ridge, a new teen center at Bee Ridge Park and coordinated with All Faiths Food Bank for snack provisions throughout the school year for members.

Big Truck Day

AGENCY AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

Our department takes pride in winning two awards from the Florida Recreation and Park Association and obtaining accreditation through the American Camp Association. We celebrate these achievements, while striving for continuous improvements as one team.

ACCREDITATIONS

American Camp Association (ACA)

Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) Reaccreditation

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

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

August 2023

Florida Recreation and Park Association (FRPA) Innovative Programming Award (Environmental Sustainability and Resiliency) | Fire Fest

Florida Recreation and Park Association (FRPA) Volunteer Service Award (Individual) | Terry Redman

June 2023

American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) National Recognition Award | The Legacy Trail Extension and North Port Connector

COMPLETED BOARD STRATEGIC PLAN ITEMS

Indoor Sport Facility Design - Employee Shelter Opportunity:

Presented recommendations and cost impact for the construction of an indoor sports facility that can be used as a shelter for county staff who are required to work during an emergency activation.

Review Opportunities for Increased Public Access to Preserved and Protected Lands:

Provided a report to the Board summarizing state and county-owned preserved and protected land, along with current and potential public access points.

South County Regional Park Planning:

Provided options to the Board for new, expanded, and/or renovated regional athletic complexes in South County.

American Camp Association (ACA) Accreditation:

Received ACA accreditation.

CAPRA Reaccreditation:

Successfully became reaccredited through CAPRA.

Hurricane Ian Recovery at Parks:

Completed immediate and short-term repairs associated with Hurricane Ian recovery at CoolToday Park, Ed Smith Stadium and Nathan Benderson Park

Janitorial Contract Dashboard:

Developed and implemented a janitorial dashboard providing staff with the necessary tools to effectively manage the contract.

New PRNR Subsite Launch:

Developed and launched the new PRNR subsite, SarasotaCountyParks.com to the public.

Park Referendum Planning:

Proposed a strategic plan for review and direction from Administration concerning a future park/ESLPP/NPP referendum.

Site Volunteer Coordinator Training: Initiated a new PRNR Volunteer Coordinator training program.

Osprey Junction Trailhead Improvements: Park improvements included parking, shelters and restrooms.

Snook Haven Park Improvements:

Solicited and awarded a design contract and a Construction Manager at Risk.

PARK PROJECTS

NORA PATTERSON BAY ISLAND PARK

Constructed a new public restroom in the Sarasota School of Architecture style. Additional site improvements included upgraded pedestrian walks and the installation of new site furnishings. (Ribbon cutting ceremony held December 2022)

OSPREY JUNCTION TRAILHEAD

Expanded parking, upgraded pedestrian access and constructed a new restroom. (Ribbon cutting ceremony held February 2023)

ENGLEWOOD PARK

Improvements included the construction of two new tennis courts with lighting, a new restroom, reorganization of parking, pedestrian connectivity and accessibility improvements and new site furnishings. (Ribbon cutting ceremony held March 2023)

DEER PRAIRIE CREEK PRESERVE

Improvements included a new kayak launch, fishing pier, picnic shelter and upgrades to two shell parking lots. In addition, a new pedestrian bridge was constructed over the creek connecting trails that lead to the North Port Connector. (Ribbon cutting ceremony held March 2023)

CHALLENGER PARK

Redevelopment of this existing neighborhood park included a new multi-sport court, new pavilion, upgraded site furnishings and paved trails. (Ribbon cutting ceremony held April 2023)

PROJECTS COMPLETED IN FY23

Englewood Park tennis courts

Deer Prairie Creek Preserve pedestrian bridge

Challenger Park basketball courts

PROJECTS COMPLETED IN FY24

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)

Red Bug Slough Preserve playground

Scherer Thaxton Preserve

PROJECTS UNDERWAY IN FY24

NORTH JETTY PARK

Replacement of dune walkovers, existing picnic shelters and installation of new sidewalks and parking. (Construction completion is anticipated in 2024)

PHILLIPPI ESTATE PARK

Restoration and use of the Edson Keith Historic Farmhouse as an interpretive center featuring both temporary and permanent exhibits. (Restoration estimated to be completed in 2024)

POTTER PARK

The addition of six lighted pickleball courts, accessibility improvements and new site furnishings. (Construction completion is anticipated in 2024)

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 2025)

BYPASS PARK

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 complete in 2025)

NOKOMIS COMMUNITY PARK

Eight new pickleball courts, new restroom and upgraded trails and sidewalks. (Construction completion is anticipated in 2025)

PROJECTS UNDERWAY IN FY24

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)

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 2025)

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 2025)

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 2025)

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 IN FY23

DECEMBER 2022

Acquired 24.80 acres adjacent to the Myakka State Forest. This property was acquired for $752,500 through the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program (ESLPP).

FEBRUARY 2023

Acquired 290 acres in eastern Sarasota County, within the Eastern Ranchlands Protection Priority Site. The property was acquired for $1,900,000 through the ESLPP.

APRIL 2023

Acquired 0.59 acres of land along the north shoreline of Warm Mineral Springs Creek. The property was acquired for $57,000 through the ESLPP.

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.

Eastern Ranchlands LPI Property pasture and mesic hammock

LAND ACQUISITIONS IN FY23

MAY 2023

Acquired three acres of land within the Sleeping Turtles South Protection Priority Site. The site contains mesic hammock habitat and was acquired for $690,000 through the ESLPP.

JUNE 2023

Acquired 32 acres of land along Edmondson Road to expand Curry Creek Preserve. The land was acquired for $2,926,016 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 FY23’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.

2023 US Masters Swimming Summer Nationals; Photo by Peter H. Bick

SPECIAL EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

HOWL-O-WEEN MOVIE

NIGHT SPOOKTACULAR

Ed Smith Stadium

Nearly 2,000 people attended the event and non-perishable items were collected to benefit All Faiths Food Bank.

MISS FLORIDA SOFTBALL

MID SEASON TOURNAMENT

Miss Sarasota Softball

This youth recreational tournament was attended by more than 120 teams from across Florida.

SANDY CLAWS BEACH RUN

Siesta Beach

Nearly 600 adults and children participated in the 5K and 1-mile runs.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

Newtown Estates Park and Laurel Park

Provided activities and gifts for 155 children while also serving the over 300 registered guests to include family members between the two events.

SUMMER KICK-OFF YOUTH ACTIVITY FAIR

Phillippi Estate Park

More than 40 vendors and over 250 participants came to this event to explore the activities offered for youth during summer vacation.

FOOD TRUCK RALLY

North Jetty Park

More than 1,500 people attended the November-January series.

FIRE FEST

T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve

About 660 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 5,100 people attended and enjoyed trucks, crafts, stadium tours, pedal car races, games and more.

US MASTERS SWIMMING SUMMER NATIONALS

Selby Aquatic Center

Featuring the nation’s finest masters swimmers, this event produced nearly $2 million in economic impact.

THE SIESTA KEY CRYSTAL CLASSIC

Siesta Beach

A $10.5 million economic impact was produced and the event brought in more than 24,000 attendees.

For information about volunteering, call 311 or visit SarasotaCountyParks.com

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

164,958

Value of volunteer hours

$4,566,037

Staff full-time equivalent

79

DIRECT HOURS

(Volunteer services provided directly through the department’s volunteer program guidelines; authorized by staff.)

Total direct volunteer hours 35,436

Value of direct volunteer hours

$1,061,329

Staff full-time equivalent

17

Beach Ambassadors

PARK STEWARD

Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources is seeking volunteers who can help us monitor, protect and maintain over 55,000 acres of parklands. Becoming a Park Steward is a way to give back to these beautiful areas that so many of our citizens and visitors enjoy.

TRAIL MAINTENANCE SPECIALIST

A Trail Maintenance Specialist is responsible for upkeeping hiking and biking trails within Sarasota County preserves. Join a committed volunteer team dedicated to preserving the trails’ pristine condition through maintenance of trail markers, signs, and other essential tasks.

VOLUNTEER PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Park Steward

Trail Maintenance Specialist

FINANCIAL OVERVIEW

The department’s budget is funded through County General Fund, Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program (ESLPP), Tourist Development Tax (TDT) and Special Recreation funds. The department has a Capital Improvement Program (CIP) plan which budgets projects over the next 5 years. For FY23, the department operating budget was $36,277,513.

ADOPTED OPERATING BUDGET BY FUND

12% Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program (ESLPP)

5% Special Recreation

1% Other

18% Tourist Development Tax (TDT)Beach Maintenance

65% General Fund

FY23 FAST FACTS

Adopted operating budget $36,277,513

Adopted capital budget $14,118,644

Actual revenues $11,651,916

Actual expenditures $33,348,938

Cost per capita $72

EXPENDITURES BY DIVISION

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.

T-REC

FORMAL DANCE

Phillippi Estate Park

The T-REC Coalition, which is dedicated to offering organized therapeutic programs for individuals with disabilities, offered an end of summer formal prom at the Philippi Estate Park mansion where over 100 individuals and their caregivers attended.

Program participation at all recreation and nature centers was 374,296 in FY23.

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.

HISTORY DAY IN THE PARK

Phillippi Estate Park

1,500 patrons came through for a day of history, fun and community. Participants experienced historic presentations, food trucks, local vendors, live performances and children’s entertainment.

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.

Christmas in July Craft Show

SUMMER IN THE PARKS HIGHLIGHTS

Program overview: More than 60 programs were offered throughout the 9 weeks of summer camp with user fees totaling $538,000.

Summer day camp: Offered an additional 9th 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 $57,162 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 13,670 books were read by 564 data matched campers over the eight week summer camp program. A total of $24,680 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.