Park Planning and Improvements
Park Planning, Acquisition and Development
Sarasota County's 2016 board-adopted Parks, Preserves and Recreation Strategic Master Plan (PPRSMP), examines park and community recreational needs. The PPRSMP establishes desired levels of service and outlines implementation strategies. The PPRSMP provides guidance for the:
- Neighborhood Parkland Acquisition Program
- Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection program
- Other Park acquisition priorities and
- Appropriate development of existing and new park sites.
Planning for Parks
After a new park site is acquired or an existing park is identified for possible improvements, the PPRSMP is used to help determine the highest and best use of a park. Proposed recreation facilities, amenities and conservation strategies are matched to a park site's:
- Physical and ecological characteristics, attributes and opportunities
- Compatibility with adjacent sites and county-wide development and conservation plans
- Access via multi-modal transportation (walk, bike, vehicle)
- Gap analysis (need for a park or recreation facility within a given area of the county)
- Regulatory constraints and opportunities (zoning or land use, development regulations, or habitat preservation)
1. Project Initiation
A park project is born, based on an identified need. A general project scope is written to help determine the project budget, timeline, and stakeholders.
2. Conceptual Design
Conceptual designs are created based on the project scope, site constraints and opportunities, and an analysis of user needs and public input. Preliminary project cost estimates are developed and funding identified.
3. Design & Permitting
Construction plans are completed, permits are obtained from regulatory agencies, and construction bid documents are finalized.
4. Construction
Construction bids are obtained from qualified contractors. Park site and facilities are built per design. Projects are managed by County staff to ensure quality control.
5. Operations
Parks and facilities are operated for public health and safety and to provide diverse recreation opportunities for all while protecting the natural environment.
6. Monitoring
County staff monitor parks and facilities to assess maintenance, replacement, and/or habitat restoration requirements. Post occupancy evaluations are conducted to help determine how to improve future park projects.
Concept Plans are created based on a park site's opportunities and constraints as well as public input. Public input is obtained via:
- Public meetings held virtually or in person
- Periodic surveys of the public to solicit input about the types or recreation facilities or amenities desired in a particular park or area of the county
- Recreation trends analysis to help identify emerging park and recreation facility needs
- Presentations to the Parks Advisory and Recreation Council (PARC) and/or Environmentally Sensitive Lands Oversight Committee (ESLOC)
Funding is identified for proposed park development projects. Design, permitting and construction are completed. This process can take from 2 - 5 years, depending on the scale and complexity of a project.