Friends Groups
Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources is proud to partner with both the Friends of Sarasota County Parks and the Friends of the Legacy Trail, both are Florida nonprofit 501(c)3 corporations. Each organization has demonstrated their commitment in supporting our vision of providing clean, safe, and inclusive parks with diverse opportunities for all.
FRIENDS OF SARASOTA COUNTY PARKS
Friends of Sarasota County Parks, Inc. (Friends) was established in September 2003, as a federally qualified 501(c)3 independent nonprofit corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Florida, to promote, enhance and maintain community support for Sarasota County parks and public recreational lands through activities, fundraising, and volunteer efforts.
Friends includes a parent organization plus park chapters. Some notable chapters include Friends of Carlton Reserve, Friends of Osprey Junction Trailhead, and Friends of Phillippi Estate Park.
Some notable chapters include Friends of Carlton Reserve, Friends of Osprey Junction Trailhead, and Friends of Phillippi Estate Park.
Friends coordinate with multiple chapters, which raise and expend funds independently but under the name of Friends for specific county parks, programs, preserves and facilities. The Friends provide the 501(c)3 nonprofit status and manages the accounting process for each chapter. The chapters work directly with Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources on their approved projects.
The Friends provide the 501(c)3 nonprofit status and manages the accounting process for each chapter. The chapters work directly with Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources on their approved projects.
The Friends of The Legacy Trail, Inc. (“FLT”) was created in 2006 as a chapter within the Friends of Sarasota County Parks, Inc. In July 2016, due to its success and growth, FLT branched out and formed its own 501(c)3 independent nonprofit corporation with a primary mission to support, promote, enhance and protect The Legacy Trail, a Sarasota County Park, and its trail connectors now and for future generations.
Members and volunteer Friends of The Legacy Trail provide both organizational and direct service hours, which benefit Sarasota County and The Legacy Trail in many different ways and at several locations.
FLT contributes time and effort to several programs along The Legacy Trail, including outreach and education, fundraising, participation in the annual Tour de Parks, partnership in the county’s Surrey Program, and trail maintenance and safety.