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Commission approves funding plans for Snook Haven restoration and Wellfield regional sports complex
Summary
The board unanimously approved a funding plan to proceed with design and funding for the Snook Haven Park improvement (~$8.5M project estimate) and established initial funding and conveyance steps for the Wellfield Regional Park redevelopment with an initial $40M funding target (City of Venice $20M, county minimum $20M).
The Sarasota County Commission on March 27 approved funding and procurement steps for two major South County park projects: Snook Haven and the Wellfield Regional Sports Complex.
Nicole Rissler, director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources, presented the Snook Haven improvement project background and 100%‑level design. The board had previously approved conceptual plans and an ITN for concession services. Rissler said staff reduced scope with targeted value engineering and now estimates the full Snook Haven package at about $8.5 million (construction, design, permitting, project management). The project team is negotiating with a concessionaire (the ITN required a minimum $500,000 capital contribution); staff asked the board to approve the funding plan so staff can process a budget amendment and begin procurement and construction; commissioners voted to approve the funding plan and move toward a May groundbreaking.
Rissler also described the Wellfield Regional Park conveyance and funding agreement negotiated with the City of Venice. The city agreed to convey Wellfield Park to the county and committed up to $20 million toward redevelopment; Sarasota County committed a minimum $20 million for an initial $40 million funding target. Staff stressed the project requires master planning and coordination with adjacent county parks (Pine Brook, Bypass/Foxworthy) because Wellfield is landlocked and will need creative space allocation and swing‑space strategies. The board approved the initial funding motions to establish the CIP and to appropriate $3 million for design and related operating impact items, and then closed the public hearing portions.
Motion outcomes and next steps: the board approved the Snook Haven funding plan and the Wellfield initial funding/CIP motions unanimously. Staff will return with formal budget amendments, solicit design and construction manager contracts, and initiate master planning and community engagement later in 2025. Rissler said construction phasing will be considered to limit service interruptions and to coordinate use of nearby parkland during redevelopment.
Community notes: commissioners stressed preserving the site's historic character and noted strong community interest; one commissioner emphasized negotiation terms for concessionaire contributions and long‑term lease arrangements should protect taxpayer value.
What’s next: staff will bring back contract awards and formal budget amendments, continue concessionaire negotiations, complete permitting and design, and schedule a groundbreaking once procurement is finished.
