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Bobby Jones restoration and new nature park credited with flood resilience and strong early revenues

Sarasota County Commission & City of Sarasota Joint Meeting · March 28, 2025
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Summary

City officials described the renovation and reopening of Bobby Jones Golf Club, the creation of a 100-acre nature park and a 20-acre wetland that treats runoff; early figures show higher-than-expected play and revenue and claimed environmental benefits for nearby neighborhoods.

Jerry Fogel, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Sarasota, and John Kretzer, the project manager, presented the history and outcomes of the Bobby Jones Golf Club renovation and the adjacent Nature Park.

Fogel said the clubs golf course, originally opened in 1926 and designed by Donald Ross, was renovated with phased openings: the restored 18-hole course opened in December 2023 and the 9-hole Gillespie Executive Course opened in May 2024. The city entered a conservation easement with The Conservation Fund and an operations…

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