Deadline for south county park name submissions extended until May 25

Sarasota County Parks and Recreation has extended the deadline to Friday, May 25, for submitting prospective names for one of the county's recently acquired sites that will be home to a future park. The Myakka River / U.S. 41 site is located at 9083 South Tamiami Trail in Venice and was the subject of a recent public input session where residents provided ideas on what they would like to see in the park.

“We involve the community in as many steps of the process as possible,” said Parks and Recreation Senior Planner  Jessica Ritter. “The planning process is not for everyone, but the park naming process is very popular because it gives residents a sense of ownership and helps create a connection between the park and the community.”   

·         Selection criteria and instructions on how to submit names can be found at: http://www.scgov.net/ParksandRecreation/Parks/MyakkaRiverPark.asp.

·         The proposed name must be accompanied by an explanation, with any necessary documentation, describing how the proposed name satisfies the selection criteria.

·         A name selection committee will review the submitted names and present a recommended name for consideration at the July 12 Sarasota County Commission meeting.

Submit name suggestions to:

Sarasota County Parks and Recreation -- Myakka River / U.S. 41 Park Name Selection

Attention: Kim Lance

1660 Ringling Blvd., 5th Floor

Sarasota, FL 34236

or email klance@scgov.net

The 7-acre site was purchased through the Neighborhood Parkland Acquisition Program with the intent to provide public access to the Myakka River, as well as a variety of recreational opportunities such as picnicking, wildlife observation and non-motorized boating activities.