Current Projects

2025 Field Renovation Schedule

• May 5 – Oct. 31: Narramore Soccer Field 2 
• April 28 – June 30: All Butler Fields
• May 12 – June 30: Larry T Front and Back Fields
• June 16 – July 7: Narramore Softball Fields
• June 30–Sept 1: Narramore soccer Fields
• June 30–Sept 1: Atwater Baseball Fields
• Dec. 2– Dec. 16: Butler & Atwater
• Dec. 16– Dec. 30: Narramore Soccer Fields 1 & 3

During Field Closures

Please remember to stay off the fields during scheduled closures or when signage of a closure is posted, even if there is no obvious work being completed. Several of the projects scheduled require ‘field rest’ to be effective, so even if it looks like work is not active, the fields are getting exactly what they need. 

Florida weather can be unpredictable and may impact these anticipated project dates. For the most current field status, sign up for the North Port Parks & Recreation Rainout Line or call 941-841-4410 and listen for prompts.

The City of North Port has experienced unprecedented growth over the past few years and has identified this area as lacking access to parks and associated recreational amenities. The City’s Capital Improvement Program includes Project #P23PAS Boca Chica Neighborhood Park for the development of a primarily passive park with low impact recreational opportunities such as nature observation, walking, and enjoyment of open space.

The project is funded by a combination of Park Impact Fees and Surtax allocated in Fiscal Year 2023 in the amount of $300,000 using Park Impact Fees.

ADA Transition Plan

The Parks & Recreation Department has completed an ADA evaluation of several park and facility locations with the assistance of ACT Services, Inc. Following this evaluation, recommendations for physical improvements to enhance the accessibility of the City’s parks and facilities have been compiled into a phased transition plan.

The ADA transition plan outlines a phased approach to implementing physical improvements, repairs, and adjustments to eliminate barriers to accessing parks and facilities. In FY24, the focus is on continuing the implementation of accessible routes at Dallas White Park. The new paths will connect the parking area to the redesigned multi-purpose field, as well as to the new playground and volleyball court area, including seating areas.

This project is funded through a Surtax allocation and is part of an existing Capital Improvement Project; Project # GM20AT.

Multi-purpose Field

The City will repurpose the existing softball field, turning it into a much needed multi-purpose field. The space will be converted into a maximum-size soccer field, along with a layout for smaller fields suitable for youth players. The primary use of the field will be for soccer, but it will also accommodate football and flag football.  

 The entire field will be fenced with a 6-foot-high galvanized metal fence, including appropriate gates for access from Sam Shapos Way. This field renovation will not impact the existing Scout House. Project #P24DWF

Temporary Maintenance Facility

Temporary Park Maintenance facility is being installed at Dallas White Park, which will establish much needed temporary operational facilities after the permanent facility on Pan American Blvd. was severely damaged during Hurricane Ian.  Key components of the project include the placement of a temporary trailer to serve as administrative offices, along with associated infrastructure improvements. These improvements will provide designated space for maintenance operations, including workshop and secured storage for equipment, vehicles and supplies. In addition to the main project area, a portion of the parking lot that serves the park off Greenwood Avenue will be closed to public access and marked with construction fencing.  Access to the park’s amenities such as pavilion, playground, courts, and boat ramps will remain open to public access throughout the construction period.

Additionally, the Scout House, Fire Station 82, Utilities Temporary Administration, and the North Port Art Center will remain accessible as per established operations/schedules. Park patrons are encouraged to utilize the parking lot located off Sam Shapos Way for convenient access to Dallas White Park during this period.  

This project is currently underway. Project #P23DWM.

About the Project

On March 23, 2021, Resolution 2021-R-17 was adopted by City Commission establishing the Veterans Park Advisory Committee to make recommendations regarding the new Veterans Park at North Port City Center. During the June 28, 2022 City Commission Regular meeting, approval was provided to name the site Circle of Honor based on submissions provided by the Veterans Park Advisory Committee. The current Capital Improvement Program includes project #P21VET funded with $1.4M from Parks and Recreation Impact Fees to support design and construction of the site which will honor Veterans of all U.S. Military forces, past, present and future.

Location

The Circle of Honor will be located within the North Port City Center Complex, per the map below.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Are you interested in sponsoring an amenity for this project? Contact Kimberly Lencki, Community Partnership & Engagement Manager, at 941-429-7143 or email KLencki@NorthPortFL.gov to discuss.

Project: P24LTC

This project is for design and construction of a multi-use trail connecting the Legacy Trail Extension/North Port Connector at Price Boulevard and Calera Street to Warm Mineral Springs Park, continuing into the park and ending at a new trailhead.

The addition of this trail connection will provide North Port residents with the opportunity to safely travel from North Port to Venice to downtown Sarasota as part of the Legacy Trail regional trail system. From Warm Mineral Springs Park, there is opportunity to develop trail segments connecting North Port to Charlotte County via US 41, River Road and through the Myakka State Forest. This is supported by the Trust for Public Land and is being considered as part of the Florida Gulf Coast Trail connecting Pinellas County to Collier County.

The City of North Port’s park system received significant damage as a result of Hurricane Ian. There are currently 30 separate work assignments that were identified by the City’s insurance adjuster and FEMA inspector’s damage assessments. They have been awarded to address needed repairs and replacements across all City parks and facilities. Work assignments are issued as part of a competitive bid process that secured qualified contractors for the City. These work assignments are strategically grouped by locations, and were awarded to multiple contractors, who are thoroughly assessing conditions and providing guaranteed maximum price (GMP) proposals for each work assignment. Once the City receives and reviews the GMP, funding for the repairs or replacements must be identified and a budget amendment requested through the City’s Finance Department and presented for City Commission approval. Upon securing the necessary funding, the City then prepares a contract amendment that requires review and approval of the City Attorney’s office and then is presented for City Commission final approval. After the contract amendment is approved, the repairs or replacements are then scheduled for completion. While this is a lengthy process, all steps are necessary to ensure the City is in a position to receive maximum reimbursement through insurance and FEMA.

Parks & Recreation Department will be using park impact fees as part of the FY25 budget to create a new Parks & Recreation Master Plan.

The City of North Port has created a Parks and Recreation Master Plan(PDF, 12MB) that consists of a comprehensive analysis of the entire City parks and recreation system and provides recommendations for the future delivery of services over the next 10 years.

The project to create the Master Plan started in May 2015 in conjunction with Sarasota County’s efforts to create a countywide Parks and Recreation Master Plan. The two plans, although different, tie into each other. North Port’s plan, however, is distinctly for the North Port community. On April 26, 2016, the City Commission accepted the Parks & Recreation Master Plan for the City of North Port as a work product. On January 9, 2018, the City Commission approved the Master Plan with changes. View the final Parks and Recreation Master Plan(PDF, 12MB).

For more information, contact the City’s Parks and Recreation Department at (941) 429-PARK(7275).

Parks & Recreation Master Plan Appendices

• Appendix A - Statistically Valid Survey(PDF, 2MB)
• Appendix B - Online Survey Results(PDF, 186KB)
• Appendix C - 2006 Parks & Recreation Master Plan(PDF, 47MB)
• Appendix D - 2007 Myakkahatchee Creek Greenway Plan(PDF, 29MB)
• Appendix E - 2008 Dallas White Park Final Report(PDF, 9MB)
• Appendix F - 2010 Aquatic Facility Master Plan(PDF, 17MB)  
• Appendix G - 2010 Creek & Canal Master Plan(PDF, 12MB)
• Appendix H - Strategic Plan(PDF, 2MB)
• Appendix I - Parks & Recreation Mission and Vision(PDF, 133KB)