TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
TITLE: Presentation Regarding the Parks and Recreation Master Plan Public Engagement and Existing Conditions Summary Reports.
Recommended Action
None.
City Commission Options
Not applicable.
Background Information
On April 3, 2025, the City Commission approved the Award of Request for Proposal No. 2025-16 - Professional Services for Parks and Recreation Master Plan to GAI Consultants, Inc. in the amount of $249,665 for Project #P25PMP Parks Master Plan.
This initiative will develop a Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan focused on sustainability, accessibility, community cohesion, and placemaking. The multi-phase planning process includes stakeholder engagement, public workshops, community surveys, and facility evaluations to identify needs and guide future improvements.
Key components of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan include the following:
Ø A site plan for a new 40-acre park on Italy Avenue
Ø Exploration of eco-tourism opportunities
Ø Analysis of youth sports demand
Ø Equity-focused mapping of park access across the community
Based on the data collected during the initial phases, GAI Consultants, Inc. have developed both Public Engagement and Existing Conditions Summary Reports. This information will be used as the basis for establishing a guide for the City’s parks and recreation system that is grounded in industry best practices and community input.
The final deliverables will include the following:
Ø Comprehensive Master Plan Report summarizing all findings and recommendations
Ø Capital Improvement Plan
Ø Grant funding strategy
Ø Design standards to support long-term, inclusive, and sustainable park development.
It is anticipated that the final deliverables referenced above will be presented to the City Commission for their consideration and adoption in December of 2025.
Strategic Plan Pillar
Quality of Life
Financial Impact
Ø Funding for the Parks and Recreation Master Plan has been allocated in the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget, Project #P25PMP, account number 152-3036-572.31-05 in the amount of $250,000, funded by Park Impact Fees.
Ø Per section 7.5 of the Amendment and Restatement of West Villages Developer Agreement (Post Annexation), the City shall have the right to use up to $62,500 of Wellen Park, Park Impact Fees towards the project subject to the completion and delivery of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan to West Villages, LLLP by December 31, 2025.
Procurement
Not applicable.
Attachments:
1. Parks & Recreation Master Plan Presentation
2. Public Engagement Summary
3. Existing Conditions Summary Report
4. April 3, 2025, Commission Special Meeting Minutes
5. Amendment and Restatement of West Villages Developer Agreement (Post Annexation)
Prepared by: Rachael Payne, Business Services Coordinator
Department Director: Sandy Pfundheller, Parks & Recreation Director