TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
TITLE: Discussion and Possible Action Regarding the Adoption of the North Port, Florida, Parks & Recreation Master Plan Final Report.
Recommended Action
Option 1: Adopt the North Port, Florida, Parks & Recreation Master Plan Final Report.
City Commission Options
Option 1: Adopt the North Port, Florida, Parks & Recreation Master Plan Final Report.
• Pros:
o Meets the requirements of the Commission for the Accreditation of Parks & Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) standard 3.3 Park and Recreation System Master Plan.
o Provides a long-term, data driven roadmap for park development.
o Emphasizes environmentally responsible planning focused on sustainability, accessibility, community cohesion, and placemaking.
o Features key components such as the site plan for the new Italy Avenue Park, eco-tourism strategies, and youth sports demand analysis.
o Timely adoption allows the City to utilize $62,500 from Wellen Park, Park Impact Fees to offset project expenses, maximizing the return on investment.
o Strengthens the City’s position when applying for grants and other external funding sources for Parks and Recreation related requests.
o Drives future investments to match community needs and demographic trends.
o Meets the recommendation for approval by the City of North Port Parks & Recreation Advisory Board.
• Cons:
o Potential for perception that a formal plan limits flexibility to address emergent recreational needs.
o Implementation of any part of the plan is not guaranteed.
Option 2: Do not Adopt the North Port, Florida, Parks & Recreation Master Plan Final Report.
• Pros:
o City retains the ability to respond to short term needs outside the confines of a structured framework.
• Cons:
o The Parks & Recreation Department would not meet CAPRA standard 3.3, which is a required fundamental standard for accreditation.
o Reduces financial efficiency by forfeiting access to $62,500 of Park Impact Fees from Wellen Park.
o Potential for public concerns over fiscal stewardship due to expenditure of funds for master plan development without an adopted final document.
o Park development may proceed in a reactive manner without the vision for a cohesive park system.
o Resources may not be allocated appropriately.
o Without a structured plan, community needs may not be addressed in an effective manner.
o Does not meet the recommendation of the City of North Port Parks & Recreation Advisory Board.
Background Information
During the City Commission Special Meeting held 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. As the largest City in Sarasota County by land area and population, North Port faces growing demands for both passive and active recreation, competitive sports, and tourism. The North Port, Florida, Park & Recreation Master Plan Final Report addresses these needs by analyzing demographic trends, particularly the City’s large youth and family population, and proposes improvements to facilities, programming, and connectivity. It also positions the City to support equitable park access for all residents, aligning with the City’s mission to preserve the natural environment and promote healthy living.
This plan has been reviewed and recommended for adoption by the City of North Port Parks & Recreation Advisory Board.
GAI, Inc. has completed all deliverables as outlined in Proposal No. 2025-16, and based on the data collected, the attached North Port, Florida, Parks & Recreation Master Plan Final Report provides a comprehensive analysis of the City’s parks and recreation system. Adopting the North Port, Florida, Parks & Recreation Master Plan Final Report prior to December 31, 2025, enables the City to utilize $62,500 in Park Impact Fees from Wellen Park to offset project costs.
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. Presentation
2. Parks & Recreation Master Plan Final Report
3. Agreement
4. April 3, 2025, Meeting Minutes
5. November 20, 2025, Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Meeting Action Report
Prepared by: Trish Sturgess, Assistant Parks & Recreation Director
Department Director: Sandy Pfundheller, Parks & Recreation Director