Parks for Everyone

Get Outside and Explore Our Welcoming Parks and Preserves

The region has a wealth of these restorative spaces to enjoy, no matter your passion. Here are 10 to explore.

12/01/2025 By Kendall Southworth

🌳🌳🌳

Celebrate Florida Arbor Day With a Scavenger Hunt for Native Trees

The goal is to encourage residents to get outside and enjoy local parks while learning about tree species native to Florida and their benefits.

01/18/2023 By Bethany Ritz

Nature

Myakka River State Park Purchases All-Terrain Wheelchair to Improve Accessibility

A grant from the William G. & Marie Selby Foundation made the move possible.

01/05/2022 By Staff

Environment

Celebrate 'National Cleanup Day' in Sarasota This Weekend

North and South Sarasota County parks and beaches will have community cleanup events on Saturday, Sept. 18, from 8-10 a.m.

09/13/2021 Photography by Allison Forsyth

Urban Sprawl

Hi Hat Ranch Density Changes OK'd by County Commissioners

Despite opposition from the public, county commissioners voted unanimously to adopt an amendment allowing up to six times more density on 10,000 acres of land.

09/09/2021 By Kim Doleatto

Losing Our Country

Rural Hi Hat Ranch Gets Closer to Becoming a Major Development

Despite protests, Sarasota County commissioners approve an allowable density amendment for the sprawling Hi Hat Ranch.

06/10/2021 By Elizabeth Djinis

High Stakes Decision

Sarasota County Commission to Consider Turning Hi Hat Ranch Into Large Housing, Commercial Development

It's another battle in the fight between the preservationists who want to keep some of the region’s land rural and the developers who want to maximize its profit.

06/09/2021 By Elizabeth Djinis

Grants

Selby Foundation Awards $75,000 Grant for Lake Osprey Fishing Pier

The pier, apart from being an added attraction for park visitors, will also be used for school visits to teach children how to fish, as well as about the value of the park's habitats.

01/06/2021 By Staff

Sarasota Magazine

Jim Schwabel/Shutterstock.com