Sarasota County to hold public meetings for parks master plan

Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources is gathering public input as a part the process for its master plan.

The department received approval to start the master plan process in February after the Board of County Commissioners approved a contract with Toole Design Group for $299,800. Toole will provide an analysis of the department’s current facilities, parks and preserves.

The master plan will guide the department’s use of current parks and future parkland acquisition, as well as identify gaps in facilities around the county, such as athletic fields. Toole’s analysis will take around 18 months to complete.

The county will collect public input both at this week’s meetings and electronically, as well as phone surveys.

IF YOU GO

• Monday April 6, 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Venice Community Center, 326 Nokomis Ave., Venice,

•Tuesday April 7, 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Morgan Family Center, 6207 West Price Blvd., North Port, and

• Wednesday April 8, 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Gulf Gate Library, 7112 Curtiss Ave., Sarasota.