Potter Park is a beautiful 37-acre
neighborhood park conveniently located within Palmer Ranch and
offers a wide variety of both active and passive recreational
opportunities. The Sarasota YMCA is adjacent to Potter Park and
they lease a portion of the parkland for use of the Aquatic
Center and associated parking. In return, the YMCA assists with
routine maintenance of the park. This partnership is unique in
that a variety of recreational opportunities are available in
one location.
Amenities
- Picnic pavilion with
grill
- Large gazebo with grill
(available for reservations at 861-5000)
- Open-area picnic tables
- Shaded playground
- Outdoor basketball
courts
- 4 lighted tennis courts
- Open play field
- Restrooms
- Nature/Recreation trails
Planning for Improvements
In 2003, the Palmer Ranch
Master Association (PRMA) initiated discussions with
Sarasota County Parks and Recreation to review various
capital improvements needed to the parks in Palmer Ranch.
The Palmer Ranch Master Association Parks Committee was
formed and consists of Palmer Ranch residents, the President
of the PRMA, representatives from Parks and Recreation and
the YMCA. This partnership has produced many success stories
at Potter Park
including:
- Improved vegetation
management
- New play equipment with
shade structures
- Additional parking areas
- New 42’ wide gazebo with
landscaping, grill, and handicap seating areas
- Improved signage
- Restored open play area
- Additional vehicular
access
- Overflow parking areas
Additional improvements currently
in development at Potter Park include new shell-based trails, improvements to
the existing trail system, additional pedestrian connections to
the park, and installation of an informational kiosk with maps.
The group has accomplished many
of their goals and is now transitioning into a chapter of the
Friends of Sarasota County Parks - Friends of Palmer Ranch Parks
(FPRP). For more information on the FPRP, or to become a member,
visit the
Friends of Sarasota County Parks (FOSCP)
webpage. |
Click image to enlarge
