Urfer Park provides a unique combination of recreational and learning opportunities. The park offers playgrounds for toddlers through teens, a 1-mile nature trail, with boardwalks over wetlands, winds through the diverse eco-systems, through upland scrub and oak hammocks, and adjacent to a small working cattle ranch. Signs throughout the park provide descriptions of natural and sustainable features.

Select areas of Urfer Family Park are dog friendly. Dogs are not allowed in or near restrooms, playgrounds, or pavilion. The map illustrates these areas.

Map of dog friendly area of Urfer Family Park

One of the more unique characteristics of Urfer Family Park is the rehabilitated Dr. C. B. Wilson House, a historic structure constructed circa 1906. The first floor is open to the public for self guided tours on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and on Thursdays and Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m. Take the self guided tour through the first floor to learn about the historic Dr. C.B. Wilson House and other fascinating historical aspects of Sarasota County. The house is closed on holiday weekends and may be closed other days. We recommend calling 941-861-5000 in advance of your planned visit. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

The second floor currently houses offices for the Friends of Sarasota County Parks and for Sarasota County Park staff.

If you are interested in volunteering as a docent for the Dr. C.B. Wilson House please call 941-861-5000 and let them know of your interest.

As Sarasota County’s first Silver LEED certified park, Urfer Family Park represents a new milestone in sustainability. Water conservation will be achieved by a two-prong approach of reduction.

• First, the goal is to reduce irrigation demand by the careful selection of native and drought tolerant plant materials, along with low-flow irrigation devices.
  • The design and construction selected native landscape materials that are compatible with the smaller eco-systems on the project site, enhancing the project goals to conserve the original wildlife sanctuaries and natural environment of the park.
  • The reduction in irrigation demand due to these strategies is expected to exceed 50 percent.
     
• The second approach to water conservation is through the use of very low-flow plumbing devices, such as dual flush water closets and low flow shower heads.
  • The expected reduction in water use through these is devices is 30 percent.

The Urfer Family Park picnic pavilion and grounds are perfect for family reunions, corporate outings or organized events. For more information about availability and rates contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 or visit www.parksonline.scgov.net