Culverhouse Family Donates 82 Acres For Nature Park

A new 82-acre nature park is planned near the northern entrance of The Legacy Trail. This park will officially be named “Culverhouse Nature Park” in recognition of the Culverhouse family and their donation of the land to the county, a county release said.

In 2006, Sarasota County accepted the donation of a conservation easement over the site. The Sarasota County Commission approved the park concept plan in 2010. The plan was developed with the input of the Culverhouse family, Palmer Ranch Holdings and neighborhood stakeholders, the release said.

The park will be developed in phases with initial improvements to include access into the park from McIntosh Road, signage, fencing, access to the community garden and The Legacy Trail. As additional funding becomes available, the remaining park amenities will be constructed.

According to the county, when completed, Culverhouse Nature Park will offer a community garden, picnic shelter with restrooms, playground equipment, a variety of trails, native plants and wildlife habitat. The new park also will provide access and parking at the northern terminus of The Legacy Trail.

“This generous donation by the Culverhouse family will help protect beautiful natural areas and wetlands, allow neighbors to grow their own food at the community garden and provide another trailhead for The Legacy Trail,” said Jessica Ritter of Sarasota County Parks and Recreation.