Park Projects
Below are select Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources' Capital Improvement Projects and other projects that are currently in progress.
Learn more about these and other Projects In Your Neighborhood.
17th Street Regional Park
Post Date:06/03/2026 11:30 AM
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Project DescriptionThe 17th Street Regional Park is part of the North County Athletic Facilities Master Plan. It will encompass approximately 200 acres and include the Miss Sarasota Softball complex, the current 17th Street Park, adjacent County utility property, and connections to nearby public areas like Circus Hammock. Phase 1 will feature athletic facilities and amenities on the eastern side of the site. This will include four artificial turf multipurpose rectangle fields, eight (8) youth softball fields, and three adult softball fields. |
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Design by: Kimley Horn and Fawley Bryant Architecture |
Contractors: Tandem Construction |
NOTE:
The eastern portion of the park is closed to the public during construction through the fall of 2026. However, the dog park and adult softball fields on the west side remain open. For your safety, please use extra caution near the entrances along 17th Street.
Updates:
May 31, 2026
The east youth softball quad is now complete, including new infield mix and fresh sod. Construction on the championship field press box is actively progressing. On the west youth softball quad, crews are installing the infield mix and irrigation system. Grading work also continues at the adult softball complex.
At each of the concession and restroom buildings, exterior construction is nearly finished, while interior work—including electrical, plumbing, and drywall—is still underway. Installation of the artificial turf for the multipurpose fields has been rescheduled for this fall to better align with overall park completion.
April 30, 2026
Construction at the site continues to move forward. The east entry is now complete, marking a major milestone for the project. At the adult softball complex building, crews are actively working on electrical and plumbing installations. Progress also continues at the second youth softball quad, where grading and irrigation work are well underway. Foundations for the youth softball batting tunnels are scheduled to begin in early May, adding to the growing activity across the complex.
Inside the multipurpose field buildings, soffit and drywall installation is ongoing as interior spaces take shape. At the maintenance building, construction of the field material bins is also progressing.
March 31, 2026
Exterior stucco, roofing, soffit work, and electrical installation are ongoing at the Multipurpose Field Building. Exterior painting and sidewalk installation will follow.
Vinyl windows for the Recreational Press Box Building have shipped and are expected to arrive next week for installation.
Electrical equipment installation continues at the Youth Concession and Restroom Building.
At the Main Entry Building, the east decking received approval yesterday and preparation work is underway.
Work continues on the Maintenance Building, including window installation and mechanical and electrical system rough‑ins.
Block installation for the Youth Softball Grandstands is scheduled to begin next week once materials are delivered.
At the first youth field quad, crews are installing the infield clay mix and the backstop wall and netting sleeves.
Grading and surveying for the second quad will begin soon, followed by drainage and irrigation work.
Grading and installation of base material in the south parking lot are ongoing.
February 28, 2026
Lighting upgrades are now complete on all MP fields as well as the Youth Softball fields, and work on the Adult Softball field lighting is expected to wrap up in the coming weeks. Construction of the new grandstands at the Championship Softball Field is progressing, and sidewalk installation is underway throughout the MP fields area. The east entry is also moving forward with active construction. Looking ahead, installation of the new artificial turf is scheduled to begin near the end of March.
January 31, 2026
Site improvements at 17th Street Regional Park are moving forward. Lighting installation is complete on the multipurpose fields and youth softball fields, and work on the adult softball field lighting is expected to finish in the coming weeks. The grandstands for the championship softball field are now being installed, and new sidewalks are taking shape around the multipurpose fields. Additionally, construction of a wooden privacy fence along the park’s east boundary is scheduled to begin within the next couple of weeks.
December 31, 2025
Work is moving forward at 17th Street Regional Park with several key improvements underway. Crews are installing sleeves beneath the roads and parking areas while continuing rough grading and subbase preparation for the parking lots. At the multipurpose fields, steel installation for the restroom and concession building is progressing, and masonry work on the youth softball restrooms is ongoing. The multipurpose press box is also taking shape, with grouting scheduled for next week.
Meanwhile, underground work for the maintenance building is wrapping up, and slab preparation has begun, with concrete pouring expected by the end of next week. Slab prep for the adult softball restrooms and concession areas is also in progress. In addition, Musco lighting installation continues for the youth fields.
November 30, 2025
Things are looking up—literally! Field lighting has been installed, and the foundations for the youth softball stadium and office buildings are now in place. Crews continue earth-moving work across the site as the project steadily moves forward. Visible progress is taking shape.
October 31, 2025
Construction activity continues to move forward across the site, with several key milestones underway:
Crews are actively working on site grading to prepare the land for future development. This includes leveling the terrain and ensuring proper drainage. At the same time, underground utility installation—such as water, sewer, and electrical lines—is progressing throughout the project area. These essential systems will support all future park facilities.
Construction of the Youth Softball Entry Building, located west of the breezeway, is advancing. The building’s foundation work is currently in progress, laying the groundwork for this important facility that will serve as a welcoming point for players and visitors.
We’re pleased to report that utility rough-in work for both the multipurpose field and the youth softball concession buildings has been completed. This includes the installation of plumbing, electrical, and other infrastructure components beneath the slab. These areas are now ready for concrete pouring, which will mark the next major step in construction.
🔍 What’s Next?
- Concrete slab installation for concession and support buildings
- Ongoing grading and utility work across the site
We appreciate the community’s continued support and patience as we work to bring these exciting new recreational amenities to life.
September 30, 2025
Grading and leveling activities are actively underway on-site as part of the ongoing site preparation efforts. These essential steps are being carried out to establish a stable and properly contoured foundation for future construction phases. This work ensures the site meets all engineering and environmental standards, setting the stage for efficient and safe development as the project moves forward.
August 31, 2025
The Construction Manager is now fully mobilized and actively leading operations on-site! The momentum is building as dedicated crews work tirelessly to transform the landscape—removing invasive vegetation, clearing the site, and reshaping the earth with precision and purpose.
This crucial phase sets the stage for everything to come. By clearing the site and creating a clean slate, we’re laying the foundation for a space that will inspire, serve, and stand as a testament to thoughtful planning and collaboration.
July 31, 2025
Demolition is in full swing, with crews making incredible progress! The site is being cleared, invasive vegetation is being removed, and earthmoving is well underway. Excitement is building as everything is moving forward!
June 30, 2025
The demolition process has officially begun, marking the first step in clearing the site for our upcoming project. Stay tuned for more updates as we transform this space into something amazing!
May 31, 2025
Work has officially begun. Stay tuned to this webpage for the latest updates and information.
April 30, 2025
Tandem Construction has kicked off the project with the mobilization and installation of construction fencing. The site is buzzing with activity as light tree debris and dirt removal are underway. Plus, the removal of the Miss Sarasota Softball Complex fencing has started!
December 13, 2024
On December 11, 2024, at 6 pm, Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources (PRNR) held a public meeting to provide an update on the progress of the new 17th Street Regional Park. The public was able to email questions and comments to PRNRmeetings@scgov.net. Nicole Rissler, the Director of PRNR, addressed as many questions and comments as possible. A PowerPoint presentation showcased several renderings of Phase I of the new park. Upon completion, the first phase of 17th Street Regional Park will be Sarasota County’s newest major sports tourism facility, featuring three new adult softball fields, eight youth softball fields, and four artificial turf multi-purpose fields. Construction is expected to start in spring 2025 and open in late 2026.
Click here to view the presentation.
Below are photos of the groundbreaking held in November 2022.