Park Projects

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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.

 

Snook Haven Park

Post Date:06/03/2026 8:30 AM

Project Description

The Snook Haven Improvements Project involves the creation of a new ADA-compliant food service facility, a new accessible pavilion that will offer covered seating and a view of the river, replacement of the bandshell with a new ADA-compliant version and accessible patio, a new fishing pier and associated ADA compliant parking, conversion of one of the existing cabins into an outfitter facility (canoe/kayak rental) with a public restroom, construction of accessible walks throughout the project area that will connect to the existing boat ramp and the canoe/kayak launch, and site specific themed furnishings.


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 5000 E Venice Avenue, Venice

Sarasota County Projects in My Neighborhood

   

 Funded by:

  Impact Fees, Surtax III

Surtax IV, Tourist Development Capital

 Design by:

Sweet Sparkman Architects, Inc.

 Contractors:

Jon F Swift Construction

 

Updates:

May 31, 2026

Progress continues at Snook Haven! Rooftop equipment has been installed at the concession building, along with major interior equipment. At both the pavilion and the bandshell, framing is now complete, and deck installation is the next step for each structure.

Exterior painting of the outfitter’s building is finished, and new exterior light fixtures have been installed. The fishing pier is also nearing completion. Removal of the overhead power lines is still pending Florida Power & Light scheduling.

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April 30, 2026

Great progress continues across the site. The concession building now has its roof and interior wall framing completed, along with rough electrical and plumbing. At the pavilion, truss installation is finished and roof construction is underway. The roof has also been framed at the band shell. Inside the outfitter building, concrete board and drywall installation is complete, and the fishing pier has reached approximately 70% completion. Removal of the overhead power lines is still pending scheduling with FPL.

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March 31, 2026

The concession building has its trusses installed, and roof construction is now in progress. The pavilion continues to move forward with framing work. The band shell has received its metal frame, while the outfitter building now features newly installed exterior siding. Construction on the fishing pier platform is ongoing. Across the site, sidewalk installation has begun, and tree planting is underway in areas where access will become more limited as construction continues.

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February 28, 2026

The exterior walls of the concession building have been constructed, and waterproofing is complete. Framing of the pavilion is underway, and the tabby stucco work has been finished. Fabrication of the metal structure for the band shell is in progress. Exterior siding has been installed on the outfitter building and construction continues on the fishing pier platform. The FPL easement has also been approved, and undergrounding of overhead utilities is scheduled to begin in March.

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January 31, 2026

Construction progress continues at Snook Haven. The exterior walls of the Concession Building have been completed, and the upper tie beam has been poured. Foundation piers for the pavilion are finished, and column posts have been installed. On the Outfitter Building, exterior furring strips have been added in preparation for siding. Additionally, four of the eight foundation piers for the fishing pier have been installed.

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December 31, 2025

The concession building now has its footers and floor joist supports in place, laying the foundation for future work. Concrete footers for the pavilion have been poured, marking a major milestone for these key features. Waterproofing has been completed on both the Outfitter building and Cabin 4, ensuring durability and protection. Additionally, construction has officially begun on the fishing pier.

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November 30, 2025

Construction continues to move forward across multiple areas of the site. The concrete footers for the band shell have been successfully poured, for the performance space. At the concession building, both the footers and the floor joist supports are now in place, setting the stage for the next phase of construction. Meanwhile, work on the pavilion is progressing steadily, with crews actively installing helical piles to ensure a strong and stable foundation. Over at the outfitter building, waterproofing has been applied, providing essential protection and preparing the structure for interior work.

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October 31, 2025

All demolition work has now been fully completed, clearing the way for new construction to take shape. The foundations and piers for the new stage have been successfully poured, marking a major milestone in the transformation of the performance area. This structure will serve as a central feature of the site and is designed to accommodate a wide range of events and performances.

Work on the concession building is also well underway. Helical piles—deep foundation elements used to ensure stability—have been installed, and the rebar framework for the foundation has been set in place. Concrete for the foundation is scheduled to be poured on October 31, aligning with our construction timeline and bringing us one step closer to completing this key amenity.

Meanwhile, progress on the dining pavilion has begun, with helical pile installation starting on October 30. This space will provide a welcoming and shaded area for guests to relax and enjoy meals once the project is complete.

In addition to structural work, we’ve taken important steps to preserve the natural beauty of the site. Two protected palm trees have been carefully relocated to the west side of the new stage. Their preservation reflects our commitment to maintaining the character and ecological value of the landscape while enhancing the overall visitor experience.

We appreciate the continued support and enthusiasm from the community as we bring this vision to life. Stay tuned for more updates as construction continues to progress!

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September 30, 2025

Construction of the new retaining wall along the east shoreline—located adjacent to the concession building and pavilion—is now complete. This critical infrastructure enhances shoreline stability, improves safety, and protects the area from erosion, ensuring long-term resilience. 

Demolition of cabins #2 and #3 has been successfully completed. This work clears the way for future improvements and opens up space for enhanced park amenities and visitor experiences.

Interior framing of the new Outfitters building is now finished.

Preparations are underway for the next exciting phase: the installation of helical piles for the new bandshell foundation. This work is scheduled to begin in early October and marks a major step toward

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August 31, 2025

The former restaurant and band shell have been fully demolished, clearing the space for new, vibrant community features. This marks a major milestone as we say goodbye to the old and make room for the future.

Selective demolition of the outfitter cabin is now complete, preserving key structural elements while preparing the space for its next chapter. This careful process ensures we retain what matters most while making way for thoughtful improvements.

The layout for the Concession and Pavilion foundation is currently in progress, setting the stage for two exciting new amenities that will serve as central gathering spots for visitors and families alike.

In partnership with Florida Power & Light (FPL), the design process is underway to underground the electric lines—a major infrastructure upgrade that will enhance safety, reliability, and aesthetics throughout the site.

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July 31, 2025

The restaurant demolition is done—which is a huge achievement! Now, the restoration of the Outfitter's building is in full swing, infusing the site with fresh energy and anticipation for the incredible transformation ahead!

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June 30, 2025

The contractor has fully secured the site with construction fencing, and tree protection barricades are in place, now awaiting inspection. 

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May 31, 2025

The construction project is officially underway as of May 16, 2025 after receiving the Notice to Proceed! Preconstruction activities are in progress, and the site is being secured by our dedicated construction contractor. The Board of County Commissioners gave the green light on May 20, 2025, for a grant application to the West Coast Inland Navigation District, prepared by our diligent staff.

April 30, 2025

Get ready for an exciting transformation at Snook Haven! Join us for the groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 2pm. While the main area will be closed for construction, the boat ramp, canoe/kayak launch, and parking will remain open for your convenience. Don't miss this monumental event!

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