Sarasota County has unveiled the preliminary design of a new Palmer Ranch park. It will reside on an 82-acre parcel that Hugh Culverhouse Jr. donated as a conservation easement.

The Palmer Ranch Holdings owner has said that after the concept plan is revealed, he most likely will transfer ownership of the parcel to the county.

The county’s initial plans are to keep the park a passive one with walking trails, an unmarked play field, picnic area and a short roadway with minimal parking.

A bald eagle’s nest resides on the site, so law dictates that much of the 82 acres has to remain an undeveloped radius around the nest.

Most Palmer Ranch residents who reviewed the plan Thursday evening seemed to like the plan, but one Stonebridge resident asked why it needed to be developed at all.

“It’s beautiful the way it is,” Jamie Racine said.

The park has a long process ahead of it, which includes more public meetings and approval hearings before the county’s parks board and county commission.

Contact Robin Roy at rroy@yourobserver.com.
 

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