Charlotte County developing $140M project to improve local parks

Reporter: Kristin Sanchez
Published: Updated:

PUNTA GORDA, Fla.- Charlotte County estimates it will spend more than $140 million over the next 18 years to improve county parks.

“I love having sidewalks to walk on, and an occasional tree every now and then is good,” said resident Nancy Rasmussen.

The county is working on a plan to renovate all 79 Charlotte County parks, with a goal to add more shade and improve sports facilities for competitive tournaments.

“I mean the whole process that we’re going through is to really engage the community to get their input on what they want, because that’s our whole purpose, to understand what their desires are and then implement that,” said Tommy Scott, with Charlotte County.

Over the next six years, Charlotte County will pump millions of dollars into a number of projects, including improvements to McGuire Park in Parkside, renovations to three recreational centers, and two brand new recreational centers at regional parks. The projects will be paid for through a penny sales tax that votes approved last year.

Some residents are excited to add in their input, saying they’d like to see more water access and more multi-use trails.

“Well a pavilion to offer some shade and water ’cause that’s important if you’re outside during the day and soaking up this vitamin D,” said Rasmussen.

Commissioners say they’re still working to figure out how to pay for the large-scale project. The county is holding a meeting at the Cultural Center in Port Charlotte on Thursday to find out what residents would like to see improved in the next six years.

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