The Sarasota County Commission unanimously approved the master concept plan for the Wellfield Regional Sports Complex in Venice, though the timeline for development and funding remains in limbo until after Florida voters weigh in on Amendment 3.
The county acquired the 80-acre park on Oct. 29, 2025, as part of an interlocal agreement with the city of Venice that was approved last year.
When it was acquired, it was anticipated that at least $40 million of improvements would be needed to bring Wellfield Park up to regional park standards, with the city of Venice contributing a total of $20 million of that cost.
Parks and Recreation funding relies heavily on property tax revenues, so if 60% of voters statewide approve Amendment 3, both Sarasota County
and the city of Venice would be hard -pressed to fund the improvements.
“These are the kinds of things we are struggling with,” Sarasota County Commission Chairman Ron Cutsinger said and later added, “Let’s pray Amendment 3 doesn’t keep us from doing it.”
County Commissioner Joe Neunder — who along with his family are regular users of Wellfield Park — suggested that one source of additional funds for the park is the Tourist Development Tax, a 6% tax on revenue from rentals of six months or less.
Sarasota County already earmarked $20 million from that tax to help pay for the controversial $80 million Nathan Benderson Park boathouse project.
While Neunder alluded to the possibility of attractive youth sports tournaments, Wellfield Park has already hosted one national championship.
In 2021 the Sarasota County Croquet Club hosted the 2021 US Croquet Association (USCA) National Championships at Wellfield Park.
What is the future plan for Wellfield Park?
Wellfield Park is home to a variety of athletic leagues and organizations, including boys and girls soccer, Little League baseball and softball, Venice Vikings football and cheer, and the Sarasota County Croquet Club.
The croquet courts, which are accessible on Lucaya Avenue, off of Pinebrook Road, are scheduled to receive a shade structure, though not necessarily in Phase 1 of the master concept plan.
The aging facility is sorely in need of drainage upgrades, additional parking and Americans With Disabilities Act-compliant restrooms and other facilities.
Parking and drainage issues are among the first things that will be addressed.
The overall number of parking spaces will increase by more than 350 spaces to about 1,200 parking spaces, including some parking along the internal streets.
Shelby Hoffman, division manager for sports, tourism, facilities and programs with the Sarasota County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources department, explained to the commission that park drainage will be fixed, with interior roads from the main entrance off of Ridgewood Avenue and secondary entrances off of Pinebrook Road connecting all the parking lots.
The existing croquet courts, and three soccer fields will remain in place but the existing baseball and softball fields, as well as the Letson Stadium and the football field will be replaced.
The most dramatic change will be the demolition of Letson Stadium, which was built more than 40 years ago and is primarily used by the Venice Vikings youth football and cheerleading program.
Hoffman said the decision to replace the stadium was made in consultation with representatives of the Venice Vikings.
A concession building with restrooms, bleachers with a press box and locker rooms will all be built on the west side of the new football field.
Phase 1 also includes construction of one regulation-size baseball diamond with 90-foot base paths and 300-foot fences, two regulation softball fields for Miss Venice Softball and two combination baseball/softball fields with 220-foot fences that could also be used for Little League baeball.
Later phases include three Little League sized fields with 200-foot fences — likely the future home of Venice Little League, which currently plays at Chuck Reiter Park on the island of Venice.
Dating back to the earliest negotiations between Venice and Sarasota County, city officials expressed an interest in repurposing the 11-acre park.
Little League is scheduled to play there for the next three years.
In addition to that, future expansion calls for a total of four soccer fields, two multipurpose fields that could be used for other field sports such as lacrosse, and one that could also contain a baseball diamond.
Because of uncertainty related to the Nov. 3 vote on Amendment 3, which would extend the homestead exemption, officials have no timetable for when improvements may commence.
County Commissioner Tom Knight, who worked on building the dugout of the current main baseball field, quipped that when that is demolished,he wants staff to save one brick for him as a souvenir.
"This is a great day for the city of Venice and Amendment 3 is right around the corner,” Knight said.
In a reference to Amendment 3, he added, “I hope everybody hears us; we want to give it to you.”
Earle Kimel primarily covers local governments in Sarasota County as well as land development and environmental issues for the Herald-Tribune. Follow him on Facebook and X. He can be reached by email at earle.kimel@heraldtribune.com. Support local journalism by subscribing.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: $40 million Sarasota County park plan faces Amendment 3 uncertainty
