Sarasota County, FL, April 15, 2025 – Sarasota County Schools and Sarasota County are thrilled to announce the grand opening of a new multipurpose, lighted track and field and supporting athletic facilities at Oak Park School. The new amenities are adjacent to Lakeview Park, a Sarasota County-owned and operated park that features a picnic shelter pavilion, a dog park, a canoe/kayak launch, a disc golf course, grills, and more.
Sarasota County Schools and Sarasota County entered an interlocal agreement to collaborate on the funding, designing, building, and maintaining of the Oak Park School track & field project. The design process started back in August 2023, with construction on the school’s track & field area commencing in August 2024. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held this morning (Tuesday, April 15) preceding the facility’s first official event: Oak Park School’s Panther Prowl.
“We would like to thank Sarasota County, as well as all of the skilled workers and tradespeople who participated in this project, for their help in bringing this shared vision to life,” said Terry Connor, Superintendent of Schools. “It is incredibly important that all our students, districtwide, have access to safe and adaptable fitness environments. This outdoor track & field will allow Oak Park students, families, and team members to learn, play, and gather as a school community. We are honored to share this resource with the community and hope it will bring even more families together.”
“We are pleased to invest in great projects, such as these enhancements at Oak Park School, that serve our children and families,” commented Dr. Joe Neunder, Chair of the Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners. “This facility is an incredible addition to our entire community and will hold a special place in the greater Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources family. Oak Park School has always been a place where families, students, and neighbors come together, and we look forward to seeing that tradition continue through the use of this space.”
The scope of the Oak Park School track & field project included installing an all-new six-lane 400-meter rubberized track with one (1) eight-lane straight away for sprints and hurdles, as well as a synthetic turf, high school-sized soccer field. Sideline water, electrical outlets, a soccer scoreboard, soccer poles & netting, new fencing, and a new sidewalk were also installed. The total cost of the project was $3,951,964, with Sarasota County contributing $500,000.
Oak Park School’s track & field project is one of several interlocal agreements between the School Board of Sarasota County and Sarasota County. Other projects of note include the lighted soccer fields at Tatum Ridge Elementary School, the open space playing field and athletic amenities at Heron Creek Middle School, and the upcoming athletic fields and amenities at Skye Ranch School.
Please visit www.sarasotacountyschools.net/o/oakpark for more information about Oak Park School. For more information about Sarasota County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources’ parks and facilities, please visit www.sarasotacountyparks.com/parks-and-facilities.