Current Projects

The playground at Pine Park, originally installed in 2013, is scheduled for replacement in Fiscal Year 2026 as part of the City’s ongoing Playground Replacement Program within the 5-year Capital Improvement Program. Most commercial playgrounds are designed to last 8 to 10 years.  

The City conducts monthly safety inspections at all playgrounds to ensure equipment remains in good condition and safe for public use. These routine checks serve as a preventative measure identifying wear, damage, or potential hazards early. When a playground approaches the end of its expected lifespan, a more detailed evaluation is performed. This includes reviewing how often the equipment is used, the effects of weather over time, structural integrity, and any safety concerns. Based on the evaluation of Pine Park, it has been determined that replacement is needed in Fiscal Year 2026.

Project #P26PPP is funded through a Surtax allocation. Please note that Park Impact Fees cannot be used for this initiative. The total estimated budget is $225,000.

On March 23, 2021, Resolution 2021-R-17 was adopted by City Commission establishing the Veterans Park Advisory Committee to make recommendations regarding the new Veterans Park at North Port City Center. During the June 28, 2022 City Commission Regular meeting, approval was provided to name the site Circle of Honor based on submissions provided by the Veterans Park Advisory Committee. The current Capital Improvement Program includes project #P21VET funded with $1.85M from Parks and Recreation Impact Fees to support design and construction of the site which will honor Veterans of all U.S. Military forces, past, present and future.

NOTICE 2/26/26: The parking area adjacent to the George Mullen Activity Center is temporarily unavailable and will remain inaccessible for the duration of the Circle of Honor construction. We appreciate your patience and understanding as improvements are completed. Please use alternate designated parking areas during this time.

Location

The Circle of Honor will be located within the North Port City Center Complex.

Design Concept 

Tribute Program at the Circle of Honor

Through donations of monument features, individuals can honor the dedication and sacrifice of active-duty U.S. military and veterans, ensuring their legacy is preserved in a space of dignity and remembrance. Please complete the online application to apply for the Tribute Program at the Circle of Honor.  Orders must be received no later than Feb. 28, 2026 to be included in the first installation. 

Pavers - $100

Memorial brick pavers are a powerful way to honor service members and veterans. Measuring approximately 3”x8”, each paver can be engraved and personalized using a preselected message. Donation period commences upon opening and lasts 10 years.

Medallion - Coming Soon!

Celebrate the courage and commitment of a U.S. veteran or active-duty service member with a customized plaques associated with branch-specific military medallion. Each medallion will have a limited number of plaques under it to be engraved with the name of the honored individual and proudly reflect their service in one of the six branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Kimberly Lencki, Community Partnership & Engagement Manager, at 941-429-7143 or email KLencki@NorthPortFL.gov to discuss.

News Coverage:

ADA Transition Plan

The Parks & Recreation Department has completed an ADA evaluation of several park and facility locations with the assistance of ACT Services, Inc. Following this evaluation, recommendations for physical improvements to enhance the accessibility of the City’s parks and facilities have been compiled into a phased transition plan.

The ADA transition plan outlines a phased approach to implementing physical improvements, repairs, and adjustments to eliminate barriers to accessing parks and facilities. In FY24, the focus is on continuing the implementation of accessible routes at Dallas White Park. The new paths will connect the parking area to the redesigned multi-purpose field, as well as to the new playground and volleyball court area, including seating areas.

This project is funded through a Surtax allocation and is part of an existing Capital Improvement Project; Project # GM20AT.

Multi-purpose Field

The City will repurpose the existing softball field, turning it into a much-needed multi-purpose field. The space will be converted into a maximum-size soccer field, along with a layout for smaller fields suitable for youth players. The primary use of the field will be for soccer, but it will also accommodate football and flag football.  

 The entire field will be fenced with a 6-foot-high galvanized metal fence, including appropriate gates for access from Sam Shapos Way. This field renovation will not impact the existing Scout House. Project #P24DWF

Project: P24LTC

This project is for design and construction of a multi-use trail connecting the Legacy Trail Extension/North Port Connector at Price Boulevard and Calera Street to Warm Mineral Springs Park, continuing into the park and ending at a new trailhead.

For information on the Warm Mineral Springs building renovations, please the Warm Mineral Springs Park page, under "Latest News."

The existing restroom at Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park has been removed, and work is underway to deliver and install a new one.

The City issued a purchase order to WSP USA Environmental & Infrastructure Inc. to provide engineering services for the replacement project. During the design process, it was determined that the previous restroom and its access ramp did not meet current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, and the composting toilet was not functioning as intended.

Additionally, the site lacked sewer or septic connections, and the former restroom was not elevated to meet floodplain requirements. The new restroom will feature an elevated design with ADA-compliant access from the existing parking area. A prefabricated, two-unit, single-occupant restroom configuration has been selected for installation.

Necessary geotechnical sampling and reporting have been completed to support the structural requirements of the new facility. These improvements aim to enhance accessibility, safety and overall visitor experience at the park.

The City of North Port’s park system received significant damage as a result of Hurricane Ian. There were over 30 separate work assignments that were identified by the City’s insurance adjuster and FEMA inspector’s damage assessments. They have been awarded to address needed repairs and replacements across all City parks and facilities. Work assignments are issued as part of a competitive bid process that secured qualified contractors for the City. These work assignments are strategically grouped by locations, and were awarded to multiple contractors, who are thoroughly assessing conditions and providing guaranteed maximum price (GMP) proposals for each work assignment. Once the City receives and reviews the GMP, funding for the repairs or replacements must be identified and a budget amendment requested through the City’s Finance Department and presented for City Commission approval. Upon securing the necessary funding, the City then prepares a contract amendment that requires review and approval of the City Attorney’s office and then is presented for City Commission final approval. After the contract amendment is approved, the repairs or replacements are then scheduled for completion. While this is a lengthy process, all steps are necessary to ensure the City is in a position to receive maximum reimbursement through insurance and FEMA.