Parks Beautification

Venetian Waterway Park (VWP):

In 1993, a Sarasota County Charrette was organized to plan for the County’s future growth and development. The term “charrette” roughly translates into a “moving work in progress,” and in urban planning describes the process by which designers consult with small and large diverse groups in order to involve all stakeholders in the creation of a resulting plan.
This process in the City of Venice was spearheaded by the 2020 Visions of Venice Task Force of the Chamber of Commerce. The result was a list of thirteen priorities for the improvement of the City. The number one priority was the creation of a linear park along the Intracoastal Waterway.
Venice Area Beautification, Inc. was inspired both by the vision of a scenic recreational trail in the community and the collaborative concept that had spawned the idea for it. VABI’s effort brought together more than thirty-two public and private organizations and individuals contributing over five million dollars to the project. Over 100 volunteers were organized to provide the sweat equity that enhances the trail.
The City of Venice now has a ten mile bike and walking trail along the Intracoastal Waterway, dotted with small parks and gardens. The Venetian Waterway Park runs from the Historic Train Depot to Shamrock Park on the east side of the ICW and from Hatchett Creek Bridge south to Caspersen beach on the west side. The first one mile segment was opened on November 6, 2000. Click here for a PDF map of the Venetian Waterway Park.
Print it and carry it with you!

Patriots Park:

Freedom Walk at Patriots Park is located in Venice on the Northeast corner where Business 41 and Bypass 41 come together. Patriots Park is part of the Sarasota County Parks system. Freedom Walk was originally created by the 2002 Class of Leadership Sarasota County. The memorial, with stations, pillars and brick pavers, was inspired by the events of the September 11, 2001 tragedy. Freedom Walk is now a part of the Venice Area Beautification, Inc. organization which maintains the facility and assists in other community projects.

The Venice Arboretum at West Blalock Park:

This project was a partnership between Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice, The City of Venice, and VABI.

John Nolen Park:

Set in the historic apartment district, John Nolen Park is a
great example of a neighborhood park. Families of all ages
can easily walk to the park from a number of close in homes
and downtown Venice.
Named after famed city planner John Nolen, the two block area was recently refreshed with significant upgrades by Venice
Area Beautification, Inc. and the Venice Park and Recreation Advisory Board in concert with local businesses and
community associations.
An asphalt walkway with ADA curb access meanders around
the park perimeter. The pathway features 21 timeline signs, highlighting key historic events in the growth and
development of the City of Venice. The existing shade canopy was improved with the addition of Live Oak trees. New picnic tables, a BBQ grill, practice disc golf basket, and a horseshoe
pit have been added to the park.
During the dedication for the improved park a bas relief bronze bust of John Nolen was installed by Venice Area Beautification, Inc. and the Venice Park and Recreation Advisory Board.
John Nolen Park is located at Palmetto Court off of Menendez Avenue, one block west of Harbor Drive and one block south of Venice City Hall on the island of Venice.
Be sure to come and visit this fine city park soon.

Caspersen Beach Park:

This project was in partnership with Sarasota County.

Public Arts:

VABI's public arts initiative begin a few years ago. Through generous grants from the Ehrhart Family Foundation, four murals have been completed around Venice with further projects in the planning stages. Click here to see more detail on the projects.

Volunteer Park:

This project was accomplish through a grant from The Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice with the purpose of providing parking for users of the Venetian Waterway Park.