Donations sought for event, with proceeds going toward Visitor Center Project
Sponsored by Friends of Osprey Junction Trailhead (FOJT), a community garage sale is scheduled for Saturday, April 6, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the park, the organization has announced.
All proceeds will go toward the Visitor Center Project, a partnership with the Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department. It is designed to improve the structure in the park for public use, a news release explains. When completed, the Visitor Center will provide a variety of opportunities for the public to enjoy the park — areas for rest and eating, meetings, educational classes, family parties, school and club events and art exhibits, the release adds.
The park is located at 939 E. Bay St. in Osprey.
The 10-acre property was purchased by Sarasota County in 2008 for $2.8 million through the Neighborhood Parkland Acquisition Program, the release explains. “A house, maintenance building and greenhouse were on the property,” the release adds. The park officially opened in 2013 with a parking lot and some amenities for members of the public using The Legacy Trail.
A concept plan for the property, developed in 2010, was approved by the County Commission. It includes the proposal for transforming the house into a Visitor Center.
Volunteer staff will provide information and various services at the facility after it has been completed, the release notes. Additionally, the grounds will be used to showcase — and educate the public about — Florida-friendly landscaping, native plants, and butterfly, bird, wildflower and rain gardens, the release says.
The FJOT is accepting donated items for the sale, the release notes. Items may be dropped off on Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to noon at the house in the park.
The nonprofit is not accepting clothing, major appliances, televisions, electronic equipment or very large items, the release emphasizes. Anyone with questions about items to donate may email admin@ojtfriends.com or call 941-408-3979.
Friends of Osprey Junction Trailhead (FOJT) is an all-volunteer organization “dedicated to enriching the lives of area residents through educational programs and an array of services offered at Osprey Junction Trailhead, a Sarasota County park located next to The Legacy Trail in Osprey,” the release explains. FOJT is a chapter of Friends of Sarasota County Parks, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation registered in the State of Florida.