Ribbon-cutting ceremony set for 8:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 6
At 8:30 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 6, Sarasota County Government leaders and staff will celebrate the reopening of Snook Haven Park’s main visitor area with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, the county has announced.
The event will be conducted at 5000 E. Venice Ave. in Venice.
Among the park’s improvements are “a new, elevated and accessible food service building, covered dining pavilion overlooking the Wild and Scenic Myakka River, performance stage and patio, fishing pier and accessible parking,” a news release says.
“New accessible walkways connect the park to the existing boat ramp and canoe and kayak launch,” the release adds.
SSA Group LLC “will operate the park’s food and beverage concessions,” the release continues.
Further, the release notes, one of the park’s existing cabins has been “converted into an outfitter facility with a public restroom for future canoe and kayak rentals.” Among additional work at the park were restroom renovations and the installation of new furnishings, the release points out.
“This project brings together recreation, accessibility and the natural beauty of the Wild and Scenic Myakka River,” said county Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Director Shawn Yeager in the release. “We’re proud to welcome the community back to enjoy the riverfront, live music and everything that makes Snook Haven special,” he added.
The $8.75-million project was funded through South County Park Impact Fees, Tourist Development Tax revenue, two voter-approved infrastructure surtax programs, and a West Coast Inland Navigation District grant, the release explains.
Design work began in the spring of 2022; then, construction started in in the spring of 2025, the release continues. “The main area of the park closed in April 2025, while the boat ramp, canoe and kayak launch, and nearby parking remained available,” the release says.
“Snook Haven began welcoming visitors as a fish camp in 1940,” the release points out. “Sarasota County acquired the 2.5-acre property in 2006 to preserve the riverfront destination for future generations,” it adds.
County staff also is developing a proposed 10-year plan to expand Snook Haven into a 45-acre regional nature-based recreation and natural area park,” the release notes. Among proposed future improvements are the renovation of the adjacent campground, restoration of the 1936 river house as an interpretive center, and the addition of trails and parking.
For more information, call 311 or 941-861-5000 or visit SarasotaCountyParks.com.