Recommended Framework for Quads Plan: Executive Summary

This is the short version of a recommendation that the Planners adopt a broad scope in the Critical Area Planning Process for the public lands at the Celery Fields.

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Nutshell: Integrate stranded assets into a substantial recreational and visitor opportunity by investing in our public lands at the Celery Fields for the public good.

A careful look at the public “Quads” parcels at the Celery Fields reveals a key area in radical transition. Sarasota County’s Critical Area Plan, or CAP, will study the surroundings for compatibility, consistency, walkability, and potential enhancements. The Board’s commendable decision to authorize this process in fact helps identify a new and unusually diverse “dual destination” for residents and visitors.

One goal of the CAP is to optimize mobility. Plans already on the books call for a highway flyover connecting UTC/Nathan Benderson Park west of I-75 with roads and trails to the East via Lakewood Ranch Boulevard. The Boulevard will run into Fruitville Road at Coburn Rd., which becomes Apex Rd. and runs south to the Quad parcels at Palmer Blvd. Key visitor areas -- UTC/Benderson and the Celery Fields will be linked via trails for bicycles, pedestrians and runners. Imagine the athletic events that could begin at one attraction, “fly over” the highway, and end at the other!

Safe circulation through a large interconnected area without need of the highway will open up a wide variety of things for both residents and visitors to see and do. At UTC/Benderson they’ll find restaurants, shopping, the rowing park and Mote aquarium; down at the Celery Fields, they'll enjoy a tranquil environment for hiking and birding, as well as lions, tigers, horseback riding, kayaking and picnicking in one of the most beautiful spots in Florida.

Clearly our public parcels sit at a key intersection. With some careful thought they can:

• Protect and enhance the Celery Fields with support facilities (parking, food) to meet future needs
• Integrate stranded assets like the north Celery Fields waterway, Ackerman Park, Big Cat Habitat with UTC/Benderson Rowing, Mote, and more.
• Help address road networks, trails, bus loops, visitors’ center and more to optimize experiences for residents, businesses, schools, and visitors.

A modest investment of tourist tax dollars for these enhancements will transform the I-75 corridor into a powerful economic catalyst, revitalizing surrounding neighborhoods and business districts. A bold, creative plan will create a diverse, interconnected inland attraction we can all be proud of.

Invest in our public lands at the Celery Fields for the public good.

Complete version here