Sarasota County Parks Win National Awards for Nokomis Park Upgrades and Innovative Outdoor App
Sarasota County is gaining national recognition for its commitment to high-quality parks and forward-thinking recreation programs. The County’s Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department has earned two prestigious awards from the National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials, highlighting both infrastructure improvements and innovative community engagement.
National Recognition for Local Excellence
The awards celebrate two standout initiatives that are enhancing quality of life across the Suncoast:
- Nokomis Community Park Improvements Project — honored in the Developed Recreation Parks and Facilities category
- Agents of Discovery App — recognized for excellence in Park and Recreation Programming
Both awards underscore Sarasota County’s continued investment in creating accessible, modern, and engaging outdoor experiences for residents and visitors alike. The recognition also fits into a wider regional focus on outdoor amenities, from Three Sarasota Parks to See This Summer to trail systems and recreation destinations across the Suncoast.
Nokomis Community Park: A Major Upgrade for the Community
Located at 234 Nippino Trail, Nokomis, FL 34275, Nokomis Community Park reopened in May 2025 after a major transformation of its 17-acre footprint.
The upgraded park now offers a wide range of amenities designed to serve all ages and interests:
- Eight lighted pickleball courts, reflecting the sport’s rapid growth across Florida
- Resurfaced tennis and basketball courts
- New shade structures, pavilion, and picnic shelters
- Modernized restrooms, sidewalks, landscaping, and utilities
- Enhanced playground and community center
- Outdoor features including a kayak launch, fishing pier, and trail connections
These improvements significantly expand recreational opportunities and make the park a premier destination for both residents and visitors. Pickleball’s continued rise on the Suncoast has been hard to miss, as local interest in Pickleball – A Game for All Ages and Skill Sets Here on the Suncoast keeps growing.
Agents of Discovery: Turning Parks into Interactive Adventures
Sarasota County’s second award-winning initiative embraces technology to connect people with nature. Developed in partnership with UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County, the Agents of Discovery app launched in June 2025.
This free mobile app transforms local parks into interactive learning environments through:
- Self-guided missions designed for families and children
- Place-based challenges that encourage exploration
- Educational content focused on ecology, conservation, and natural resources
By blending outdoor recreation with gamified learning, the program is helping families engage with Sarasota County’s natural environment in a fun and educational way.
A Growing Focus on Quality of Life
“These awards reflect the dedication of our staff and the community’s commitment to high-quality parks and programs,” said Shawn Yeager, interim director of Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources.
The recognition highlights Sarasota County’s broader commitment to parks as essential assets for health, wellness, tourism, and environmental education. For readers looking to explore more outdoor destinations, Trekking the Suncoast This Fall – Amazing Outdoor Trails & Parks to Visit offers another look at local places to get outside.
Awards Ceremony in Sarasota
The honors will be formally presented on May 20 during NACPRO’s annual meeting in Sarasota, bringing national attention to the region’s leadership in parks and recreation.
Learn More
For more information on Sarasota County parks, amenities, and programs, visit Sarasota County online.
From major park upgrades in Nokomis to innovative digital experiences that bring families outdoors, Sarasota County continues to set the standard—earning national recognition while delivering meaningful value to the Suncoast community.