Snook Haven Park to reopen with new accessible riverfront amenities

 

 

Snook Haven Park to reopen with new accessible riverfront amenities

Francesco Abbruzzino, The Uncensored Report, LLC

 

 

 

SARASOTA COUNTY
 
Sarasota County will celebrate the reopening of Snook Haven Park’s main visitor use area with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 8:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 6, at 5000 E. Venice Ave., Venice.

 

The park’s improvements include 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.

 

New accessible walkways connect the park to the existing boat ramp and canoe and kayak launch.

 

SSA Group, LLC will operate the park’s food and beverage concessions.
 

One of the park’s existing cabins has also been converted into an outfitter facility with a public restroom for future canoe and kayak rentals. Additional work included restroom renovations and new furnishings.

 

“This project brings together recreation, accessibility and the natural beauty of the Wild and Scenic Myakka River,” said Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Director Shawn Yeager. “We’re proud to welcome the community back to enjoy the riverfront, live music and everything that makes Snook Haven special.”

 

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.

 

Design began in spring 2022, and construction began in spring 2025. The main area of the park closed in April 2025, while the boat ramp, canoe and kayak launch, and nearby parking remained available.

 

Snook Haven began welcoming visitors as a fish camp in 1940. Sarasota County acquired the 2.5-acre property in 2006 to preserve the riverfront destination for future generations.

 

The county is also developing a proposed 10-year plan to expand Snook Haven into a 45-acre regional nature-based recreation and natural area park. Proposed future improvements include renovating the adjacent campground, restoring the 1936 river house as an interpretive center, and adding trails and parking.