Parks, Recreation and Trails Advisory Board - 2026-02-09
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Parks, Recreation and Trails Advisory Board meeting focused primarily on community recognitions and project updates with no substantive land use votes or zoning decisions. The board approved a letter of support for a federal BUILD grant application seeking $25 million for the Wekiva Trail Segment 1 and 5 acquisition, a proposed 11-mile rail corridor from Tavares to Sorrento estimated at $27 million. South Lake Regional Park Phase 1 construction is nearing completion with an April 2026 opening target, and the LiveWell Foundation of Southlake has expressed interest in funding and maintaining phases 2 and 3.
Key Decisions (2)
Letter of Support for Wekiva Trail BUILD Grant Application
Board unanimously approved a letter of support addressed to the US Secretary of Transportation for a federal BUILD grant application seeking up to $25 million for the Wekiva Trail Segment 1 and 5 project, which includes $16 million for acquisition of an 11-mile inactive rail corridor from Tavares to Sorrento.
Approval of November 10 Meeting Minutes
Board approved minutes from the November 10, 2025 meeting.
Development Activity (5)
Wekiva Trail Segment 1 and 5
Inactive rail corridor acquisition for multimodal trail connecting Tavares, Mount Dora, and Sorrento. Estimated purchase price $27 million. Trust for Public Land has negotiated 24-month option contract with CSX and Florida Central Railway. Would close 11-mile gap in existing trail network and create 26-mile connected trail system.
South Lake Regional Park Phase 1
Baseball fields, softball fields, and soccer fields. Phase 1a completed at $4.3 million for underground infrastructure. Phase 1b awarded at $13 million in July 2025. Total Phase 1 cost approximately $17.5 million. Opening targeted for April 2026.
South Lake Regional Park Phases 2 and 3
LiveWell Foundation of Southlake has submitted letter of intent to partner with City of Groveland for phases 2 and 3, potentially including their home office and health and wellness facilities. Foundation would fund capital improvements and maintain the facilities.
Ferndale Preserve
Construction started with materials being moved by barge. Pilings being installed. Project includes fishing pier and tower. Estimated completion October 2026.
Pear Park Gateway
Road improvements, parking, and stormwater. Construction almost complete with final cleanup expected by end of February 2026.
Market Signals (4)
Infrastructure
Trust for Public Land reports 618 businesses within quarter mile of proposed Wekiva Trail corridor, indicating significant commercial activity along the route from Tavares to Sorrento.
Housing Demand
National Realtors Association data cited estimates 10-20% immediate increase in home values for properties in close proximity to trails, relevant for areas near proposed Wekiva Trail.
Infrastructure
Developer at end of Max Hooks Road is funding water and sewer line installation from State Road 50 to support both their development and South Lake Regional Park, indicating active development pressure in the Groveland area.
Sentiment
LiveWell Foundation of Southlake expressing interest in funding and maintaining park facilities suggests strong nonprofit and community investment appetite for recreational infrastructure in South Lake County.