Wellen Park’s newest outdoor destinations are designed to offer even more ways to enjoy the health and wellness benefits of time spent in nature and the community connections created by shared experiences. The Landing Fishing Pier, Oakheart Nature Trail and Harvest Community Garden will each enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike, fostering a sense of community, well-being and environmental stewardship.
“Research consistently demonstrates the healing properties of nature and water, its abilities to, ease stress, enhance wellbeing and inspire positive thinking,” said Rick Severance, president of Wellen Park. “Our community is dedicated to providing residents with engaging and unique active and leisure opportunities within the natural environment. We look forward to introducing these incredible new outdoor experiences which will complement Wellen Park’s 30 miles of multimodal trials, parks and downtown’s incredible recreation options.”
The first feature to launch is the Landing Fishing Pier, located along the shoreline across from Solis Hall. The pier, which has a shade structure, extends into the Grand Lake, which is stocked with largemouth bass, channel catfish, redear sunfish, bluegill and threadfin shad.
Fishing tackle and bait for rent or sale is available onsite at Kind Vibes Outfitters, and anglers can also preview the lake’s offerings by scanning the QR code at a red marker near downtown’s floating dock.
With the opening of The Landing Fishing Pier, outdoor enthusiasts can make a complete 3-mile loop on the trail encircling the Grand Lake.
Back To The Garden
The two-acre resident-only Harvest Community Garden will offer 85 raised irrigated garden plots, event lawn, covered picnic area, composting area, restrooms, parking and a fruit tree orchard providing an intimate destination for small gatherings and events.
Centrally located near CoolToday Park, Harvest Community Garden will also host local schools for educational opportunities. “The garden is envisioned as a communal farm-to-table experience, a connection to the land and educational opportunities,” Severance said. “We plan to curate and layer in the produce grown in the garden into our weekly farmers market, encouraging sustainable practices within the community.”
The future Oakheart Nature Trail in the Playmore District bordering Wellen Park’s new Everly and Lakespur neighborhoods meanders along a 50-acre lake, wetlands and preserves.
It will connect outdoor recreation enthusiasts to the community’s growing trail system, Downtown Wellen and Atlanta Braves spring training and year-round events at CoolToday Park.
Spanning roughly four miles, out and back, the trail stretches north across East River Road to Playmore Road, and also provides convenient walkable access to Sarasota County’s planned K-8 and high school campuses, which are projected to open in 2025.
Wellen Park takes an intentional approach to champion sustainability and celebrates its environmental assets. For example, as part of its Heritage Tree Program, Wellen Park relocated more than 25 healthy live oak trees from various locations within the community to Downtown Wellen.
The nearly $1-million effort to relocate mature trees not only saved these well-established trees but also helped create an immediate sense of authenticity and scale for Downtown Wellen. Each year, the development team and resident volunteers plant hundreds of saplings around the masterplan to provide more shade areas, offer habitat to wildlife and increase the state’s pine population. Learn more at wellenpark.com.