Wellen Park Living | Spring 2026

WELLEN PARK

TOGETHER

66 Check out photos from the Wellen Park Wine Festival and the Wellen Park Luminescence Festival.

73 Fetch Dog Park, opening this spring, will be more than just a place for pets to play. 78 William Crosley, District Manager of the West Villages Improvement District, details how the organization works tirelessly to maintain the Wellen Park of today and build the Wellen Park of tomorrow. 84 Brightmore residents enjoy an active lifestyle and luxury living. 88 There are many physical and mental health benefits for participants in weekly yoga sessions on The Great Lawn in Downtown Wellen. 90 This fall, the Diamond Realtor Club offered 15 realtors in the area an opportunity to build stronger connections with the community. 92 Wellen Park shared the gift of giving with deserving neighbors during the holiday season. 95 Parting shot.

SPECIAL SECTION

EXPLORE

8 Wellen Park President Rick Severance shares key updates on development in the community. 11 Wellen Park’s Waterside vibe is a way of life.

18 Healthy, tasty food is limitless at Bowled Co. 22 Discover the role of the science of play in s haping the design of Wellen Park’s newest playground, Station Park. 28 This March, head over to CoolToday Park to catch the Atlanta Braves Spring Training. 32 Check out our guide to the local arts and entertainment scene this season.

40 The Palmera Amenities Center boasts multigenerational luxury.

Welcome to your new friend: Wellen Park Living. You’ll find stories about the people behind fun-loving experiences in the neighborhood and beyond, sips and forkfuls of scrumptious food and crafted beverages and ways to soak in the abundant outdoor adventures just around the corner.

CALENDAR

Take your pick of ongoing and newly added events this Spring Come to Downtown Wellen to enjoy a variety of local music, arts and family-friendly events including the Wellen Park Half Marathon & 5K Race, Famly Fun Day and Night of Workship Concert. Turn to page 77 for upcoming events.

44 Explore model homes from the 2026 Parade of Homes.

THIS PAGE Brightmore residents Kathleen and Dan Estes, photography by Wyatt Kostygan; Acai Bowl from Bowled Co., photography by Wes Roberts. COVER MODEL Meet Danielle MacConel, the owner of Hudson Square Boutique, coming to Downtown Wellen! With a passion for helping people feel confident and effortlessly stylish, Danielle has designed Hudson Square to be a go-to destination for curated fashion finds, elevated everyday pieces, and standout accessories. Her warm, personal approach to shopping will create a boutique experience that’s both inviting and inspiring—and we can’t wait for her to bring Hudson Square Boutique to our community. Stay tuned for opening details and get ready to shop your new favorite looks right here in Downtown Wellen. COVER CREDITS Enjoying the joy of a waterside community—from freshwater lakes to pristine beaches, photography by Wyatt Kostygan.

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Developer’s Update

Dear Wellen Park Community and Friends,

One of the unique and special parts of living in Wellen Park is that being by the water isn’t something you “save” for vacation— it’s part of your everyday lifestyle. It shapes our weekends, our wellness, our celebrations and the small resets that make life feel balanced. Here, the waterside “vibe” isn’t just where you go. It’s how you live. Of course, we’re fortunate to have an incredible Gulf Coast beach lineup close by. From Venice Beach and Englewood Beach to the natural beauty of Manasota Key, residents can choose the kind of beach day that fits their mood—sunsets, long walks, family time or simply a change of scenery.

But Wellen Park’s waterside lifestyle isn’t only about the Gulf. It also includes the freshwater energy of the Myakka River—one of the most uniquely “Florida” experiences nearby. It’s a place to paddle, explore and exhale. Kayaking and canoeing, wildlife viewing and scenic nature moments o er a di erent kind of coastal escape— lush, serene and refreshing in a way that clears your mind and resets your day. At the heart of it all is Grand Lake in Downtown Wellen. It’s more than a beautiful view—it’s an everyday amenity that supports health, connection and joy. The walking paths invite residents to start the morning with movement, wind down in the evening, or enjoy stroller-friendly strolls that turn into neighborly conversations.

Grand Lake also makes it easy to enjoy on-the-water recreation without much fuss. Kayaking, paddleboarding and fishing can be spontaneous—before work, after school or as a weekend tradition. And then there are the sunsets—an everyday reminder of what makes this community special, with evenings that invite you to pause, look out and appreciate where you are. That’s why Grand Lake has become the backdrop for so many milestone moments: proposals, weddings, prom pictures, family celebrations and holiday photos that capture life’s biggest memories in a setting that feels e ortlessly beautiful. This is the Wellen Park lifestyle: a way of living that encourages wellness, connection and everyday enjoyment— shaped by water, light and the moments that matter most.

Warm regards,

Rick Severance | President, Wellen Park

CEO / PRESIDENT

EDITOR IN CHIEF CREATIVE DIRECTOR

LISL LIANG

EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER

WES ROBERTS

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS AND ENGAGEMENT

Ashley Grant

ACCOUNTS DIRECTOR

Robinson Valverde

SENIOR SALES AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE

Suzanne Munroe

SALES AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE

Nichole Knutson

Rob Wardlaw

VP OF PHOTOGRAPHY + VIDEO

Wyatt Kostygan

MANAGING EDITOR

Barbie Heit

SENIOR EDITOR

Dylan Campbell

CLIENT SERVICES DIRECTOR

Gabriella Alfonso

SOCIAL MEDIA, MARKETING + EVENTS MANAGER

Lauren Sutter

CONTRIBUTING SENIOR DESIGNER

Virginia Jankovsky

ART+VISUAL PROJECTS ASSOCIATE PRODUCER

Jennifer Villagomez

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS, ARTISTS + INTERNS

Rachel Constant, Kate Wight, Sarah Miano, Cecilia Mould, Jack Coleman and Eden Shames

PUBLISHED BY SRQ MEDIA IN PARTNERSHIP WITH WELLEN PARK © 2026—ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. SPRING 2026 EDITION RECOGNIZING PUBLICATION

SPONSOR MATTAMY HOMES

FOR INQUIRIES REGARDING ADVERTISING, DISTRIBUTION OR STORIES, CONTACT US AT: WELLENPARK@SRQME.COM

EXPLORE The Watersde

Vibe of Wellen

waterside

At Wellen Park, the waterside vibe is more than a destination—it’s a way of life. Think weekend adventures, daily wellness, spontaneous celebrations and quiet moments to reset. With Gulf Coast beaches close by and rivers and lakes ready for freshwater fun, life–like the water–flows naturally in and around Wellen Park.

LIFE IS GRAND AT WELLEN PARK’S GRAND LAKE With Wellen Park’s 80-acre Grand Lake right in your backyard/downtown area, you never have to venture far from home. Discover the natural beauty and tranquility of this community centerpiece—an accessible, spontaneous escape that’s perfect before work, after school or on a relaxing Sunday. Residents and visitors alike gather on the lake, already making it a cherished tradition for so many. It also provides a stunning backdrop for proposals and weddings, promotional shoots, family milestones and holiday photos. The calm, beautiful waters of Grand Lake are a favorite destination for paddlers and anglers of all experience levels. You can also walk or bike along the 3.5-mile Grand Lake Trail, with convenient access to nearby dining and restrooms. This 80-acre lake is a fantastic fishing spot, reaching depths of up to 30 feet and teeming with fish—including impressive largemouth bass and threadfin shad.

With over 40 miles of walking paths, Wellen Park offers wellness with a view. These paths are ideal for morning or early-evening laps, stroller walks or meet-a-friend loops. Enjoy sunlight dancing on the water, cool breezes, birdsong and the glow of golden hour. Located right on the lake, Wellen Park Outfitters offers everything you need for a great day outdoors, from paddle boat to fishing pole and bike rentals. Guests are welcome to bring their own kayaks, paddleboards or other human-powered or electric watercraft (no gas motors) to explore the lake while spotting ospreys, cranes, bald eagles, egrets and more. It’s the perfect place to unwind or catch a breathtaking sunset. For safety, life vests are required while on the water and swimming is not permitted. The docks are open from sunrise to sunset, offering a great way to start and end your day.

waterside

Gulf Coast Lineup

Englewood Beach

Laid back, barefoot vibes at Englewood Beach. On the southern half of Manasota Key, just into Charlotte County, lies Englewood Beach at Chadwick Park. White sand turns slate gray as it dips into the water, a mirage of turquoise and emerald green. One of the more laid-back communities of the Gulf, Englewood Beach is often less crowded than other area beaches, making it one of the premier sunset—or sunrise—viewing spots in the area. Part of the Charlotte Harbor Gulf Island Coast, Englewood Beach is an incubator for a rich array of wildlife. Loggerhead, green and even leatherback sea turtles nest here from March through November; brown pelicans, ospreys, roseate spoonbills and migratory seabirds dot the shoreline and dolphins can often be seen in the picturesque, shallow water. The fun doesn’t stop there, however. There are also covered lookouts, volleyball courts, a basketball court, amenities such as restrooms, water stations and showers. Additionally, there are four small shelters with picnic tables and a grill, horseshoe pits and a playground area and three large pavilions—all with picnic tables and charcoal grills—that are available for rent, making the beach the perfect spot for a birthday party or family get together. Englewood, however, is more than just a beach town. Just a five minute drive from the beach is Downtown Englewood, centered upon the historic Dearborn Street. Englewood, which was first developed in the 1890’s, is a town with a distinct “Old Florida” feel to it, much in thanks to Dearborn Street. The street is home to Olde Englewood Village, the heart of the downtown sector, featuring several blocks of quaint, charming, independent shops and restaurants. Catch a show at the Lemon Bay Playhouse, stroll through the Englewood Farmers Market throughout October through May or window shop at one of the area’s many art galleries or boutiques, including Old Florida Gallery. Grab a dry-aged steak at Chop House 285, catch live music at the Pavilion Plaza or take in the ambiance of the Artscape Sculpture Garden. Between the downtown area and the beach are a number of parks such as the sprawling Lemon Bay Environmental Center, Cherokee Park and Indian Mound Park. From beach to boutique, Englewood is chock full of vintage Florida charm. —D. Campbell. 2100 N Beach Rd, Englewood.

Siesta Key

Shell-a-brate with a day at Siesta Kay The soft, white sugary sands make this public beach oh so sweet! Located off Beach Road on the northwest side of Siesta Key, Siesta Beach is consistently ranked among the top beaches in the country— and for good reason. Its calm, clear Gulf of Mexico waters are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, shelling–and it’s a must-see for visitors. Frequent dolphin sightings are a bonus. Families especially love the playground and well-maintained amenities, including concession stands, restrooms and showers, making it an ideal spot for a full day of sun and fun with the kids. Composed of nearly 100% quartz crystal, the sand stays cool under the Gulf Coast sun, even on the hottest days. A $20 million renovation completed in 2016 added numerous improvements to the already magnificent beach. With approximately 950 free parking spots, Siesta Beach offers the most parking of any public beach in Sarasota County. Taking a break from the sun is easy with a free trolley service around the island, where you can shop at Siesta Key Village, which offers plentiful dining options and live entertainment and the South Village Shopping District. Siesta Beach continues to earn international recognition from travelers and coastal experts alike, making it one of the area’s most beloved parks and a top tourist destination. —B.Heit. 948 Beach Road, Siesta Key, Sarasota.

Venice Beach

Front row seats to classic Florida at Venice Beach. Venice Beach is an outlier in more ways than one. To start, the beach is not on a barrier island—a rarity in the region—and is easily accessible by foot from historic downtown Venice. Even more intriguing, however, is the sand that fills the beach. A mix of quartz and black fossil fragments, the sand at Venice Beach is denser than, say, the white sugar sand of Siesta Key, and turns nearly black when wet. Underneath that sand is a 35-foot deep layer of fossilized shark teeth, giving credence to the city’s nickname “The Shark Tooth Capital of the World.” While some people comb the beach with a metal detector, you’re more likely to find families wading through the crystal-clear waters with “Florida snow shovels,” or screens to sift through fossils which could include teeth from ancient Megalodon and other sharks. With its close proximity to downtown Venice, views of the historic Venice Fishing Pier and unique collection of fossils, Venice Beach is a front row seat to all that classic Florida has to offer. —D. Campbell. Venice Ave and The Esplanade, Venice.

Manasota Key

Natural beauty, without going too far. On the west lies the Gulf. On the east is the Lemon Bay Estuary. Separating the two is Manasota Key, an 11-mile-long barrier island that bridges the gap between Sarasota and Charlotte Counties. Manasota Key is an area that is rife with natural beauty. In the north part of Manasota Key, bordering Venice, lies Caspersen Beach, one of the top places in the area for shark tooth hunting, replete with a natural trail and secluded areas that take visitors through the enchanting coastal hammock. Continue driving south to hit Manasota Beach, a classic Gulf beach with roughly 1,400 feet of shoreline, year-round lifeguards and amenities such as a boardwalk, restrooms, boat launches, fishing docks, picnic areas and parking. Dolphins, coastal fish and abundant wildlife dot the gently sloping shoreline, imbuing the beachgoers with the true experience of the Gulf Coast. In the middle of Manasota Key lies Blind Pass Beach, or Middle Beach. This secluded, coastal park offers a tranquil experience for visitors—on the Gulf side lies nearly 3,000 feet of of sandy shoreline that breaches into the emerald-tinted waters. Cross the road to the Bay side, where a nature trail winds through a mangrove forest, a canoe/kayak ramp provides entry into the lagoon and numerous fishing coves are perfect for the ambitious angler. On the southern end of Manasota Key is Stump Pass Beach State Park. Also including two small islands to the east, Whidden and Peterson Key, Stump Pass Beach State Park is a natural gem with a mile of white-sand beach along the Gulf. A 1.3 mile hiking trail snakes through the park, where visitors can hike through five distinct natural communities that are home to wildlife such as gopher tortoises, manatees, snowy egrets and magnificent frigate birds. Open from 8am to sundown, 365 days a year, Ranger-led hikes are available in the winter and canoe/kayak launches offer an opportunity to explore Whidden and Peterson Key. —-D. Campbell. Caspersen Beach: 4100 Harbor Drive, Venice . Manasota Beach: 8570 Manasota Key Road, Manasota Key. Blind Pass Beach: 6725 Manasota Key Rd, Manasota Key. Stump Pass Beach State Park: 900 Gulf Blvd., Englewood.

Myakka Park

A different type of coastal Florida at Myakka Park Alligators, armadillos and snakes, oh my! These are just a few creatures you’re likely to encounter on a visit to Myakka River State Park, one of Florida’s oldest and largest parks. Just inland from the Gulf Coast’s white-sand beaches, Myakka River State Park offers a strikingly different side of Florida–it’s lush, serene and distinctly Florida. Spanning more than 37,000 acres in Sarasota County, the park protects 12 miles of the Myakka River and preserves a living example of the state’s natural ecosystems at work. One of the most popular ways to experience it is on the Myakka River wildlife tour, a 45–60 minute guided excursion by boat or tram that runs daily, weather permitting. It’s an easy, immersive introduction to the park’s rich plant and animal life, and birders will want binoculars on hand for sightings of anhingas, herons, egrets, ducks and roseate spoonbills. Because the Myakka River is rain-fed, water levels change dramatically throughout the year. During the summer rainy season, the river overflows into surrounding wetlands and floodplains, temporarily flooding large areas of the park. According to Dr. Miri Hardy, Executive Director of Friends of Myakka River, this seasonal flooding is both natural and vital. It supports wildlife and offers visitors a rare opportunity to see how healthy floodplains and watersheds function. In contrast, spring brings drier conditions, comfortable temperatures and ideal weather for hiking and exploring on foot. The park contains one of the largest remaining expanses of Florida dry prairie, along with freshwater marshes, swamps and hardwood hammocks. These habitats support an impressive range of wildlife, including American alligators, gopher tortoises, bobcats, river otters and more than 100 bird species. Visitors can explore via miles of hiking, biking, and horseback trails, kayak or paddle along the river or walk above the treetops on the nation’s first public canopy walkway for a truly unique perspective on Florida’s wild side–ideal for wildlife viewing and photography. —-B. Heit. 13208 State Rd, Sarasota.

waterside

Fintastic Adventures

THIS SPREAD, LEFT TO RIGHT

Fishing off a pier on Wellen Park’s Grand Lake; The Port Boca Grande Lighthouse and Museum, built in 1890; Fishing charters and bait shops populate Boca Grande and the surrounding area; The Gasparilla Inn, a must-see while in Boca Grande.

Fishing is a cherished part of the coastal Florida lifestyle and a tradition in the making at Wellen Park, centered around Grand Lake and its connected ponds. This pastime has been enjoyed for generations, with families and visitors casting lines for popular, delicious local species like snapper, grouper, redfish, trout, snook and tarpon. The sport is also a local economic driver, supporting businesses such as bait shops and seafood shacks, and it provides a foundation for year-round community celebrations, from holiday outings to competitive tournaments. At Wellen Park, the Grand Lake and community ponds serve as a vibrant meeting point where tradition and adventure merge. Here, water access is a daily convenience, not an occasional trip. Families can gather for spontaneous after-dinner relaxation, weekend excursions and neighbor meetups, finding joy in every cast. A favorite spot is The Landing Fishing Pier, located along the shoreline opposite Solis Hall. This pier, which extends into Grand Lake and includes a shade structure, is stocked with largemouth bass, channel catfish, redear sunfish, bluegill and threadfin shad. Additionally, visitors can use their smartphones to preview the lake’s fish species by scanning the QR code at a red marker near the downtown floating dock, an engaging part of the Wander at Wellen experience. Cast your rod, create new connections, traditions and everlasting memories and enjoy the simple joy of life lived by the water. —B. Heit

TWO-HOUR RESET

Need a perfect way to unwind? Head to the Grand Lake loop for a three-and-a-half-mile walk, jog or bike ride. Whether alone or with friends, you’ll enjoy scenic views, excellent birdwatching and a chance to connect with your community. The loop provides convenient access to nearby dining and restrooms. If you have time for a little late afternoon fishing, Wellen Park Outfitters is the place to rent fishing gear. Just be sure to find a peaceful spot to pause and watch the sunset—it’s the ideal end to any day! Bill Keogh, a resident of Solstice, likes to watch the sunset either from the second-floor vantage point at Oak and Stone, or simply by relaxing in an Adirondack chair to observe families and children enjoying the end of the day.

Just under forty-minutes away lies the idyllic town of Boca Grande—Spanish for “Big Mouth”—on Florida’s west coast. This peaceful, naturally beautiful destination embodies old-Florida elegance, with charming streets perfect for a memorable family day trip or a special coastal outing. Sparkling turquoise beaches, unique local shops and inviting restaurants give Boca Grande a vibrant community feel rich in culture and charm. Explore the historic Boca Grande Lighthouse Museum for a blend of learning and fun, admire stunning artwork at the Paradise Island Gallery or embrace adventure with a hike through Cayo Costa State Park, home to miles of pristine beaches, towering pine forests and fascinating marine life. Boca Grande is also known for world-class tarpon fishing, breathtaking shorelines and the laid-back atmosphere of Gasparilla Island State Park. Be sure to leave time for a leisurely stroll through the quaint downtown area—and save room for a delicious lunch or dinner at one of the several restaurants. While you’re there, don’t miss The Gasparilla Inn. Welcoming guests since 1913, this iconic and elegant hotel is a treasured Boca Grande retreat, beautifully blending Old Florida charm with timeless hospitality. —B.Heit. visitflorida.com/placesto-go/southwest/boca-grande WPL

HOSTING VISITORS

BIll Keogh appreciates the natural draw of the Grand Lake area, particularly enjoying walks on the surrounding trails. “Seeing the incredible nature surrounding the lake is such a great experience. It just is a huge draw to the community in my opinion,” he states. Keogh often shares the area’s charm with visitors, taking them to downtown events like the popular Friday night concerts or games at Cool Today Park. He praises Wellen Park for successfully creating events that draw people downtown to enjoy the various retail and restaurants, including his favorite, Villani & Co., and shops like Bright Ice for ice cream.“It seems like there’s always something happening under the Banyan tree–we’ve enjoyed performers and made new friends there,” he adds. When he ventures outside of Wellen Park, Keogh enjoys spending the day at Manasota Beach. He’s looking forward to the new access road, expected to be completed in 2027, which will provide easier access for Wellen Park residents.

A DAY IN THE SUN | $24.00 SPF 50 Florida Sun Defense, $12.00 Aloe Cooling Gel, $6.00 SPF15 Spearmint Lip Balm, $42.00 Canvas Bag—Coral Reef, $28.00 Unisex Spring/Summer Fedora, $68.00 Sandy Flip Flops—Chai, $32.00, Powder Pink Margarita Tropic Tumbler, $7.90 Margarita— Single Serve Cocktail, $32.00 Shells In Abaca Net Bottle 3x11”, $18.00 Sea La Vie—Perfume Rollerball, $10.00 Face Mask—Cucumber After Sun Cooling Mask, $18.00 Sunglasses #10-F5550, Naples Soap Company, 19790 Wellen Park Boulevard, Venice, 941-841-2467, $30.00 Beach Towel, $18.00 Tote Bag, Wellen Park Welcome Center, 12275 Mercado Dr, Venice, 888-699-3788. J.Villagomez

forkful

BELOW, CLOCKWISE: Fresh acai bowls topped with granola and fruit; the coco smoothie–a geat way to start the day. It took the team at Bowled Co. two to three months to develop the base for its acai bowls.

BytheBowl

Bowled Co. serves up longevity, onc custom bowl at a time.

WELLEN PARK FOLKS KNOW HOW TO LIVE LONGER, BETTER. Pickleball before breakfast. A lake run before lunch. Bike the trail before dinner, twice. Golf, gym, repeat. But Mariah Fortune insists that movement is only part of the equation. “You can be as active as you want,” she says, “but if you aren’t putting the correcting nutrients in your body, it can all be for nothing.” That’s why she and her husband, Greg Landolfo, opened Bowled Co.—to complete Wellen Park’s longevity formula. “The beauty of Bowled,” says Fortune, is that “you can customize the menu to your dietary restrictions, your preferences, your meal plan.” Walk into the bright, buzzing space, and the menu welcomes all—vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, keto, dairy-free, high-protein or someone who “just eats everything in sight.” Imagine a bowl heaped with your favorite things. La Fiesta, a signature salad, champions its name: crispy romaine and arugula cradle black beans, fire-roasted corn and juicy grape tomatoes while cheddar and tortilla strips form a pungent lattice. Finish it with avocado ranch and sous-vide jerk chicken or USDA sirloin tri-tip—both, if you’re living bold.

FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2026— 5-8PM

Join us to taste and experience 40+ restaurant and boutique booths representing official honorees of SRQ Magazine’s 2026 Best of SRQ Local Readers Competition. Signature Bites. Cocktails. Live Art. Share a hip and happening evening with our area’s passionate localvores and foodies!

WHERE SARASOTA ART MUSEUM

1001 SOUTH TAMIAMI TRAIL, SARASOTA, FLORIDA

• 40+ Local Restaurant + Boutique Booths

• Cocktail Samplings + Cash Bar

• Music by DJ Joey D Entertainment

• SRQ Merchandise + Memorabilia for Sale

• Sarasota Art Museum Open After Hours

TICKETS | WWW.SRQMAG.COM/TGIF IN ADVANCE $65 / person AT THE DOOR $75 / person

NEED SOMETHING TO SIP? The Coco smoothie blends banana, Nutella, peanut butter and cocoa powder into dessert-like breakfast fuel (sweetened with only monkfruit, agave or honey). Or consider their OG acai bowl: thick and sorbet-like, mixed inhouse, topped with fresh-cut fruit, granola, coconut shreds and peanut butter swirls. Staff share an inside joke: “It’s all about that base.” And they mean it. While most places dilute their acai bases with water, Bowled uses almond milk. Fortune compares acai bowls to pizza. Great, good, or meh, “you’re never going to turn down a piece of pizza. There are levels of acai bowls. It took two to three months to develop our base.” Everything is made from scratch and all-natural, except Nutella. “We go rogue for Nutella because, c’mon,” she laughs.

Being the first Bowled on Florida’s Gulf Coast affords them creative freedom. “Our hands aren’t tied,” Fortune explains. “We’re getting to know the market. We’re playing with the menu.” That experimentation has led to trending breakfast items: oatmeal bowls, yogurt parfaits and the Capri, avocado toast with tomatoes, hearts of palm, arugula and balsamic.

As part-time residents, Fortune and Landolfo are “living and breathing the community,” as is their daughter, Alayna Landolfo, who relocated to oversee Mercado Drive and eventual expansion. But Bowled is part of a bigger story. The fast-casual chain, founded in New York in 2019, has rapidly expanded nationwide. Fortune and Landolfo joined as franchisees that year, opening their first location upstate. They bought

franchise rights across four Southeastern states and brought the concept to Florida, with Wellen Park as their latest. The decision was personal. “In the beginning, there was nowhere to say, ‘Hey, let’s go grab a smoothie’ or ‘let’s grab a salad,’” Fortune recalls. “Being a place with such an active lifestyle, we thought there was a void, and this would be a strong fit.”

They were right about that fit. At the December grand opening, community members came hungry. “We had a line of over 100 people wrapped around the plaza and served close to 500 people in a few hours!” Fortune exclaims. She and Landolfo are no strangers to enthusiasm. When COVID hit, thirty days after they opened in Schenectady, they launched “Fueling the Frontlines”, an initiative that fed healthcare workers, firefighters and essential workers, forgiving profits entirely. “A little bit of light during everything,” Fortune says. The experience reinforced what they’d always believed: food is community.

They’re bringing that approach to Wellen Park through partnerships with the Braves during spring training, local high schools and events like the Santa Run 5K. For Fortune, it circles back to the original formula. Where “longevity is first and foremost,” she says, “fueling our bodies with the right food is the very first step to health and wellness.” Their motto? “Live Bold.” Fortune and Landolfo bet the community would thrive on it. And if you’re not sure what an acai bowl is or how to pronounce it, no worries. “Don’t be scared to ask questions and try samples,” Fortune urges. “Because once you try it, you’re going to want to come back.” WPL

THIS PAGE Taste and nutrition fill every bowl at Bowled Co. Bowled Co., Mon-Sat 9am8pm, Sun 11am-7pm, 12141 Mercado Dr., Venice.

BELOW:

The crown jewel of Station Park is a 27-foot-tall giant play tower.

Discover the role of the science of play in shaping the design of Wellen Park’s newest playground, Station Park. WORDS BY DYLAN CAMPBELL

PlayMatters

THINK BACK TO YOUR EARLIEST MEMORIES. The halcyon days of childhood, when things were simple, the days stretched on forever and your dreams were the biggest they’ve ever been. No matter where you were or who you were with, most of those memories include the same core action: play. Play is innately human. It is a biological drive and one of the seven primary emotional systems in the human brain. The benefits of play—and the different types of play— are crucial building blocks in a child’s cognitive, social and physical development. “Active play is the primary way that children achieve health and well-being,” says Suzanne Quinn, PhD, FHEA, CPSI. “For children of playground age, say age 5 to 18, the recommendations are for kids to be active at least an hour a day in moderate to vigorous physical activity. For younger children, aged 2 to 5-years-old, it’s three hours a day. However, only 25% of children in the United States meet that minimum.” Dr. Quinn is the manager of KOMPAN Play Institute, Americas, the research division of KOMPAN, a commercial playground and fitness equipment manufacturer. This spring, Wellen Park unveiled Station Park, a brand-new, state-of-the-art playground with equipment designed by KOMPAN. At KOMPAN, Dr. Quinn works with a team of fellow child development experts to test and give insight into how play equipment can be designed to be developmentally beneficial to children.

play

PLAY, DR. QUINN, ATTESTS, IS DIFFERENT FROM BEING INVOLVED IN ORGANIZED SPORTS. There is a freedom in play that is beneficial beyond the physical exertion and conditioning that occurs in, for instance, a flag football game. Play—especially in a playground—has particular social benefits for children. “A playground is a place where people play together, so it’s a unique opportunity for kids to take those social risks as well as physical risks. Can I balance on this obstacle? Can I cooperate with somebody? Can I make friends?” says Dr. Quinn. Basic interactions such as waiting one’s turn in line for the slide or helping up a friend when they fall down are learning opportunities that occur naturally in a playground.

Play also fosters a sense of autonomy in children. “Play is a specific type of activity where there is choice and variability. The person who is playing at something has the autonomy to make those choices, to vary and manipulate the activities that they’re doing with their body—if they’re climbing something, they’ve chosen to climb it,” says Dr. Quinn. “Adults are making a lot of the decisions for kids—rightly so—but on the playground, kids have free choice, they have autonomy and

BELOW, LEFT TO RIGHT:

The Supernova, a piece of play equipment with seven divided areas offers countless play options; Station Park is full of fire-station themed equipment, like the rescue helicopter.

they can make friends. Designing playground equipment in a way that can happen is critical and needs to be very intentional.”

Playgrounds, however, are more than just places for children to play. They are a part of a neighborhood, a gathering space for the community. Just as children can make friends with one another, the parents and caregivers can too—strangers turn into acquaintances that turn into friends, one playdate at a time. In an age where more people work from home than ever before, playgrounds are a much needed “third space”—a location where adults can also get fresh air, connect with their neighbors and build a sense of pride within their community. Station Park was designed to be that multi-generational third space, surrounded by a large, multipurpose lawn and amenities such as restrooms, water fountains and shaded areas.

“The park may appear to be designed just for children, but in reality it’s designed for families,” says Rick Severance, President of Wellen Park. “What I find so interesting is the utilization of the space and how it transcends age. I see people just wanting to read a book at Station Park and listen to the joy of what a playground brings. The sounds of a play-

play

ground, that laughter, almost defines a community because it resonates the joy that we all long for.”

Station Park was named for its proximity to the future Firehouse 87, but the fire station-themed equipment is more than just a fun theme. To start, the playground was designed to accommodate a larger age range, with equipment that appeals to toddler to tweens. Free standing equipment, such as the fire truck or rescue helicopter, are full with rich, tactile features for younger children to engage with. A rope obstacle course gives children the choice as to which way to take it on, a Universal carousel and swing-set with ADA-accessible seating offer cater to all ages and abilities and an obstacle called the Supernova, a large, slanting, rotating-ring promotes collaboration and decision making. “You can sit on it, you can lay on it and you can spin,” says Dr. Quinn of the Supernova. “Up to eight kids can use it at once and they have to work together to do so.”

The equipment in Station Park was also designed with the intention of fostering imaginative play, something that Dr. Quinn maintains is important for people of all ages to engage in. Based

BELOW, LEFT TO RIGHT: Free-standing, tactile structures open pathways for critical imaginative play; Station Park offers a variety of equipment for a large age range.

on what Dr. Quinn refers to as “small world play”— when children create smaller, imaginary worlds using toy cars, action figures and the like—the equipment allows children to enter fully into the world of a firefighter. “We wanted kids to be able to immerse themselves in that type of imaginative play, but with themes that were exciting and prosocial, like first responders,” says Dr. Quinn. “Imaginative play provides an outlet for stress, but it also drives thinking and innovation, of new ways to do things, new ways to cope with situations and then even invent new situations. It’s an essential part of play.”

The crown jewel of Station Park is a 27-foot-tall giant play tower, replete with two slides, fire-station themed play panels, a climbing wall and countless possibilities for adventure. The tower, which appeals to all age demographics, was part of Severance’s creative input on the project. “I wanted something that was vertical, that would speak to that 12-year-old boy. Something that had a sense of adventure and was a little awe inspiring,” says Severance. “I wanted to create that jaw-dropping moment when children get to the playground.” WPL

BELOW:

sports Backtothe BALLPARK

This March, head over to CoolToday Park to catch the Atlanta Braves Spring Training. WORDS BY DYLAN

Former Braves infielder Nick Allen signs autographs during a Grapefruit League game at CoolToday Park in 2025.

THERE HAVE BEEN NO SWEEPING CHANGES MADE TO COOLTODAY PARK, the Spring Training home of the Atlanta Braves, this off-season. Sure there have been minor cosmetic upgrades, changes in signage, the on-boarding of several new food vendors, but the bones of the 6,200 seat stadium, which opened in 2019, remain the same. And for good reason—CoolToday Park, and the ensuing 90-acre complex, is the newest stadium in the Grapefruit League, a modern marvel of glass and steel that feels like a Major League ballpark, albeit a tad smaller.

sports

“FOR THE MOST PART, WE’RE JUST TRYING TO IMPROVE WHAT WE’VE BEEN DOING, whether it’s new packaging, new signage or new recipes,” says Mike Dunn, vice president of Florida Operations for the Braves. “The building is in terrific shape and the product is very, very good, so we just want to continue to work on it and make it better.”

The Atlanta Braves, in many ways, have had a similar off-season to their Spring Training home. There have been some changes: longtime manager Brian Snitker stepped down after the 2025 season, the team will now be led by former bench coach Walt Weiss. The team signed outfielder Mike Yastrzemski and reliever Robert Suarez to multiyear deals and retained shortstop Ha-Seong Kim and closer Raisel Iglesias in free-agency. The core, however, replete with starting pitchers Chris Sale and Spencer Strider, and All-Star position players such as Ronald Acuna Jr., Austin Riley and Ozzie Albies, remains intact.

It’s a core that made the Braves one of the most successful teams in all of baseball, winning six straight National League East division titles from 2018-2023—including a World Series Championship in 2021. In 2025, however, injuries ravaged Atlanta and the team finished 76-86, its first losing season since 2017. “The biggest thing this year is that we’re coming out of the winter healthy. They know that there is unfinished business and that they’re at a point where they can be in the driver’s seat and that people are going to have to contend with the Braves,” says Dunn. “They know that the

World Series is not out of reach and the expectation of playing deep into October and competing for a world championship remains.”

For six weeks, from mid-February until late March, CoolToday Park will play host to the start of the Braves’ 2026 campaign. In a 162-game, six-month long MLB regular season, these six weeks are crucial to preparing a club for the marathon ahead. The Grapefruit League games held at CoolToday Park—minor league Spring Training games occur at other fields in the Braves’ complex—are a mix of evaluation and preparation. For former Cy Young winner Chris Sale, for instance, Spring Training is all about getting his body ready for his 16th season on the mound. However, for a minor leaguer not on the Braves’ 40-man roster, Spring Training may be their only chance to prove that they belong in the big leagues. Look for young players such as pitchers Hurston Waldrep and Spencer Schwellenbach, to make waves.

Another wrinkle in this year’s Spring Training schedule is the exhibition game against team Colombia on March 4. The World Baseball Classic (WBC), typically held every four years, will occur concurrently during Spring Training, from March 5 to 17. The preeminent international baseball tournament, the WBC pits some of the best players in the world—including members of the Atlanta Braves— against one another in a tournament for national pride. The Braves game against Colombia will make for an exciting preview to a tournament that is once again sure to dominate baseball headlines. WPL

ABOVE, LEFT TO RIGHT

A family of fans enjoys the electric atmosphere of CoolToday Park; an Atlanta Brave swings for the fences during a Grapefruit League game.

PAGE

SARASOTA COUNTY IS HERALDED AS FLORIDA’S CULTURAL COAST FOR A REASON. For as many people enjoy the beautiful beaches and warm Gulf breeze, just as many flock to Sarasota to immerse themselves in fine art galleries, world-class theatrical productions and hair-raising concerts. Residents of Wellen Park have unfettered access to the region’s vast cultural landscape—even in just their backyard, the award-winning Venice Symphony brings in some of the top talent in the world and the Venice Theatre is a shining example of the power of community theater. This season, Wellen Park Living Magazine has the inside scoop on all of the region’s premier arts and culture events, from classical operas to symphonic masterpieces, contemporary art, community theater and more.

WORDS BY DYLAN CAMPBELL

Season PREVIEW

La Musica’s A Carnival of Endangered Wonders

Each year, La Musica Chamber Music Festival brings some of the biggest and brightest stars of classical music to Sarasota. This season, the festival concludes with A Carnival of Endangered Wonders, a program that features both the newly commissioned work of the same name and Saint-Saens The Carnival of the Animals, along with other works from Vivaldi, Golijov and Saint-Saens. In Saint-Saens The Carnival of the Animals, written for two pianos and a chamber ensemble, fantastical depictions of elephants, kangaroos and other exotic creatures come to life through the instrumentation. “It’s one of the most delightful pieces of music,” says acclaimed pianist and Artistic Director Wu Han. “All of the fantasies come true—a big elephant is playing on the double bass, the songs of the swan is an elegant cello solo with pianos—it’s one of those really fun pieces that is always beloved by everyone, including the musicians.” The program will also feature the world premiere of Michael Brown’s A Carnival of Endangered Wonders: A Zoological Fantasy for two pianos and a chamber ensemble. Co-commissioned by La Musica, Brown was inspired to compose the piece in part because of the 10-instrument arrangement of Carnival of Animals. “It’s a very odd instrumentation—you get these 10 players together and you can basically only play that piece,” says Brown. “So I thought to write my own spin-off on that, if you will. I’ve encountered a lot of these endangered species in my travels and wanted to give my own voice to these creatures that are in peril.” The large-scale chamber work depicts 14 endangered species, imagining all of them over the course of one fantastical day, and features animals such as Buff-Cheeked Gibbons, Amur Leopards and Javan Rhinos. Brown made use of different instruments within the ensemble—beefing up the percussion in some instances with instruments such as the lion’s roar and musical saw—to create a through line through the different movements, connecting one animal to another, while using different sonic textures to create individualized “sound worlds” for each animal. “There is a cyclical, hopeful message to this piece. It’s not overly tragic or dire—it’s meant to raise awareness, but also to let these species speak and shine,” says Brown. La Musica, April 9, 2026 at the Sarasota Opera House. Pre-concert talk at 6:45, free to ticket holders. P.O. Box 5442, Sarasota, 941-347-9656

season preview

BELOW

The Venice Symphony will embrace its ocean-side location with its concert, Fountains, Tides & Tempests.

The Crucible at the Sarasota

Players

As the area’s oldest and longest-lasting community theater, the Sarasota Players has a standard to uphold. It is a standard of not only theater-making, but communal creativity that has been upheld since 1936, repeated time and time again in the theater’s productions. This season, the organization’s 96th, features five mainstage productions under the banner Rebels and Dreamers: A Season of Bold Voices. One such production is Arthur Miller’s 1953 classic The Crucible, a dramatized story of the Salem witch trials of the late 1600s. Although The Crucible is traditionally set in Puritan-era Massachusetts, the thematic undertones of the play allow for more flexibility in how the story is told. Written at the height of the “Red Scare,” The Crucible’s depiction of the Salem witch trials serves as an allegory for McCarthyism. “I do think that people get afraid sometimes of classics, because they’ve seen them before, but it’s always exciting to show them in a fresh light and tell the story in a way that more people will grasp and understand,” says Marketing Director Amanda Heisey, who is set to direct the production. Heisey’s vision is to take the story out of the 1600s, making the Players’ production of The Crucible more contemporary and accessible to modern audiences. Heisey maintains that the story’s themes—the power of mass hysteria and the corrosive nature of lies and deceit—are still just as relevant as they were in the 1950s. “Sometimes when we produce something like The Crucible, people think that that’s not something we have to deal with anymore—but that’s not true,” says Heisey. “People forget that it wasn’t literally written about Salem. To put it in a new context where people understand, ‘oh that’s scary, that’s something that could happen’ is more along the lines of what I would rather do.” The Sarasota Players, March 25-April 5, 2026, 1400 Blvd of the Arts, Suite 200, Sarasota, 941-552-8879, theplayers.org

Fountains, Tides and Tempests at the Venice Symphony

This spring, the Venice Symphony is leaning into its sea-side heritage with Fountains, Tides & Tempests on March 20 and 21. The concert is rife with musical selections inspired by the sea, including Ottorino Respighi’s Fountains of Rome. “It is a tour de force piece,” says Troy Quinn, music director of the Symphony, regarding Fountains of Rome. “We played this piece in my first season with the Symphony, eight years ago. Respighi wrote three of these wonderful pieces in his Roman triptych, Roman Festivals, Pines of Rome and then Fountains of Rome. They were based on his experience in Rome and this one depicts the major fountains of Rome—it’s a piece the orchestra loves to play.” While Fountains of Rome is not as famous as Respighi’s Pines of Rome, Quinn maintains that Fountains is a masterful example of the illustrative power of orchestral music. “You get an idea of what he’s trying to say without even having to see it. He does this in such a way that defines exact orchestration,” says Quinn. “He’ll have the strings up high or the brass playing these ethereal chords and it just seems like you’re moving through the water. You’re seeing the beauty of the reflections of the light in the fountains through the orchestra. The color is so gorgeous in this piece.” The concert will also feature works from film, such as Korngold’s The Sea Hawk Overture and Han Zimmer’s Drink Me Up Hearties from The Pirates of the Caribbean. “My goal here is to give the audience a classical piece that they might not have heard before and then provide something for everybody with Pirates of the Caribbean and The Sea Hawk Overture,” says Quinn. “Korngold is an underrated composer—people know his violin concerto—but his film music is so renowned and thrilling and swashbuckling. This is where George Lucas and Steven Spielberg got a lot of their inspiration for Star Wars and Indiana Jones.” Fountains, Tides, and Tempests, March 20-21, Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave. Building 5, Venice, 941-207-8822

season preview

The Cake at the Venice Theatre

BELOW

Bekah Brunstetter’s

The Cake is a part of the Venice Theatre’s Stage 2 Series; Carlisle Floyd’s Susannah ends Sarasota Opera’s season with a bang.

In Bekah Brunstetter’s The Cake, Della, a devout Christian Southern baker, bakes her cakes with love. Or at least, that’s what she believes. One of the plays in the Venice Theatre’s Stage 2 series—which features more challenging, lesser known material in the company’s intimate Pinkerton Theatre—The Cake is a comedy that explores what happens when faith and family come to a crossroads. In small-town North Carolina, Della’s cakes are legendary, with her talent even earning her a spot as a contestant on the Great American Baking Show. When Jen, her late best friend’s daughter, comes back from New York City requesting one of Della’s famous cakes for her wedding, Della is overjoyed. That is, until Della finds out that Jen’s partner, Macy, is also a woman. Although the story is humorous, wrapped in the veneer of a sitcom—early runs starred Debra Jo Rupp of That ‘70s Show as Della—The Cake takes inspiration from the real-life events that led to 2018’s Masterpiece Cakeshop V. Colorado Civil Rights Commission Supreme Court Case. Can Della put aside her religious beliefs to bake a cake for someone that she loves? Where will she draw the line between tolerance and professionalism in her work? For Venice Theatre, the ability to hold productions such as The Cake, marks a return to form. 2022’s Hurricane Ian brought catastrophic damage to the theater, almost destroying the entirety of the organization’s main building, the Jervey Theatre. For the first time since 2022, the Venice Theatre has been able to host a full three-show Stage 2 series slate. “You know when you enter into the theater, that it’s a space where you’re going to be dealing with some fine literature and some challenging theater and that we’re going to do it well,” says Murray Chase, Venice Theatre’s interim artistic director and restoration supervisor. “It’s theater that local audiences don’t see as often and have expressed a desire for it to return—we wanted to restore that not only for our audiences, but for our performers who are asking for that challenging material as well.” The Cake, February 20 to March 8, Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave. W, Venice, 941-488-1115

An American Classic at the Sarasota Opera

The Opera House, the vision of Sarasota’s first mayor A.B. Edwards, opened its doors in April of 1926. The Opera House, however, is not the only aspect of the Sarasota Opera’s 2025-26 season that is celebrating its 100th birthday. The finale of the Opera’s season will be Carlisle Floyd’s American classic Susannah, a two act opera that first premiered at Florida State University in 1955. Floyd, who would have celebrated his 100th birthday in June 2026, is hailed as one of the most influential figures in American opera, with Susannah his most heralded work. “Floyd was on the faculty at FSU and he lived for a long time in Tallahassee. The early version of our company did Susannah at the Van Wezel with an orchestra and I believe it was the first opera the company ever did with an orchestra,” says Richard Russell. “We actually did another opera of his, Of Mice and Men in 2013, which he attended and said it was one of the best that he’d seen. We have a connection with him, Susannah has a large Florida connection and it’s the anniversary of both his 100th birthday and the opening of the Opera House.” Susannah is a distinctly American opera, set in 1950s rural Tennessee. A dark and tragic re-telling of the Book of Susanna, the opera follows a pretty, innocent teenager who is unfairly characterized as a sinner by the lustful elders in her small, Appalachian mountain town. When the deceitful Reverend Blitch offers her a chance at redemption, Susannah is forced to take action to reclaim her dignity. What defines Susannah as an American classic, however, is not just the setting. The opera’s score is populated with Appalachian folk melodies, Protestant hymns and traditional classical music. Sarasota Opera House, Susannah, March 14-March 28, 2026, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, 941-328-1300, sarasotaopera.org/

season preview

Fiddler On the Roof at the Asolo Repertory Theatre

BELOW

The Fiddler on the Roof comes to Asolo Repertory Theatre in April; The Nature of Movement explores the work of sculptor Alexander Calder within the context of Selby Gardens’ natural environment.

This beloved classic has delighted audiences across the globe for over six decades. Tevye, the village milkman, is trying to provide his wife and their five daughters a life filled with prosperity, faith, and tradition. But more than one revolution is on the horizon and everything they have come to cherish hangs in the balance. One of the most beloved musicals of all time makes its long-awaited debut on the Asolo Rep stage. “One of the great and most enduring Broadway musicals… [it] always makes a deep impact because it is about things that matter — life, love, family, tradition,” says the New York Daily News. Asolo Repertory Theatre, April 11-May 24, 2026. FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, 941-361-8388, asolorep.org

The Nature of Movement at Selby Gardens

For 10 years, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, has held the Jean and Alfred Goldstein Exhibition Series, a series devoted to examining major artists and their relationship to nature. It is a series that invites audiences to look deeper into the lives and works of these artists—from painters such as Andy Warhol and Salvidor Dali to musicians like George Harrison—setting the work within the context of a botanical garden explores art’s inherent connection to nature. This year, the exhibition series will feature the work of renowned American sculptor Alexander Calder in Alexander Calder: The Nature of Movement. Calder, a multi-faceted artist active from the late 1920s until his death in 1976, was best known for two things: monumental public sculptures, often rooted in the abstract, and his kinetic sculptures, or mobiles, which were the first of their kind. “The organic forms that Calder features in his work are all rooted in nature and we will be exploring that aspect of his work,” says Jennifer Rominiecki, president and CEO of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. “Additionally, there is a wonderful Sarasota connection—when inventing the mobile, Calder first used motors until he studied the Ringling Circus and the trapeze which helped him arrive at kinetic movement and balance in his mobiles and other work.” Calder’s mobiles were rooted in his exploration of suspension and equilibrium. When Calder deviated from mechanically powered mobiles to free hanging sculptures that move at the whim of an air current or a person’s touch, he created an aesthetic that embraced chance. It’s an aesthetic that is echoed throughout Selby Gardens’ Display Conservatory and 15-acre Downtown Sarasota Campus—Selby Gardens is the world’s leading center for the study of air plants, or epiphytes. Like Calder’s mobiles, these plants that grow in the tree canopy hang and drape freely, subject to the same laws of equilibrium and suspension Calder explored in his work. The Nature of Movement will feature about 10 works of Calder’s on view in the Gardens’ Museum of Botany & the Arts, along with horticultural installations throughout the Downtown Campus and Display Conservatory. “You can expect to see some horticultural mobiles with our plant collection dangling in the air as would be befitting of a Calder mobile,” says Rominiecki. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Downtown Sarasota Campus, February 8–May 31, 2026. 1534 Mound St., Sarasota, 34236, 941-366-5731, selby.org

neighborhoods

Amenities For All

The Palmera Amenities Center Boasts

Multigenerational Luxury. WORDS BY BARBIE HEIT

ALL WELLEN PARK COMMUNITIES ARE THOUGHTFULLY DESIGNED FOR EASY LIVING, MANY OFFERING EXCEPTIONAL AMENITIES

Palmera, known for its luxury homes, is no exception. This stunning multigenerational neighborhood now features a state-of-the-art, coastal-inspired clubhouse, thoughtfully designed to bring residents together and elevate everyday enjoyment. Palmera’s amenities center—the largest one developed in Wellen Park to date—boasts a distinctive coastal architectural design catering to a multigenerational community. It offers a wide array of features, including a refined splash park, a large playground, eight pickleball courts, a substantial fitness center and a pool with lap lanes. Unique to Palmera is an indoor golf simulator and an adjacent “drinking room” with bourbon and wine lockers. It is also the first non-golf community in Wellen Park to offer a club environment with full food and beverage service. This includes a full kitchen, a banquet facility and a bar.

neighborhoods

FROM THE START, WELLEN PARK PRESIDENT RICK SEVERANCE KNEW HE WANTED THE CLUBHOUSE TO BE DESIGNED WITH A NANTUCKET/NEW ENGLAND FEEL. “I love the architecture because it’s so classic and traditional, yet warm and inviting,” he says. “The colors and everything about it feel coastal. And because it’s a multigenerational neighborhood, we wanted to layer in the splash park and a really outstanding playground, but we also didn’t want that to be too overt. So the splash pad is more like dancing water.” When designing the clubhouse, Severance said community input was very important. “We try to be good listeners and then design with the resident or the future resident in mind. Positive and constructive feedback is important because it adds value to the community,” he explains. “We also listen to our builders to learn what their prospects—the residents or the future residents want to see.

Severance speaks highly of the collaborative spirit behind the design, stating that the team’s collective effort far surpassed what any single individual, idea or intention could achieve. This team included Willis Smith Construction, KOMPAN (for playground design), Rock Star Pools, Micamy Interior Design, TROON (the club management company), and the architects at Basham & Lucas Design Group, Inc.

Senior Project Manager with Basham & Lucas, Benjamin Morrison, was thrilled to execute Severance’s idea of a coastal New England feel in his design, which he explains was achieved through materiality, higher-pitched roofs, shingles, architectural detailing and cupolas. “When we started this project, we wanted to have a different kind of vibe than some

of the other developments that we’ve done in the area before. The inspiration for this project was to have something that felt like a coastal New England vernacular of architecture. That theme runs through the project and it’s something that’s unique to Palmera at Wellen Park,” he shares. “Secondly, there was an emphasis on really trying to create an amenity center that has activities for residents of all abilities and all ages. So we have everything from a splash pad in the pool area for little kids and toddlers to lap pools and recreational swimming pools. There’s a fitness center and a group workout room and the primary clubhouse has really amazing food and beverage options and outdoor dining features.”

Morrison describes the natural landscape, climate and cultural context of the area as being influential in design choices and outcomes. “There are such amazing lakes that exist there, especially the primary lake right when you enter into the development. It was really important to us that we prioritize that view corridor for residents and guests as they enter into the parcel to make it just a really grand and inviting kind of entry sequence for everybody,” he says. “When you enter into the development and you go down this boulevard that’s lined with trees and you go underneath the gatehouse, that sets the tone for the entrance into the neighborhood. Then directly in front of you as you wind down this road, you see this beautiful lake and then the walls of the clubhouse beyond with the trees and the pool in front of you. It’s a very impressive view corridor and something that I think is appealing to potential residents.” WPL

WELLEN PARK NEIGHBORHOODS MAP

EXPLORE THE PARADE OF HOMES MODELS OF WELLEN PARK NEIGHBORHOODS

DAVID WEEKLEY HOMES

HOMES BY TOWNE

HOMES BY WESTBAY

ICI HOMES

JOHN CANNON HOMES

LEE WETHERINGTON HOMES

LENNAR HOMES

MATTAMY HOMES

M/I HOMES

NEAL COMMUNITIES

NEAL SIGNATURE HOMES

TOLL BROTHERS

PRESENTING

THE 2026 PARADE OF HOMES

There’s no better place to experience it than Wellen Park, one of Florida’s most vibrant lifestyle destinations. Presented by the Suncoast Builders Association, the Parade of Homes showcases the craftsmanship, innovation, and creativity that define living on Florida’s Suncoast, featuring the region’s top builders and the latest in home design, construction, and lifestyle living.

DATE: March 7-29, 2026

SEE THE FOLLOWING PAGES FOR FOR PARTICIPATING MODEL HOMES AT WELLEN PARK

Experience the homes. Embrace the lifestyle. And discover where the sweet life can take you.

A Premier Suncoast Experience WELCOME!

THIS YEAR’S THEME, LA DOLCE VITA: THE SWEET LIFE IN EVERY BUILD, celebrates the beauty, comfort, and joy found in thoughtfully crafted homes. From inspired architecture to elevated interiors, each model reflects a way of living designed to be savored—where style meets everyday ease. Whether you’re actively home shopping, gathering design inspiration, or simply exploring what’s new, the Parade of Homes at Wellen Park o ers something for everyone. Tour stunning models, discover standout design ideas, and experience the lifestyle that continues to draw homeowners, visitors, and dreamers alike.

Tour. Stamp.Win.

A NAPA VALLEY “TUSCAN WINE COUNTRY” GETAWAY

How It Works:

Where life slows, wine flows, and la dolce vita begins. As part of the 2026 Parade of Homes at Wellen Park, visitors are invited to participate in the Tour • Stamp • Win Sweepstakes—your chance to turn home touring into a getaway to Napa Valley’s Tuscan Wine Country. Explore select Parade of Homes model residences, collect stamps along the way, and complete your passport for a chance to win an unforgettable escape inspired by the sweet life.

Pick up your Wellen Park Passport during the Parade of Homes at any participating model home.

• Winner will be notified on March 31, 2026.

• Visit five featured model homes and collect a stamp at each location, see pages 48-59 for a list of participating model homes.

• Return your completed passport to the Wellen Park Welcome Center (12275 Mercado Drive, Venice, FL) by March 29, 2026

• Once submitted, your passport becomes your entry to WIN A NAPA VALLEY TUSCAN WINE COUNTRY GETAWAY!

DAVID WEEKLEY HOMES PALMERA THE RUBYTAIL

BUILT FOR WELLEN LIVING Founded in 1976, David Weekley Homes is one of the nation’s largest privately held home builders, recognized for its exceptional homes, customer focus, and community commitment. David Weekley Homes o ers personalized, energy-smart homes in Wellen Park designed for connection, comfort, and Florida-friendly living in vibrant neighborhoods.

Discover the beauty of coming home to the Rubytail floor plan by David Weekley Homes. A modern kitchen with split countertops, hidden prep space, a full-function island, and an open layout makes cooking a delight. The bright family and dining areas set the stage for holidays, gatherings, and everyday memories. Enjoy quiet moments in the study or unwind on the serene lanai. Three secondary bedrooms o er versatility for guests or hobbies, while the spa-inspired owner’s bath and spacious walk-in closet create a luxurious daily retreat.

Take I-75 South to Exit 191 for River Road toward North Port/Venice. Turn right on North River Road for 2 miles. Turn right on West Villages Parkway, take the second exit at the circle, cross US-41, take a right on Playmore Road, a left on Preto Boulevard, the second exit at the circle, a right on FishTail Boulevard, then a left on Foxtail Loop.

Foxtail Loop, Venice, FL, 34293 941.355.5756 davidweekleyhomes.com

HOMES BY TOWNE PALMERA OUTRIGGER

REFINED FLORIDA LIVING For 75 years, Homes by Towne has specialized in building innovative, welldesigned single-family homes and condominiums with today’s homebuyer in mind. Homes by Towne crafts elegant homes in Wellen Park with a focus on lifestyle and quality. Enjoy bright interiors, stylish finishes, and seamless indoor-outdoor design.

The Outrigger Model is a 3-bedroom-plus-den home where sophistication and high style meet comfort through a mix of cool tones and warm woods. Indoor/outdoor living defines Florida homes, and the Outrigger will not disappoint with its seamless connection to the outdoor living space with pool, and outdoor kitchen. If you are looking for amenity-rich living, residents of Palmera will have access to a clubhouse with fitness center, golf simulator, and casual 19th-hole-type restaurant with event space. A resort-style pool, separate lap pool, splash pad, playground, pickleball courts, fire pit lounge, multipurpose field, and nature trail connected to Wellen Park’s 30 miles of trails and pathways.

WESTBAY

ELEVATED GULF COAST STYLE

II

Recognized nationally and regionally for its award-winning designs, Homes by WestBay delivers an exceptional home building experience at an outstanding value in Florida’s finest communities. Homes by WestBay brings bold, open-concept floorplans and stylish finishes to Wellen Park. Ideal for modern families seeking luxury, space, and sunshine-filled living.

11536 Gleaming Terrace Venice, FL 34293 941.271.7993 homesbywestbay.com

Welcome to the Gasparilla II, a two-story model home o ering 3,671 square feet of elevated living space. This home boasts soaring 12-foot ceilings, 3-car split garage, 4 bedrooms, a den, an oversized bonus room, 5 bathrooms, and a stunning gourmet kitchen. The open-concept floorplan and wide 16-foot sliding glass doors to the covered lanai and pool o er seamless indoor-outdoor living, ideal for enjoying the beautiful Florida weather year-round.

ADDITIONAL MODELS ON TOUR

Biscayne II 11528 Gleaming Terrace Venice FL 34293

Exit I-75 and go west on SR-777. Turn right at West Villages Parkway. At the first circle, take the 2nd exit. At the next circle, take the 3rd exit onto Manasota Beach Road. Turn right on Luminous Avenue, then take the 1st exit onto Lustrous Boulevard.

Follow signs to Homes by WestBay on Gleaming Terrace.

ELEGANCE MEETS FLEXIBILITY With over 45 years of experience, ICI Homes has built thousands of award-winning, energy-e cient custom homes across Florida, earning a place among Builder Magazine’s Top 100 Builders and the title of Florida’s Custom Home Builder. ICI Homes builds stylish, flexible homes in Wellen Park that combine energy e ciency with architectural flair—perfect for Florida’s indoor-outdoor lifestyle.

The Egret V is a 3,067-square-foot haven featuring four bedrooms and three baths, designed for both elegance and functionality. Its spacious living room with 12-foot ceilings flows seamlessly into the dining area and deluxe kitchen, making it perfect for entertaining. The master suite is a luxurious retreat with dual walk-in closets and a spa-like bath. Enjoy the Florida lifestyle on your expansive covered lanai, perfect for year-round relaxation. With ICI Homes’ renowned customization, you can adapt the Egret V to suit your needs—from additional bedrooms to a guest suite, we make your vision a reality.

CUSTOM MASTERPIECES IN WELLEN PARK John Cannon Homes has set the standard for luxury custom homes in Southwest Florida, delivering exceptional craftsmanship, competitive pricing, and first-class customer service since 1987. John Cannon Homes o ers fully custom new homes within Wellen Park, delivering uniquely luxurious estates designed to suit your personal lifestyle and taste. The Warrina by John Cannon Homes in Everly at Wellen Park showcases warm transitional design with natural materials, saturated colors, and sleek, matte black accents. A custom iron door opens to a tranquil foyer leading to the great room with floating shelves, wood slat panels, and 16-foot sliding glass doors to the pool. The Kitchen blends warm wood and white cabinetry with dramatic backsplash and a windowed cooktop wall. A serene master bath features walnut, textured tile, and a yoga room. Bold accents enrich the study and bonus room, while the lanai o ers a sun shelf pool, raised deck, and firepit.

From I-75 South, take Exit 191/SR-777. Head right on West Villages Parkway for 2.5 miles. Take the second exit on the roundabout—stay on West Villages Parkway. Take the third exit on the tra c circle onto Manasota Beach Road. Head right on Luminous Avenue, and right onto Brightly Drive. Home is just ahead on your left.

CUSTOM COMFORT & CLASS For more than four decades, Lee Wetherington Homes has strived to provide a singular, innovative homebuilding experience for discerning customers along the Suncoast. Known for stunning design and impeccable detail, Lee Wetherington Homes o ers custom homes in Wellen Park that reflect refined Florida elegance and livability.

FROM $1,414,000

Impeccable curb appeal. Award-winning designs. Styles that spark conversations – and so much more. For over four decades, Lee Wetherington Homes has strived to provide a tailored home building experience that aligns with the discerning taste of each and every customer on the Suncoast. We truly believe that quality is standard and consistency – a mastery of the basic elements of what makes a custom home last a lifetime – is the foundation for art. As a longtime local homebuilder, this approach to our craft is what ultimately brings to life your singular vision in the form of a bold, beautiful and incomparable custom home.

Blissby Street, Venice, FL 34293 | 941.217.1448 | lwhomes.com Take I-75 to Exit 191/River Road South. Turn right at West Villages. Parkway, continue south across 41 to the tra c circle. Take the third exit from circle, and head east on Manasota Beach Road. Turn right at Luminous Avenue and right at Lustrous Boulevard. Past the gate, turn left at Brightly Drive, right at Waterworks Terrace, and right at Blissby Street.

LENNAR HOMES

ARBOR

WELLEN PARK GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

LOW MAINTENANCE LIVING Since 1954, Lennar has built over one million homes across America, creating beautiful communities in desirable locations with a commitment to quality, value, and integrity for every stage of life.

PRICED FROM $262,999

1,120 SF 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

This cozy condo features a split floorplan with an open layout among the kitchen, dining room and living room, with sliding doors that extend to the lanai for outdoor activities. Next to the lanai is the luxe owner’s suite, while a secondary bedroom is near the foyer provides added privacy. Plus, the convenience of covered parking completes this easy, low-maintenance lifestyle.

ACACIA

PRICED FROM HIGH $400s

MATTAMY HOMES PALMERA

MATTAMY FLORIDA LIVING Mattamy Homes has been building homes for over 45 years, and is proud to provide the BEST homebuyer experience in thoughtfully-designed communities. Mattamy Homes builds thoughtfully designed homes in vibrant neighborhoods that blend nature, walkability, and modern design.

Delmar II at Lakespur at Wellen Park 17330 Moonflower Drive Venice, FL 34293

The Acacia o ers 1,904 square feet of refined first floor living where luxury and comfort come together e ortlessly. The gourmet kitchen, elegant dining area and spacious Great Room create a sophisticated setting for entertaining and everyday indulgence. Two glass sliding doors open to an expansive covered lanai, perfect for elevated outdoor living year round. The owner’s suite is a private retreat with a serene spa like bath, while the secondary bedroom and full bath welcome guests in style. A versatile flex room completes the home with space tailored to your lifestyle. Brightmore at Wellen Park

Merigold at Brightmore at Wellen Park Myakka Blue Drive Venice, FL 34293 Red Rock at Sunstone Lakeside at Wellen Park 11915 Starbright Drive Venice, FL 34293

Topsail at Sunstone at Wellen Park 18140 Wellspring Court, Venice, FL 34293

HOMES

SMART STARTS HERE M/I Homes has been building thoughtfully designed, high-quality homes for over 40 years, delivering more than 150,000 homes nationwide with a steadfast commitment to craftsmanship and customer care. M/I Homes o ers energy-e cient, modern designs in Wellen Park with fl exible spaces, smart tech, and quality you can feel.

Sliding glass doors along the back of the home open up to a huge lanai, which you can choose to extend for even more outdoor living space. Ask our team about building a pool with your new home, too! The owner’s suite resides on its own side of the house with an option to extend a owner’s bath, a full walk-in closet, and a tub for ultimate relaxation. In the heart of the home, a study awaits a home o ce or additional seating area, and the laundry room is conveniently accessible from the 3-car garage.

The Jubilee is an incredibly spacious home, starting at 2,913 square feet with its standard layout containing 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a study, a game room, and a 3-car garage. A roomy entryway opens into an exceptionally designed home. The formal dining room has its own space, creating an intimate yet elegant spot for holiday gatherings and family meals. As you enter the kitchen, a large walk-in pantry provides you with ample storage space, and beautiful cabinets line the wall. An extended center island features double sinks with an extra space for elegant high-back chairs.

ADDITIONAL MODELS ON TOUR Palm at Palmera 17966 Broadleaf Loop, Venice, FL 34293

LIVING, NATURALLY Neal Communities believes where you live matters, and their promise is to create a home and a community that always refl ects that. Neal Communities builds inviting homes in Wellen Park with a strong connection to nature, vibrant amenities, and fl oor plans tailored for relaxed Florida living. The Heritage is a 2-story, 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home with 2,429 square feet. The first floor features a well-equipped kitchen with an oversized walk-in pantry, a large island, and a café, plus a great room with sliders to the lanai. The first-floor master suite includes dual vanities, a walk-in closet, and a corner shower. Upstairs are 3 bedrooms, a shared bath, and a spacious loft. Two bedrooms include walk-in closets. A 2-car garage and inviting foyer complete the home.

From I-75, take Exit 191 and go south on SR-777 for 4 miles. Turn right on West Villages Parkway for 2 miles, then right on Playmore Road. Turn left on Preto Boulevard for 2 miles, then right on Fishtail

and right on Foxtail Loop. Palmera by Neal Communities is on the right.

NEAL SIGNATURE HOMES

BAY

SIGNATURE STYLE IN WELLEN With 50 years of experience and four generations of craftsmanship, Neal Signature Homes builds luxury semi-custom homes in Southwest Florida, delivering award-winning design and exceptional quality. Neal Signature Homes creates upscale, coastal-inspired homes in Wellen Park’s premier neighborhoods, blending personalization, luxury, and timeless curb appeal.

SF 3 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 3-Car Garage

Neal Signature Homes presents the Palm Bay, a 3,138-square-foot retreat with 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, and a 3-car garage. Featuring a guest suite and resort-style touches, it o ers a vacation feel every day. A grand foyer leads to the open great room, den, and expansive lanai. The gourmet kitchen includes a wall oven, large island, and walk-in pantry. The master suite o ers 2 walk-in closets and a spa-like bath, plus lanai access. Outdoor living shines with space for gatherings, with options for a grill area and casita.

From I-75, take Exit 191 to SR-777 and go 4 miles. Turn right on West Villages Parkway and continue 4 miles. At the tra c circle, turn left on Manasota Beach Road, then right on Luminous Avenue. Everly at Wellen Park will be on your right.

COVE PRAIRIE

2,257 SF

TOLL BROTHERS OAKBEND

LUXURY IN EVERY DETAIL Toll Brothers, a two-time National Builder of the Year by Builder magazine, creates luxury homes with diverse architectural designs, premium finishes, and personalized details to suit every lifestyle. Toll Brothers introduces stunning, high-end Florida homes to Wellen Park with sophisticated architecture, upscale features, and access to the area’s best lifestyle amenities.

PRICED FROM MID $500s

3 Bedrooms 2.5 Bathrooms 2-Car Garage

The Cove home design o ers a sophisticated, convenient layout. An inviting foyer leads to the casual dining area and L-shaped kitchen with island, breakfast bar, and walk-in pantry. The elegant great room features a tray ceiling and access to a covered patio. The primary suite includes a tray ceiling, walk-in closet, and tranquil bath with dual sinks, luxe shower with seat, linen storage, and private water closet. Two secondary bedrooms share a hall bath. A versatile fl ex room, central laundry o the everyday entry, and ample storage complete the home.

12324 Falling Leaf Pl, Venice, FL 34293 | 941.395.0359

TollBrothers.com

From I-75 heading south, take Exit 191. Follow SR- 777 and turn right on West Villages Parkway.

At the tra c circle, take the second exitand stay on West Villages Parkway. Turn right onto Playmore Road. Turn right into the community.

CALENDAR ofEvents

Half Marathon & 5K Race

MARCH

21

March 21 Wellen Park is proud to present the 4th Annual Half Marathon & 5K Presented by Hotwire Communications. Join us for an unforgettable race experience starting and finishing in the heart of Downtown Wellen Park. Whether you’re racing the Half Marathon or enjoying the 5K, this event promises a scenic, well-supported course and a vibrant post-race atmosphere. A portion of proceeds and all donations will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Suncoast. Help us make a difference, one stride at a time. Walkers, strollers and leashed dogs are welcome. Solis Hall, Downtown Wellen Park. Start Times: Half Marathon: 7:30 AM. 5K: 7:45 AM. To register, go to wellenpark/events.

The Green Gathering 14 MARCH

March 14 | 2pm–8pm Join us on for The Green Gathering, a lively, inaugural celebration inspired by Irish culture, music, dance, and community spirit. This first-year event is intentionally intimate. Featuring Delon Irish Band: Set the soundtrack for the day with the Deleon Irish Band, performing and emceeing from 2:00–8:00 PM. Between high-energy sets and classic Irish tunes, the band will keep the party moving while welcoming special performances throughout the day. Irish Dance Performances: Local Irish dancers from the Kavanagh Porter Academy Sarasota will be performing throughout the day—don’t miss the chance to see these talented dancers in action! Raise a Glass: Enjoy festive pours from Banyan House’s beer trailer featuring Guinness, Green Beer and Irish Beer. Irish-Inspired Eats: The Banyan House will offer classic corned beef and cabbage, served from their tent on Canopy Green.

APRIL

APRIL

11

Family Fun Day

April 11 | 12–4pm Enjoy a sunny spring day jam-packed with family-friendly activities in Downtown Wellen!. Fun Fair Games Can you flip a chick, knock down a milk bottle, and toss your bean bag into the target? These fun, midway-style games are sure to be a hit with the littles! Enjoy the dance party, arts and crafts, Atlanta Braves speed pitch, face painting and kids foamboree.

Night of WorshipConcert 17

Night of April 17 Join us for an unforgettable evening of live music and worship. Bring your friends, family and lawn chairs, and prepare to be inspired by incredible voices sharing their gifts with our community.

BUILDING COMMUNITY | ONGOING EVENT PROGRAMS

Wellen Park invites the community to celebrate the spring with a vibrant lineup of events. Come to Downtown Wellen to enjoy a variety of local family-friendly happenings. From live music to fun-filled festivals, there are plenty of ways to participate. Most activities are free and open to the public.

Music and Art

Wellen Park hosts a variety of musical genres and musicians throughout each week. Visitors are invited to bask in the captivating scenery and waterfront vibe by bringing their own lawn chairs or blankets for maximum comfort. These musical gatherings o er an open-door policy, requiring no prior RSVP for attendance. Guests can participate in Wellen Park’s Sip & Stroll program by purchasing to-go alcoholic beverages from Downtown Wellen’s food and beverage merchants.

Friday Night Concerts

Every Friday 6–10pm

DJ Nights in the Yard

Monday to Wednedsay, 6-9pm

Community Connections

Dueling Pianos

Third Thursday, monthly

February 19

March 19

April 16

Serenade in the Shade

Live music under the Heritage Oak. Thursdays and Saturdays, 6-10pm and Sundays during the Farmers Market, 9am–1pm

Fresh Harvest Farmers Market—Every Sunday 9am-1pm Join us at the Fresh Harvest Farmers Market where you can shop for fresh fruit, vegetables, plants, seafood, cut flowers and more.

Wellen Park Night Market—Second Thursday of the Month, 6-9pm Enjoy the Wellen Park Night Market, bringing together independent artists and makers specializing in home decor, fashion, art, design, food and more in a fun and inspiring environment that champions community. Dates of the night market are March 12, April 9, May 14, June 11.

RECREATION

Cars & Ca eine—First Saturday of the Month, 7:30-10:30am Rev up your engines! Wellen Park and co-sponsors, Foxtail Co ee and Antique Automobile Club of America-Venice Region, are excited to o er car enthusiasts of all ages the opportunity to come together for an informal early morning gathering to share their passion for all things automotive. Show cars will be in the parking lot behind the two-story building downtown. We invite you to stick around afterwards for some shopping and dining in Downtown Wellen. Attendees receive 50 percent o of drip, iced and cold brew co ee from 7am to 10am at Foxtail Co ee.

Corn Hole—Every Third Wednesday of the Month Join us every third Wednesday night in Downtown Wellen for a drop-in cornhole! Play a game or two with your fellow neighbors and enjoy the beautiful sights, sounds and tastes of downtown Wellen Park. Location will be in the blocked o section of the parking lot behind the Acqua Pazza and Bright Ice building. Signups start at 6:00pm. Bags fly at 6:30pm. Double elimination/blind draw. $5 fee.

Fun Fitness

Get your fitness on with a dynamic lineup of weekly fitness activities for the community. Groups will meet in Downtown Wellen in front of Kind Vibes Outfitters. Yoga and Zumba classes meet on the Great Lawn.

Walking Group Meet-Up Saturdays, 9am

Running Meet-Up Tuesdays, 6pm

Yoga Class Tuesdays, 9am Saturdays, 9am

For more details on Wellen Park events, visit: wellenpark.com/events

Zumba Class Mondays, 9am Thursdays, 9am

WINE FESTIVAL

DOWNTOWN WELLEN PARK | NOVEMBER 15, 2025

An annual, ticketed outdoor event, this festival has quickly become a beloved celebration of distinguished vintners and the culinary skills of Wellen Park’s restaurateurs. Attendees of the November event were invited to enjoy an unforgettable weekend sipping and sampling a diverse selection of wines, paired with small bites from Downtown Wellen restaurant partners. The atmosphere was enhanced by live jazz music performed by The Hour on the Solis Hall stage. The Rotary at Wellen Park proudly served as the official charity partner.

DOWNTOWN WELLEN PARK | NOVEMBER 15, 2025

LUMINESCENCE FESTIVAL

JANUARY 9, 2026

The Wellen Park community kicked off 2026 with its annual Luminescence Festival in January. Participants enjoyed a live jazz band, stunning projection art and the opportunity to decorate luminary bags that lined the shores of Grand Lake.

TOGETHER Powerof Pets

Fetch Dog Park, opening this spring, will be more than just a place for pets to play. WORDS BY CECILIA MOULD

pets

THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE Veterinarian Andrea Daniels says that outdoor play is important for many pets. The Wellen Park canines and their people agree.

THIS SPRING, FETCH DOG PARK WILL BRING NEW MEANING TO OUTDOOR TIME WITH PETS IN WELLEN PARK. Nestled near Downtown Wellen’s waterfront, the two-acre fenced park is designed as more than a place for dogs to run—it’s also intended to serve as a gathering place for residents and an enriching environment for pets. To be complete with agility equipment, tunnels, jumping rings and wide-open play areas, Fetch Dog Park has been carefully designed with both dogs and their owners in mind. Two large shade structures will offer relief from Florida’s sun, while benches, outdoor seating, doggy drinking fountains and a double-gated entrance system will add comfort and safety. Angled parking along the Wellen Park Boulevard extension will make access easy for residents across the area.

pets

“THIS IS PROBABLY ONE OF THE MOST ELABORATE DOG PARKS I’VE WORKED ON,” says Stantec Landscape Architect Tom Kotkiewicz, who helped design the space. “A dog park could just be a fencedin, grassy area, which is relatively simple. But Fetch has all these elements that are added in and are very nice. It’s the nicest one I’ve ever worked on, that’s for sure.”

Kotkiewicz’s approach to designing the park revolved around its location. Because Fetch will be situated near the downtown area while simultaneously offering ample green space, the park needed to feel cohesive with its surroundings while still functioning as a dedicated space for pets. “There’s all these different elements of the park and nearby that we tried to incorporate into one cohesive thing, to tie it all together,” he says.

The sense of integration of the park into the community is intentional, and contributes to the broader goal of Fetch— to foster connections between neighbors just as much as pet enrichment. “Fetch Dog Park is designed to be so much more than a place for pets to play—it’s a natural

community connector,” says Christine Masney, vice president of marketing for Wellen Park. “Dogs break down social barriers in an instant, giving neighbors a reason to talk, laugh and share experiences they might never exchange otherwise.”

Local experts also see firsthand how spaces like Fetch can positively impact both pets and their owners. Andrea Daniels, veterinarian and owner of West Villages Animal Clinic, says the larger park will fill an important gap for dogs who need more room to move. “There aren’t always many large spaces for dogs to safely run around off-leash,” she says. “Fetch is going to provide much more room for the dogs to run around and just to have the space that some of them need.”

From a health perspective, outdoor time and agility equipment offer physical and mental benefits for dogs. Daniels, who has seen rising rates of obesity among her patients, says that activity is essential to pets’ wellbeing. “Just like for people, being outdoors is very good, not only for pets’ physical health, but their mental health,” she says. “They need

BELOW

This Corgi has found her happy place in Wellen Park’s dog park.

stimulation, and dogs that are friendly do need to be around other dogs regularly. And the agility aspects are amazing, because not only does it help with their focus and their confidence, it helps give them activity that they need, to hopefully not gain weight as they age.”

Daniels, also a Wellen Park resident, has witnessed the community-building power of pets firsthand through her own dog—she notes that she has met most of her neighbors while out on their regular walks. As Wellen Park prepares to welcome Fetch as a new element of the community, Masney hopes that the park will foster connections among residents and their pets. “When people and pets gather regularly in a welcoming space, the entire community benefits,” she says. “Fetch Dog Park will create those spontaneous, familiar interactions that build trust and improve well-being. It’s a place where diverse residents can connect through their dogs, exchange helpful local knowledge and enjoy the outdoors together—ultimately adding to the vibrant spirit of Wellen Park.” WPL

and the Board

Managing the District

Supervisors to create and maintain the District’s public infrastructure.

William Crosley, District Manager of the West Villages Improvement District, details how the organization works tirelessly to maintain the Wellen Park of today and build the Wellen Park of tomorrow.

BY DYLAN CAMPBELL

planning

BELOW William

ROME WAS NOT BUILT IN A DAY. Neither was Wellen Park—just ask the team at the West Villages Improvement District (WVID). Created in 2004 by a Special Act of Florida Legislature, the WVID is a limited, single and specialized purpose local government. It is not a homeowners association nor is it a private development department—the WVID is an entirely separate entity from the Wellen Park master developer and home builders—but rather a wholly public entity devoted to creating the Wellen Park that we know and love. The district itself spans over 12,000 acres across the city of North Port and unincorporated Sarasota County, encompassing residential neighborhoods, commercial and retail centers such as Downtown Wellen and CoolToday Park, the Atlanta Braves Spring Training stadium. With the authority to plan, finance, construct, operate and maintain public infrastructure within Wellen Park, the WVID is the driver behind how Wellen Park looks and how life within the community functions.

“AS THE PUBLIC AGENCY RESPONSIBLE FOR planning, financing, constructing, operating and maintaining public infrastructure throughout Wellen Park, the West Villages Improvement District plays a key role in shaping how the community looks, functions and grows,” says District Manager William Crosley. “Our work gives thousands of acres a cohesive identity and creates a sense of place that makes Wellen Park unique. Day to day, that includes maintaining roads, irrigation systems and landscaping throughout the District.”

While the WVID is not responsible for policing power, emergency services or fire rescue within the district—that is left to North Port and Sarasota County—the entity works on everything from roadway resurfacing and landscaping to

stormwater management and irrigation maintenance. The US 41 Improvement Project, for instance, is an example of how the WVID invests in long-term improvements that benefit residents. “The project was completed in coordination with the master developer and the Florida Department of Transportation, and residents didn’t incur new costs related to planning, design, permitting or construction,” says Crosley. “The result is a safer corridor for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists, with added sidewalks and multi-modal trails, curbs, landscaping and a roundabout.”

These initiatives, however, are not limited to the building of future infrastructure. Crosley, who was elected as the WVID’s District Manager in 2019,

is particularly proud of the District’s work in hurricane preparedness and response. “Hurricane Ian in 2022 underscored how critical that work is. While the storm brought significant impacts across the region, the District’s proactive maintenance program, particularly the ongoing cleaning and servicing of drainage ditches, helped limit flooding on District roadways and facilities,” says Crosley. “By ensuring the drainage systems were clear and functioning prior to the storm, water was able to move as designed, albeit slowly due to high-water levels, after the storm. We took the lessons learned from Hurricane Ian and strengthened our approach for future storm response, refining procedures and prioritizing early coordination.”

planning

So how does this all work? The WVID is governed by a five member Board of Supervisors, who are elected to a term of four years. Currently, four members of the Board are chosen by a landowner’s election, with the fifth being a resident-elected seat. In order to carry out infrastructure on the district scale—a district that currently includes roughly 10,000 residents—the WVID has the authority to borrow money, issue bonds and levy and impose special assessments, user fees and charges.

“One of the primary functions of the District is to facilitate bond financing and manage bond payments that fund major infrastructure investments across the WVID. This requires careful planning and coordination to ensure obligations are met, costs are controlled and projects stay on track,” says Crosley. “While it’s not highly visible day to day, this financial stewardship is essential to delivering infrastructure in a responsible way and protecting the longterm stability of the District.”

As a public entity, the Board of Supervisors meets monthly to conduct district business and communicate on issues affecting the community. These meetings are open to the public—residents are encouraged to attend to gain an understanding of how the WVID works with the staff for the betterment of the District.

As district manager, Crosley is the public face of the WVID. Much of the District’s work involves balancing day-today maintenance with long-term projects, such as the westward expansion of Manasota Beach Road, a one-mile extension that will provide greater access to the IslandWalk community, reduce westbound travel times and improve the District’s transportation network. For Crosley, no two days are the same— whether it’s coordinating with the city of North Port or Sarasota County, ensuring compliance with the public process, responding to resident inquiries or budget planning, there is always plenty to do. “I manage a team of five full-time em-

ployees dedicated to serving the West Villages Improvement District. I work closely with our frontline staff to make sure we prioritize tasks and keep our projects moving forward. I also coordinate with our professional support staff, including engineers, consultants and contractors, to ensure our work is aligned with the District’s goals,” says Crosley. “Throughout the day, there is a constant mix of planning for the future and addressing issues as they arise.”

Residents can engage with the WVID by visiting the District’s website, westvillagesid.org, where they can find district documents, agendas and meeting schedules. Engagement with the District’s operations is something that Crosley highly encourages—the District’s FAQ page is frequently updated and the website’s resources page offers a host of informative documents to keep residents aware of everything that is happening in the district. WPL

NewHome and Pickleball

Kathleen and Dan Estes have found an active community in Brightmore. WORDS BY

AFTER YEARS OF ENDURING NEW ENGLAND WINTERS, Kathleen and Dan Estes knew exactly what they wanted from retirement—sunshine, community and a place suitable for an active lifestyle. What they didn’t expect was to find that Wellen Park was the culmination of everything they’d been looking for. Originally from Massachusetts and New Hampshire, the couple began considering Florida as they prepared to retire. Like many northerners, they were eager to trade snowstorms for warm weather and ocean breezes, especially after having spent past winters in Florida already. Their search for a new home took them across the state, but they kept returning to the Gulf Coast. Several years ago, Dan and Kathleen found a home in Rotunda West. “We’re big ocean people, big beach people and we were looking to possibly buy a better home or build a newer home,” says Dan.

residents

THEY BOTH HAD A STRONG AFFECTION FOR THE AREA. The couple’s passion for fitness and, in particular, pickleball drew them to Wellen Park last year, where they found a community of outdoors people. One day, they went to tour homes in the community and fell in love with the area. “We liked Wellen Park because the homes were well built. Then, we went downtown for dinner that night and happened to hit a concert too, and really found that we loved it,” says Dan. After touring several neighborhoods and model homes over the course of two years, the Brightmore community, with its state-of-the-art fitness center and eight pickleball courts, caught their attention.

Dan and Kathleen decided it was time to pull the trigger and build a home in the neighborhood. “We’re pickleball people and we are very social, and that kept drawing us to Brightmore. We love the facility, the fitness spaces and the pools. We even have our own restaurant there, and we really like the way they

were building the homes,” says Dan. Now, the couple is building their dream house, planning to make it their forever home. Dan, a retired union painter who invested in rental properties and owned

a jewelry store before moving to Florida, and Kathleen, who has a background in banking and insurance, say they have found no shortage of ways to keep busy in retirement. “When people say that they don’t know what they’re going to do when they retire or that they’re going to be bored, I say ‘are you kidding?’” says Dan. “We visit Downtown Wellen Park often, and there’s something to do for residents every single day. We’re really taking advantage of all the activities available to us.”

With their home planned to be finished this summer, the couple is looking forward to spending time with the friends they’ve already met in Brightmore and connecting with even more of their new community in Wellen Park. “The people that we’re starting to meet from Brightmore are also moving from all over and seem to be like us—they like to be outside and be active,” Kathleen says. “And you know, pickleball is big in that particular community, which is exciting.” WPL

Yoga offers a number of physical and mental health benefits for participants in weekly sessions on The Great Lawn in Downtown Wellen.

WORDS BY CECILIA MOULD

FindingBalance

TWICE WEEKLY, THE GREAT LAWN IN DOWNTOWN WELLEN PARK TRANSFORMS INTO AN OPEN-AIR STUDIO where residents gather for yoga classes focused on movement, mindfulness and connection. Held on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 9am, the sessions offer a welcoming space for beginners and experienced yogis alike to improve both physical and mental well-being. Instructor Denese Venza, who brings more than a decade of teaching experience and leads the Saturday sessions, blends multiple yoga styles into each class. “I try to appreciate that people at all levels attend. I always offer modifications and amplifications. I say ‘stay or play.’ Stay right where you are, if you feel good and you’re not ready to go the next level, but if you want a challenge, we’ll kick it up,” says Venza. Beyond flexibility and strength, yoga provides powerful wellness benefits. The outdoor classes emphasize breath work, posture and gentle flow sequences that help reduce stress, improve balance and support joint mobility. Many participants also experience emotional benefits. “We hold a lot of emotions and energy in our hips. Yoga, by encouraging you to release and stretch your hip flexors, helps release that tension,” says Venza. “Yoga helps us release our negative energy.” Venza plans each session around a theme, often inspired by calming music or a personal reflection. Whether focusing on gratitude, heart-opening movements or relaxation, her goal is to help participants leave feeling grounded and energized. The outdoor setting adds another level of benefits to the practice. Wellen Park’s warm weather and fresh air create a calming atmosphere that Venza says encourages presence and relaxation. “I love the classes outside,” says Venza. “There’s just a different feeling.” Venza notes that yoga is for everyone—it’s about building community and taking time for yourself. “For a lot of people, the biggest thing they’re afraid of is that they haven’t done yoga, or they’re too old or they’re not flexible. My mantra is always ‘you’re never too old, you’re never too weak to start again.’” WPL

Elevating Real Estate

The Diamond Realtor Club offered 15 realtors in the area an opportunity to build stronger connections with the community.

THE WELLEN PARK DIAMOND CLUB, created to recognize top performing realtors in the area while equipping them with deeper knowledge and access to Wellen Park, welcomed its second Diamond Class of Realtors this fall. With 15 recently-graduated realtors and experts on all things Wellen Park, the program has quickly become a cornerstone of the community’s relationship-building strategy. “The Diamond Club began as a way to honor and reward our dedicated realtor partners by providing exclusive education, support and access to Wellen Park,” says Susie Moore, marketing manager for Wellen Park. Beyond recognition for outstanding realtors in the area, Moore says that the program is designed to address common misconceptions about the area, provide accurate community updates and strengthen collaboration between agents and the Welcome Center team. With more than a dozen actively selling neighborhoods, 14 homebuilder partners and three retail locations, Moore says that the area is often misunderstood—the Diamond Club was created to resolve these potential hiccups. For participating realtor Jeanne Egan, the experience offered both professional insight and a deeper connection to the community. “I’m very proud to be part of this group. You work so hard to master a craft somewhere in the Wellen Park developments. It’s just such a nice experience as a real estate agent to spend your day in one location and feel very proud that you have these relationships in these sales offices and with representatives in the Welcome Center,” she says. Each of the four classes which make up the program is led by Wellen Park Welcome Center ambassadors, who continue to serve as an ongoing resource for both real estate agents and prospective buyers. Course topics range from the area’s development history and master plan structure to future neighborhood expansion and retail growth. The number of participants is intentionally kept small, says Moore. “This year’s group was small in size but big on personality!” she says. Not only does the program provide valuable information to participants, it also offers an opportunity for networking. “The more agents that I meet, means the more agents that I can get to know and collaborate with and share ideas,” says Egan. “Whether I go to a resale home or a new construction development, it’s just nice to know who’s on the other end of a sale. Everyone in the program got to know each other a lot better, and it was such a positive experience.” WPL

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The generosity of the Wellen Park community made for another happy holiday season for those in need.

GoodHeart

The spirit of giving was bigger than ever this holiday season at Wellen Park. WORDS BY BARBIE HEIT

THANKS4GIVING

The Rotary Club at Wellen Park, in partnership with Wellen Park and Awaken Outreach Food Pantry in North Port, successfully hosted its annual Thanks4Giving project. This initiative provided complete Thanksgiving turkey dinners, including sides, to hundreds of local families in need, embodying Rotary’s “Service Above Self” commitment. The community participated by selecting a tag from the Giving Tree at the Welcome Center, purchasing a Publix gift card for the corresponding amount and returning it. The Rotary Club used these donated funds to purchase the turkeys and side dishes. Awaken Outreach Food Pantry shared their appreciation on their Facebook page, recognizing the immense support: “Today was an incredible day at the Awaken Outreach Center, and we are overflowing with gratitude. To everyone who helped hand out meals, donated food, showed up to serve or came to receive a warm Thanksgiving blessing—thank you. Your kindness, your time, and your generosity made today possible. Because of this community’s giving spirit, we were able to support families from Wellen Park, Venice and North Port with dignity, compassion and love. Thank you for supporting the food drive. Thank you for serving. Thank you for giving.”

SALVATION ARMY ANGEL TREE

The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree returned to the Wellen Park Welcome Center this holiday season, spreading cheer and generosity throughout the community. The magic began in October, when qualified parents signed up their children and shared their holiday wish lists. By November, the Welcome Center tree was sparkling with angel ornaments, each featuring a child’s first name, gender and gift wishes. Community members eagerly picked an angel, shopped for new clothes and toys and dropped off their thoughtfully chosen gifts at the Welcome Center—ready to make Christmas brighter for local children in need. The Angel Tree also made special appearances at Downtown Wellen’s Friday Night Concerts and the Sunday Fresh Harvest Farmers Market, giving even more neighbors the chance to join in the giving spirit. Year after year, the Angel Tree program brings holiday joy to thousands of children across the county, turning small acts of kindness into unforgettable Christmas moments.

THE SALVATION ARMY’S COTTAGES FOR KIDS

Local families in need received a special holiday gift thanks to the community’s homebuilders: unique, donated playhouses for their children. These themed playhouses, which were displayed during Wellen Park’s holiday events, offered children imaginative and safe play spaces. The Salvation Army collaborated to distribute these playhouses to local families, bringing joy and supporting their mission.

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SUNSET PLAYTIME

As the sun sets in Downtown Wellen, families wrap up their day with one last fun stop at the playground.