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while another $8.7 million is in the account for environmentally sensitive lands. The latest purchases are not a done deal; the vote on Wednesday authorizes staff to "move forward with additional investigation and negotiations," according to a county staff memo. Vice Chairwoman Christine Robinson said she was pleased to see the county moving forward with the expansions in the two cities. MORE VISIBLE The plan for North Water Tower Park would add three adjacent bits of property for a total of 11 more acres for the existing park. The City of Sarasota nominated the park for expansion consideration through the county program; the city has identified that as a pri- ority in its park plans. Located one block east of U.S. 41, North Water Tower Park functions as a large neighbor- hood recreational area and is best known for its popularity among enthusiasts of Frisbee golf. Acquisition of the extra 11 acres would allow for an expansion of the disc golf course and would add "visibility of the park" from both U.S. 41 and Old Bradenton Road, creat- ing an opportunity to add a second entrance, said Sarasota County Parks and Recreation Director Carolyn Brown. Among the other potential improvements are play areas, addi- tional trails, and picnic areas, Brown told the board. "One of the concerns is it is tucked back here in a neighborhood and doesn't get utilized as much as it could," she pointed out. T h e c o n n e c t i o n t o U . S . 4 1 a n d O l d Bradenton Road would improve the park, Robinson agreed. Although it is located in a quiet north Sarasota neighborhood, the park has seen its share of crime in recent years. That factor has made it an area of concern for residents and the Police Department, prompting even more desire on the part of the city to see it cleaned up and improved. SMALL EXPANSION, BIG IMPACT The plan for Patriots Park calls for the addi- tion of eight-tenths of an acre. The property would create additional space for ceremo- nies and other events held at the 4-acre site, enable the park to have direct access to the Legacy Trail and provide sufficient area for restrooms for users of the trail and the park. There would also be space for benches and picnic tables. Robinson was pleased with the potential for greater access to restroom facilities at the park for people using the Legacy Trail. Some folks on the trail seem to be utilizing "private property" for bathroom purposes right now, she pointed out. The expansion would also alleviate the need for people to cut through private property to reach the park. Chairman Charles Hines agreed that the Patriots Park expansion makes sense because it would tie the facility into the Legacy Trail. The Parks Advisory and Recreation Council (PARC) has already approved both expansion plans. According to a county memo, "There are additional highly-ranked sites that may be revisited at a later date" for parkland funding. % Sarasota News Leader May 9, 2014 Page 55