Urfers Donate $1 Million For Park

Jack and Thelma Urfer, owners of Southpointe Motors on Clark Road, recently presented a $1-million check to the Sarasota County Commission to help improve the park at 6100 Honore Ave., Sarasota.

The board voted to re-name the park the Urfer Family Park. The 50-acre park, previously named Honore Trail Park, was purchased by the county in 2002 for $6 million and is currently in the first stage of capital improvements. Eventually, Urfer Family Park will boast a playground, walking trails and a picnic area. Many family-oriented programs are planned.

The park also is the home of the historic Wilson House, which was relocated to the site in 2004.

In a press release, John McCarthy, general manage of Sarasota County Parks and Recreation, said that the park will cater to families, preserve a piece of Sarasota’s heritage and provide a great recreational resource in the middle of an urban area.

The Urfers presented the donation to the board as a gift-wrapped oversized check, which board chair Shannon Stuab and commissioner Nora Patterson unwrapped.