The track and field at Oak Park School. Photo by Ryan Gamma.

Every child deserves a place to play. At Oak Park School, that vision was turned into a reality with the grand opening of a new multi-purpose track and field and supporting athletic facilities on April 15. Oak Park School, however, is not the typical academic institution within the Sarasota County School District. The school serves students with special needs, from Pre-K to 22-years-old, offering a multitude of educational and therapeutic services with the goal of promoting student achievement and self-advocacy.

The new athletic amenities at Oak Park School, which are adjacent to the Sarasota County-owned Lakeview Park, are a large step up from the desolate softball field in its place just nine months prior. The fully lighted track and field project includes a six-lane, 400-meter rubberized track, with one eight-lane straightaway that wraps around a brand-new, synthetic turf, high school-sized soccer field. The soccer field is replete with a scoreboard, new fencing, soccer poles and netting, sideline water and electrical outlets and a new sidewalk. The new amenities will allow Oak Park School students to have a home base for their athletic endeavors—Oak Park currently competes in middle school basketball and middle school track—providing not only easier access to the track and soccer field, but a higher quality of the facilities as well. Additionally, the new track will be used beyond school hours, with events such as the Angelman Syndrome Foundation’s walk on May 17 being held at the track.

The track and field project is a result of an interlocal agreement between Sarasota County Schools and Sarasota County. The agreement is one of several between the School Board and Sarasota County, with other projects including new athletic fields at Heron Creek Middle School and lighted soccer fields at Tatum Ridge Elementary. Design on the track and field project at Oak Creek began in August 2023, with construction starting last August.

“It is incredibly important that all our students, districtwide, have access to safe and adaptable fitness environments. This outdoor track and field will allow Oak Park students, families and team members to learn, play and gather as a school community,” said Terry Connor, Superintendent of Schools, in a statement. “We are honored to share this resource with the community and hope it will bring even more families together.”

Oak Park School, 7285 Hand Road, Sarasota.

The track and field at Oak Park School. Photo by Ryan Gamma.

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