With half the land set aside for recreation and open space, the selection of activities is virtually endless.  Fifty-four holes of championship golf designed by Arnold Palmer's design team include 18 daily-fee and 27 of 36 private holes at a grand private country club that also includes tennis, swimming and fitness.

Open to all are community parks and nature preserves with a wealth of opportunities for fun. Neighborhood lakes vary in size from small fishing ponds to a 160-acre body of water that stretches nearly a mile from end to end.

Pedestrian trail systems are found everywhere. Residents can walk, jog, bike, scooter, or blade from one place to the next on miles of connecting sidewalks and pathways. Fun is a big part of the master plan and residents know there is always something to do at Lakewood Ranch.

Golf (see my Golf page)

In association with Palmer Course Designs, three dramatic championship golf courses have been designed to offer both daily-fee and private membership opportunities at The Country Club for our residents.

The Athletic Center

The Athletic Center at Lakewood Ranch opened its first phase tennis facility in the spring of 1998. Since then, this premier facility has added more courts, a fitness center and aquatics club that is second to none in the Sarasota/Manatee area. Much like a premier resort, the Athletic Center at Lakewood Ranch offers all one could possibly imagine for tennis, fitness and swim. Membership is open to all, with special incentives for Lakewood Ranch residents.

The resort-like atmosphere of the Aquatics Center is hard to resist.  Two pools offer a chance to either exercise in the eight-lane Jr. Olympic lap pool or relax around the resort pool designed for a more carefree activity.

Whether you enjoy a workout on the machines, time with a personal trainer or the fun of a room full of people in an exercise class, the Fitness Center can pump you up! Afterwards, relax in the sauna, steam room or whirlpool, then get a massage for the ultimate reward.

At the Tennis Center, there is a very full program of activities, lessons and clinics that have members excited about playing, competing and just having fun.  Available are 16 HarTru & 2 Clay Lighted Tennis Courts, Stadium Court, Cool Water Courtside with Shaded Pavilions, Ball Machines, Practice Hitting Wall, Courtside Deli & Lounge and Full-Service Pro Shop.

Parks

Summerfield Community Park has 15 acres that include ball fields, lighted tennis courts, basketball, playgrounds and a pavilion with charcoal grills.

Herons Nest Nature Park is a more tranquil park set on 110 acres. Two lakes, Heron and Summerfield, are 12 and 27 acres and encourage fishing and boating. Soft-mulched trails meander through the park and feature wooden bridges and interpretive stations that explain the pristine Florida habitat along the way.

Braden River Nature Trail in Riverwalk connects to the Herons Nest trails, creating a virtual state park within Lakewood Ranch. Two lakes, 15-acre Trophy Lake and Otter Lake, are perfect for fishing. A fish-stocking program is evolving in Trophy Lake where an underwater habitat was created for bass and other fish.

The Country Club Community Park is located adjacent to The Athletic Center. Its sand pit volleyball, basketball, tot lot playground and picnic area make this a popular destination for Lakewood Ranch residents.

Greenbrook Adventure Park provides challenging play areas for children and adults alike with inline skating, ball fields and even a "paw park" for dogs and their owners.  The park also provides picnic pavilions, which are available for parties and special events, as well as access to miles of pristine nature trails.

Lakewood Ranch District Park is on approximately 150 acres, surrounding Lakewood Ranch High School. Facilities include tennis, basketball and racquetball courts, softball, baseball, soccer and football. Year-round Little League, soccer and football teams compete here.

Sidewalks and Trails

Lakewood Ranch has been master planned to include miles and miles of sidewalks and trails. This extensive pedestrian system starts with four-foot neighborhood sidewalks which link to five, eight, and 12-foot sidewalks along throughways and common areas. In addition, soft paths of mulch or grass connect to the sidewalk systems leading to nature areas, waterways, lakes and preserves.

Special features such as wooden bridges and interpretive stations enhance the trails making walking, jogging, riding or blading a fun as well as healthy experiences.

Sarasota Polo Club

Come experience the thrill of watching the “fastest game on four feet”! Every Sunday from December 14 through April 4, our polo club is in full swing.  Our players come from all over the world to play on nine of the best polo fields in the country.  The Sarasota Polo Club offers year-round rental facilities featuring 130 acres of manicured fields, a clubhouse and an open-air pavilion. These are all available for sporting events, business meetings, weddings, parties and other special occasions.