A long-planned overhaul of Warm Mineral Springs Park is moving toward construction, with work expected to begin as early as this fall, city officials said.

The North Port Parks and Recreation Department is in the final design phases of the project, which carries an $11 million price tag funded through a Sarasota County surtax, park impact fees, and environmental and utility department funds. Construction is expected to take about 18 months once it begins.

The master plan, which has been in development since 2019, calls for new restrooms and showers, full restoration of the park’s admissions building and other historic structures, and an extension of the Legacy Trail to the parking lot. About 20 acres will remain dedicated to conservation. Officials have also left room for potential commercial uses — such as small shops, a spa area, or a café — on a portion of the property away from the spring.

Hurricane Ian, which struck in 2022, accelerated the need for the project. Park officials said the main building had already been partially closed due to deteriorating conditions before the storm, but Ian forced the remaining facilities to shut down.

The spring itself will remain open and accessible to swimmers throughout construction. Water access is not part of the renovation scope.

The park draws a devoted international following, with regulars citing the spring’s mineral-rich waters — which date to the Ice Age — for health benefits. City officials say preserving that experience for all user groups is a central goal of the project.

As a summer bonus, the park will offer extended Friday hours — 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. — on June 12, June 26, July 10, and July 24.

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