County told parks acreage has fallen while growth accelerates; commissioners eye 4–5 acre level‑of‑service

A consultant presentation to the Citrus County Board showed the county’s park acreage per 1,000 residents fell from roughly 5 acres in 2000 to about 3.4 acres today, and that continued residential growth will widen the shortfall unless the county establishes a new level of service and an acquisition strategy.

The consultant walked the board through acreage shortfalls under various LOS choices. Using a 4‑acre standard, the county is roughly 108 acres short today, rising to an estimated 225 acres short by 2035; applying seasonal population lifts increases the shortfall. “If we take this a little further... I want to make sure we don't waste time and money analyzing something you're going to just knock down,” the presenter said, urging the board to pick an LOS for follow‑up analysis.

Funding and priorities: commissioners debated using park impact fees, tourism development tax revenue for larger tournament facilities and whether to prioritize neighborhood pocket parks or regional sport complexes. Several commissioners argued a 4‑acre minimum is acceptable, while others preferred a 5‑acre target to preserve the county’s Nature Coast character and attract younger families.

Acquisition urgency: staff and the consultant displayed county parcel maps showing limited available large tracts suitable for regional parks. The consultant recommended creating prioritized lists of primary and secondary parcels for acquisition and considering land swaps as structures such as hospital property and turnpike remnants come into county control.

Provenance: parks discussion began SEG 1799 and continued through SEG 2565.