Discover Venice 2023-2024
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1512151
FRESH & LOCAL ingredients SEAFOOD • STEAKS BBQ • SUSHI Handcraed cocktails CRAFT BEER & more 1600 Harbor Dr. S. 941.488.1456 SharkysOnThePier.com 1600 Harbor Dr. S. 941.999.FINS FinsAtSharkys.com 5000 E. Venice Ave. 941.485.7221 SnookHaven.com Your Ultimate Waterfront Dining Destination Awaits adno=3909015-1 40 Discover Venice PHOTO BY ED SCOTT Members and their guests enjoy the pool at Venice Gardens. Jump in and enjoy Venice Gardens Staff Report A t the intersection of Shamrock Boulevard and U.S. Highway 41 in South Venice, one may notice a handcrafted wooden sign that says, "Venice Gardens." Wondering where those gardens may be, you drive down Shamrock Boulevard, through the well-landscaped, green, residential areas created by proud homeowners and you notice a building with a large Olympic-size swimming pool surrounded by Venice Gardens County Park. The large green space offers places for dogs and children to walk and run. There is a children's playground with equipment. You see lots of people enjoying the pool and many cars in the parking lot. Families are in the hall participating in activities or having a catered party. This is Venice Gardens Civic Association, Inc. in the Venice Gardens subdivision in unincorporated Sarasota County. This is a neighborhood organization created by neighbors for neighbors. It's not a pool club; rather, it is a community civic association complex with a beautiful pool. They have a large facility for meetings and events. It is not a homeowner's association; membership is made up of people who live in approximately 200 homes in the surrounding area. The organization's board of directors meets monthly to discuss concerns. Monthly membership meetings allow Venice Gardens residents to speak with invited officials and to get notice of events and activities in the hall. Membership in the VGCA includes the ability to use the pool and participate and vote in the association. For Venice Gardens residents, a family pays $165 per year to join. Neighbors outside of Venice Gardens pay $225 per year. The pool remains open throughout most of the year with swimming, water aerobics, swim and scuba lessons and an outdoor gazebo available for poolside parties. Inside the hall there is a small stage, kitchen facilities and room for more than 200 guests. Hall rentals are available at $50 per hour and many local families celebrate important memorable occasions there. There are line dancing classes, couples' dances