Amenities

Nature trails, fishing piers, canoe/kayak launch, playground, gazebo, picnic tables, grills, park benches, rose garden, Edson Keith Mansion, archeological site, indoor and open space rentals, restrooms, parking

Experiences

Located on the shores of Phillippi Creek, the park includes Indian middens dating back 2,000 years. A midden is a mound containing shells, animal bones and other refuse that indicate the site was used for human activities in prehistoric times. The site also includes the Edson Keith Mansion which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Take a leisurely stroll along the Phillippi Creek shoreline or on nature trails, and be sure to visit the beautiful rose garden adjacent to the Edson Keith Mansion.

The facilities are available upon request for corporate, community and cultural events, art exhibits, private receptions and weddings. Public events sponsored by Parks and Recreation or other organizations are scheduled throughout the year. Visit www.scgov.net periodically for updates.

History

Manasota Indians roamed the shores of Phillippi Creek from 500 BC to 800 AD to fish, hunt game and gather wild plants. Today the park protects an Indian midden and other archeological deposits.

Modern history for the area began in 1847 when the Army Corps of Engineers mapped the southwest Florida coast and noted the Felipe Bermudez rancho, or fishing camp, near the creek. His first name was anglicized to Phillippi, which gave the creek and surrounding area its present name.

In 1916 Edson and Nettie Keener Keith purchased this 60 acre tract and moved from Chicago to live on the property year round. Mr. Keith commissioned the Chicago architectural firm of Otis and Clark to design his Italian Renaissance mansion.

The second owner of the estate, Mae Hansen Prodie also from Chicago, owned the Mae Marie Company and created the concept of a wardrobe for Barbie dolls. After Mae Prodie’s death in 1986, Sarasota County funded a referendum and purchased the estate. Sarasota County Parks and Recreation added amenities to the open areas of the estate and are undertaking major improvements.

Habitats

Creek, mangrove swamp, mesic hammock, Indian midden

Acreage

60 acres

Watershed

Sarasota Bay (Phillippi Creek Basin)

Who Owns and Maintains

Owned and maintained by Sarasota County

Website

www.scgov.net

SCAT Bus stop and route

Route 17 on Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41)