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Downtown Wellen Park is progressing nicely and designed for people of all ages and lifestyles. Learn more about its features and activities that suit a wide age range, so everyone can enjoy it! Visit www.wellenpark.com
North Port is quickly becoming a destination for residents, visitors and businesses alike thanks to Downtown Wellen Park. With a stunning lakefront setting, the park serves as the centerpiece of the town center. It boasts an impressive 97-year-old heritage oak tree and Great Lawn, creating a peaceful atmosphere for all to enjoy.
“Downtown Wellen Park is open to everyone, it’s not just residents, and that’s the intention, said Rick Severance, president of Mattamy Homes’ Wellen Park Division. “We care as much about the guys that want to live here – it’s aspirational – or they want this to be a part of what they do on a weekend basis and they may not be residents of Wellen Park but maybe they’re residents of Englewood, maybe they’re residents of North Port, Sarasota.”
With its vibrant community, abundant amenities and exciting attractions, it’s no wonder more people are flocking to this beautiful city by the day. From breathtaking parks to bustling shopping centers, North Port has something for everyone to enjoy.
Here are five things to know about Downtown Wellen Park:
The showpiece of Wellen Park’s downtown is a 97-year-old oak tree that was moved from its original location. Twenty-six other oak trees were also moved from various locations to line a three-mile path around the lake.
The tree’s presence at the new park is symbolic of Wellen Park’s desire to promote a sense of community and connection amongst its citizens. It’s not only visually appealing, but it also serves as much needed shade for locals during warm summer days. According to Severance, “Not only does it create the right sense of place, it gives us shade where we don’t have a lot of shade and we need it in this area – especially during the summer.”
While Downtown Wellen Park will offer retail options not available online, services such as Florida Lakes Vein Center and Florida Lakes Spa, and be home to a boutique hotel, most residents surveyed wanted upscale restaurant options.
Five restaurants and an ice cream shop are among the businesses set to open in the first phase of Downtown Wellen.
Brothers David and Dennis Valentino and partner Mark Costanzo will operate The Banyan House Restaurant, which will include indoor and outdoor seating and sunset views, as well as serve as the exclusive caterer for events at Solis Hall.
The Valentinos will also operate Acqua Pazza Coastal Italian.
Oak & Stone Craft Beer and Artisan Pizza offers a rooftop bar view of the lake at sunset.
Wellen Park has a special purpose license, allowing people who grab a beer at Oak & Stone to carry it outside to other public seating areas.
Tommy Villani, who already operates Irma’s Tacos, Craft Beer and Tequila Bar in Wellen Park, plans to open Villani & Co., a steak, seafood and raw bar on Wellen Park Boulevard, across the street from the Great Lawn.
The new Solis Hall will be a combined event venue and performance stage, fronting the Great Lawn. The Great Lawn will host a free weekly concert series, set for 6 to 9 p.m. Fridays.
The green will also host yoga from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturdays and Zumba from 9 to 10 a.m. Mondays.
Also debuting later this year are Saturday movie nights, alternating family-friendly films and more sophisticated offerings.
Cornhole and live music are set for Wellen Wednesdays at The Yard, anchored by three retrofitted shipping containers that provide casual food service. Two of the three locations – are open for events, while a third vendor featuring Mediterranean food is to open this spring.
The founder and CEO of Mattamy Homes, Peter Gilgan, is promoting a healthy lifestyle by providing access to more than 20 miles of trails that connect all areas of Wellen Park. Among the first stores to open in the area is Kind Vibes Outfitters, which rents bicycles, electric bicycles and kayaks.
Downtown Wellen also features a public dock where people can launch canoes, kayaks or stand-up paddleboards – motorized watercraft are not allowed.
The lake itself is stocked with a variety of fish for catch-and-release anglers to enjoy.
Wellen Park was designed to accommodate a wide range of ages. Before COVID-19, the average age of a prospective Wellen Park homeowner was 63, but since then, buyers have skewed significantly younger, with more families moving in.
The park features a splash pad area for youngsters, as well as a unique Nature Play playground that offers all-ages adventures.
Down the path, the Canopy Green features artificial turf and provides opportunities for children to explore and unwind. The green will also be used to showcase Habitat Cottages that will eventually be auctioned off as part of a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity.
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