The initial 12 reasons or purposes for forming a friends group:
* Advocacy – means to stand up for the park/recreation system and the users of the parks. It means to promote, support, bring awareness to and involvement in all aspects of the park/recreation system.

* Money – means raising funds for projects or acquisitions in excess of the present budget of this park system.

* Services – means establishing a volunteer base for both hands-on and in-kind support and/or assistance for all areas within the park system.

* Collaboration – means coordinating activities with various aspects of the community (businesses, foundations, service clubs, etc.) and capitalizing on these connections for the betterment of the park system.

* Planned Giving – means establishing a program for estate giving and inheritances. Using the services of the Sarasota Foundation and/or the Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice, establish a brochure, program and accounting plan for future giving that will assist in future growth of the park/recreation system.

* Public Relations – means attending civic events, coordinating media reports and representing the Friends at community activities to enhance the stature of the park system.

* Opening Doors – means becoming a 501C3 not-for-profit organization which will broaden the scope of resources presently available to the park system.

* Communication – means sharing information with both the Sarasota County Parks staff and the Parks Advisory and Recreation Council. Lobbying their mutual interest to the elected officials and the general community for a shared vision for the park system.

* Community Involvement – means membership and involvement by residents and business people in the day-to-day activities of the park system.

* Sponsorship – means to help organize new “Friends” groups in the local neighborhood parks and nature centers by offering leadership and “seed money” thereby raising the potential of all areas within the park system.

* Clearinghouse – means providing speakers and professional assistance for park system issues and holding legislative gatherings to obtain more support for the park system.

* Recognition – means establishing a recognition program for volunteers of Sarasota Parks, for a group, for a local public official, park staff and or a legislator which will bring more prestige to the park system.