Bay Park
The Bay: Sarasota’s Pinnacle Park
Phase 1 – Completed
The Showcase of Sarasota’s Conservationism, Culturalism, Natural Beauty and Community Spirit!
The Bay located at 1055 Blvd of the Arts (open from 5 am to 11 pm) is the crown jewel of Sarasota’s many attractions and amenities. The master plan has been thoughtfully conceived to transform the 53 acres joining downtown Sarasota with the waterfront, creating a public venue for multi-generational enjoyment.
The Bay will be a place to exercise, learn, enjoy nature, read, relax, and tap into the many on-site programs and attractions. Some of the components of The Bay include:
- Sunset Boardwalk
- Mangrove Bayou Walkway
- Kayak Launch
- Lawns
- Fountain Garden
- Outdoor Reading Room
- Multi-Use Recreational Trail (MURT)
- Outdoor Mangrove Classroom
- Seagrass Classroom
- Concession Pavilion
- Bicycle Trails
- Pet Friendly Park
- Restrooms
Learn more about the free programs, events and activities at The Bay.
In addition, The Bay is home to other attractions including the Sarasota Garden Club, Art Center Sarasota, Municipal Auditorium, and Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.
As Phase 1 comes to fruition, The Bay Park Conservancy has appointed a Chief Experience Officer to focus on programming. Current programming includes free yoga three times a week on the Van Wezel bayfront lawn. There is also free live music on Sunday afternoons.
Inherent in the design of The Bay are environmental initiatives to shore up the coastline, restore the mangroves and wetlands, and provide sustainable spaces to preserve and protect the area’s natural beauty and ecosystem.
Pay a visit today to enjoy the sections already completed!
Approved Master Plan (53-acre site)
Phase 1 of The Bay will be built in stages over the next 1-3 years.
The major components of Phase 1 include:
- Sunset Boardwalk
- Living Shoreline
- Mangrove Bayou
- The Lawns
Phase 1 Features
Sunset Boardwalk & Resilient Shoreline
Mangrove Bayou
- half-mile walkway accessible for walkers, runners, and bikers
- Kayak Launch
- Hammock Grove
- Outdoor “Reading Room” with beautiful views into the bayou
- Other environmental enhancements will restore the ecology of the Mangrove Bayou, with the removal of invasive plant species, mangrove windowing, and new storm water treatment.
Sunset Lawn
- The Lawns, a 1.5-acre section of land located between the Mangrove Bayou and Boulevard of the Arts, will act as a flexible canvas within the park.
- Used for a wide range of fitness and health, arts, cultural, educational, recreational, and social activities.
Kayak Launch
