Sights and Scenes: Sarasota's The Bay Park

On Wednesday, October 4, 2023, AG Lafley served as the guest speaker at Scenic Jacksonville's fourth annual Great Cities Symposium at the Garden Club of Jacksonville. The former CEO and Chairman of global consumer goods company PG, Lafley was the founding CEO of The Bay Park Conservancy in Sarasota. The Bay Park Conservancy recently completed the first 10-arce phase of what will be a 50 acre, $200 million signature bayfront public park. Recently, The Jaxson had an opportunity to visit this waterfront park in person. Here is a visual tour of this recreational space. Let us know what you think about the park's design and amenities.

The Common Ground is identified as number five on the park map.

Identified as number 27 on the park map, the Ibis Playground dominates the background of this image.

Identified as number four on the park map, The Nest is a food and beverage vendor at The Bay.

A view of The Nest from the Common Ground.

A view of the Common Ground from The Nest.

Identified as number three on the park map, The Oval is a small amphitheater located near the intersection of Van Wezel Way and Boulevard of The Arts.

Another view of The Oval.

Van Wezel Way near the Oak & Palm Tree Hammock. The Oak & Palm Tree Hammock is identified as number fourteen on the park map.

Identified as number 32 on the park map, the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall was identified as a 2023 11 to Save site by the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation.

Designed by architect William Wesley Peters, the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall opened on January 5, 1970. The 80,000-square-foot performing arts venue has a seating capacity of 1,741.

A view of the sculpture titled “Applause” by David E. Davis.

A view of Sarasota Bay from the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

A view of Sarasota Bay.

The Bay Park is located at 1055 Boulevard of the Arts in Sarasota, Florida. Click on the link for more information.

Photo tour by Ennis Davis, AICP. Contact Ennis at edavis@moderncities.com