Bayfront Park on Longboat Key officially opens

The new and improved Bayfront Park on Longboat Key is open.

Construction on the $3.5 million project began in June 2016. While the town paid $1.02 million for the renovations, Sarasota County contributed $2 million.

The park includes a kayak launch, playground, covered pavilion, fishing piers and two dog parks, as well as courts for pickleball, tennis, basketball and shuffleboard.

Members of the Key community also contributed donations for the renovations:

• The Kiwanis Club donated $6,135 to the Bayfront Park initiative to offset the cost of the park’s $250,000 playground.
• The Garden Club contributed $6,136 to plant shade trees in the playground area.
• The Rotary Club donated $10,200* to help fund an overhead sunscreen for the agility equipment and two misting cooling stations, designed to look like fire hydrants, in the dog parks.

In May, Happy Paddler Kayak Tours & EcoVentures, operated by husband and wife duo Shane Catts and Holly Rolls, was selected as the park’s kayak vendor.

The town has yet to complete the gulfside phase of the project, which includes beach access and a handicap-accessible observation deck. The town is awaiting final approval from the Florida Department of Transportation.

Town Manager Dave Bullock said a grand opening celebration for the park will be held in early fall.

*A print version of this article incorrectly states the amount of the Rotary Club's donation. It has been updated to reflect the correct information.