Final phase of Longboat's Bayfront Park project is underway

Construction of the final phase of Longboat Key’s $3.5 million Bayfront Park Improvement Project is underway.

In June, town staff announced the opening of the bayside portion of the park, which includes a kayak launch, playground, fishing piers and two dog runs, as well as courts for pickleball, tennis, basketball and shuffleboard.

Now, town staff is constructing the gulfside phase of the project, which includes a beach access ramp, crosswalk and handicap-accessible observation deck.

The beach access at the construction site is now closed and will remain so until work is complete, said Streets, Facilities, Parks and Recreation Manager Mark Richardson.

Richardson said construction began on July 24 after the town received approval from the Florida Department of Transportation. Town staff applied for the FDOT permit in 2016.

Because work is being done on the beach, construction also requires a permit from the state's Department of Environmental Protection, which the town was granted last year.

Richardson expects construction of the gulfside phase will take about two months, barring any closures due to sea turtle nesting or inclement weather.

Construction vehicles at the site are being held at a fenced enclosure on the bayside of the park. The fence will be removed after the work is complete, providing for more open space on the bayside, said Town Manager Dave Bullock.

Also under construction is a fence in a shaded area of the park's playground. The fence was requested by Sarasota County officials. The county contributed $2 million to the overall park project. 

Richardson said the fence is being built to prevent children from falling down a slope.

Bullock said the town will hold a grand opening celebration for the park in October, when all construction is expected to be complete.