Bay Street Dog Park opens after county unleashing event

In 2016, Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources’ Parks Master Plan identified a need for additional dog parks in Sarasota. On Thursday, Feb. 24, that plan became a reality inside Bay Street Park.

Commissioner Ron Cutsinger and Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Director Nicole Rissler hosted a ribbon-cutting at the new dog park, opening it to the public.

“After evaluating multiple sites, this location was chosen as the best one for an off-leash dog park for our community,” Rissler said. “An acre of this park has been developed with two separate areas for our four-legged friends, both large and small, to play.”

Members of the community gathered at 300 Bay Street for a short presentation before their dogs were allowed to roam unleashed inside the park. Those who attended were given free dog water dishes and snacks.

Rissler said the park could not have happened without the support of county commissioners.

“We are very excited to provide another world-class experience with this park,” Cutsinger said. “I’d like to thank those who designed this park around the trees in order to save as many as possible and provide natural shade for our park visitors.”

The one-acre dog park constructed inside of the 19-acre Bay Street Park in Osprey is separated for small and large dogs. Both sections have dog exercise equipment, shaded seating areas and water fountains designed for both people and dogs.

The enclosed dog areas are separated from the previously existing playground and nature trails. In addition to the amenities added for dogs and their owners, additional sidewalks and parking were added to the park to ensure a safe experience for all who visit.

“The original Bay Street Park opened in the early 2000s, providing access to wooded area, a playground, a pavilion and natural trails,” Rissler said. “And now we’ve added even more amenities to this fur-tastic park.”

Rissler said that dog park construction happened swiftly and nearby residents may have noticed the project’s completion for the past few weeks. For Debbie Volack, who has lived in the area for many years, the park’s opening has been long-awaited.

Volack took her dog Grace for the grand opening on Thursday. She was seated under natural shade while Grace ran around the open space with other dogs of her size.

“We’ve been waiting five years for this to be built. We are very excited,” Volack said. “This is right in our back yard and we’re so happy it’s close. We’re going to be coming here daily. I wish it was a bit bigger but I love it.”

Kelly Erritt was another dog-owner present for the park’s grand opening. She said that before Thursday, there was a clear lack of dog parks in the area as she formerly had to take her dogs to the beach in order for them to get exercise.

Now with a park within walking distance, Erritt and her dog can add outdoor exercise to their daily routine much easier. Erritt also praised the park’s design and the ease of access to equipment, water and seating.

“This is amazing. It means a lot and it very convenient for a lot of us,” Erritt said. “Even getting him off the leash for five minutes is a big deal. The closest park used to be at the beach but now we can come here.”

“The park is just beautiful. They did a fantastic job,” Erritt continued. “We will come here every day. It’s such an easy walk we could probably come twice a day.”

Cutsinger also used Thursday’s grand opening to praise the work of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Department and Sarasota Animal Services. While the park can be enjoyed by both dog-owners and those without pets, he encouraged those who may be interested to volunteer or adopt a new pet.

Cutsinger informed those in attendance to visit www.sarasotasheriff.org for adoption opportunities. The animal services tab on the website will direct visitors to information on how to adopt a pet.

“Our sheriff has done a wonderful job overseeing animal services,” Cutsinger said. “If you don’t have a friend to bring with you to the park or if you’d like another one, you can volunteer, foster or adopt. We would love for you to look into that.”