January 22, 2020

Gillespie Park Pavilion Update:

Due to the structural integrity there are plans for demolition in the future. At this time the pavilion is sectioned off for safety.

 January 17, 2020

Fishing Pier Update:

Reconstruction is in place with the piling and framing set.
The project is on schedule for a February opening!

January 10, 2020

Due to age and damage caused by Hurricane Irma, the fishing pier at Whitaker Gateway Park on Sarasota Bay is now undergoing a complete replacement. 

The old pier has been removed and the contractor will soon begin to drive pilings for the new construction. To help extend the life of the new pier, durable materials will be used including stainless steel bolts to reduce corrosion and the deck will be made from a long-lasting composite material consisting of reclaimed wood and plastic. 

The park itself will remain open during the pier construction. We anticipate the new pier will be open for anglers and sunset seekers by late February. In the meantime, the Tony Saprito Fishing Pier adjacent to the Ringling Bridge is open and free to the public as well as piers on City Island. 

December 31, 2019

The fishing pier replacement project starts today at Whitaker Gateway Park! Work is expected to take approximately 3 weeks with limited park interruptions.

We ❤️ Parks

1445 N Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34236

December 13, 2019

Lido Pavilion Renovation - Update   
Meanwhile, renovation of the Lido Pavilion is going well and is on schedule.   A new long-lasting metal roof has been installed and a new concrete surface poured for the pavilion patio, where there will be seating and walking areas. Soon, landscape improvements will begin.     
   
Inside the concession area, the new kitchen vent hood is in place and the kitchen received a fresh coat of paint.  Once a food/beverage service contract is executed, the new concessionaire will begin making interior improvements for their specific business operation.    
 
In the meantime, food and beverage service is still available on-site through a variety of rotating food trucks. 

December 6, 2019

Updates:

1. Roofing

• About 80% complete

2. Sidewalk

• 31 Cubic yards of concrete poured
• Second Pour 12.5.19 at 11 am
• Third Pour 12.6.19 at 7 am
• Subsequent pours next week

3. Vent Hood

• Stainless backing behind the vent hood installed
• Replacement lights installed

4. Landscape

• Plan developed

October 13, 2019

Lido Pavilion - Renovation Underway   With the concession stand temporarily closed and a food truck providing daily service, improvements to the Lido Pavilion started this week.  Contractors are removing the old shingles on the pavilion to make way for a long-lasting aluminum roof, and already the industrial-sized kitchen hood arrived and soon will be installed inside the building.

While much of the pavilion area is cordoned off with construction caution tape, the public restrooms remain accessible and will be open throughout the duration of the renovation.  Due to the construction and public safety, access to the restroom area is limited to one entry point at the front of the building directly across from the food truck.

This week, a roofing contractor started removing the old shingles from the pavilion.

So far, having a food truck on site is working well and serving its purpose offering food and beverages during the improvement project.  A food truck is there daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

October 7, 2019

The roofing contractor will be having dumpsters and some materials delivered tomorrow.  Intermittent closures of areas in the interest of safety will begin but we will keep as much restroom access as possible.  When they begin work, the first temporary closure will be the Women’s Restroom but the ADA/Family & Men’s restrooms will remain open.

September 30, 2019 

The concession stand at Lido Beach will be temporarily closed beginning Monday, Sept. 30, while the City makes necessary repairs and upgrades to the pavilion. In its place, food trucks will be available most days of the week to provide service for beachgoers.

Crews will be installing a new vent hood in the kitchen and a new aluminum roof. The renovations are expected to be completed in December, at which time the concession will reopen. The contract with the current vendor expires Sept. 30, and the City is in the process of evaluating bids for continuation of the food and beverage service.

Directional signage advising beach visitors about the changes will be in place throughout the pavilion area.

Once work on the kitchen and roof is complete, future planned upgrades to the pavilion include the installation of a shaded concrete patio and an update to the restrooms.

LIDO BEACH POOL & PAVILION
400 Ben Franklin Dr
Sarasota, FL 34236

For questions or more information, contact the Parks and Recreation District at 941-263-6386 or ParksProjects@SarasotaFL.gov 

November 22, 2019

Kimley-Horn & Associates, Inc. recently hosted two community workshops that discussed the future of Bobby Jones Golf Club including 50 acres of designated park land within the 300-acre site. Initial concepts will be presented soon, as well as, the possibility of a conservation easement.

Master Plan & Tree Impact Assessment

November 20, 2019

Public Workshop - Presented by Kimley-Horn & Associates, Inc.
Regarding park-related elements of the Bobby Jones Golf Course
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM 
Location: Bobby Jones Golf Complex 1000 Circus Boulevard, Sarasota, Florida 34232

Topic: Presentation of alternate concepts with Q&A session; Presentation boards with plans and program elements will be displayed, and open house format for review and acceptance of additional input.

November 15, 2019

Public Workshop - Presented by Kimley-Horn & Associates, Inc.
Regarding park-related elements of the Bobby Jones Golf Course
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM  
Location: Bobby Jones Golf Complex 1000 Circus Boulevard, Sarasota, Florida 34232

Topic:  To listen and collect input from everyone on the park-related elements of the Bobby Jones Golf Course project.  There will be interactive stations and the ability to provide additional written input on comment cards. 

October 20, 2019

Please take a moment to complete the Bobby Jones Golf Club – Park Masterplan Community Input Survey. 
Survey Deadline is November 20, 2019