Graced with magnificent sunsets, expansive views of the Sarasota Bay, and rich layers of cultural history, 53-acres of publicly owned land in Sarasota are currently being transformed to serve as a signature waterfront park – “One Bay For All”. This transformation is guided by a deeply community-engaged master plan and the leadership of the Bay Park Conservancy – and is being realized in multiple implementation phases.
The Master Plan. A series of community-driven principles guided the master planning process, which was co-led by Agency and Sasaki in 2018. The community called for aspirational planning, improved connectivity, integrated economic strategy, and activation, all while respecting and honoring both the natural and cultural heritage. Community engagement is central to the master planning effort. Community open houses, online engagement, stakeholder focus groups, site tours, community forums and youth / young professional charrettes are just a few ways the planning team is facilitating the conversation. The master planning process, which launched in December of 2017, will conclude in September of 2018 with a presentation to the City’s Commission.
Phase One. In this compelling first phase opened in 2022, Agency led the design, implementation, and programming of a 10-acre public park that serves as a “living and learning lab”. Conceived as an experimental testing ground and designed as an active, changing place for Sarasota’s diverse community, the first phase park was be guided by one big idea – ‘One Bay for All’ – and three main themes – nature-based and outdoor-enhanced education; fitness, health and recreation; and arts and culture.
Special features of this first phase include places for gathering and performance, a recreational mangrove walk with a kayak launch, a 30’ spiral shade structure and concessions pavilion, an events and performance lawn, a beach, an ibis play structure, and an intimate performance green, terrace, and stage.
Phase Two. Phase Two builds on the success of the first phase and tackles two critical park edges – the shoreline along The Bay (dubbed the Resilient Shoreline) and the park frontage along the Tamiami Trail (called the Cultural District). The Cultural District includes a Promenade, opened in 2025, that serves as the “front door” to The Bay along North Tamiami Trail. The 1,000-foot-long, 16-foot-wide walkway—flanked by 20-foot Royal Palms and canopy trees—connects three of Sarasota’s iconic landmarks: the Blue Pagoda, Chidsey Library, and Municipal Auditorium, offering a pedestrian-friendly entryway into the park. In 2026, the district will welcome the Town Square, a bespoke, shaded gathering and performance space at the midpoint of the Promenade.
The Resilient Shoreline will open in 2026, continuing the conversion of about a mile of bayfront located along the western edge of the park into a living, resilient shoreline that will enable nature to handle and endure the flooding and storm surges that are inherent parts of tropical storms and hurricanes. Additional green space, walking paths and rain and stormwater ponds will help shape connections between park places and the City.
Phase Three. Launched in 2025, Phase Three continues environmental and water quality improvements including heightened resiliency, environmental restoration and sustainability of Hog Creek, and installation of a stormwater treatment train prior to entering Sarasota Bay. To the north, improved infrastructure, rehabilitated seawalls, increased boat launch and parking capacity, floating day docks and visitor amenities will improve access and efficiency for these critical uses. To the south, significant stormwater treatment and water quality improvements and more resilient park green spaces will co-exist with structured and subsurface parking.
The design team includes Kimley-Horn, Sweet Sparkman Architects, Moffatt & Nichol, Sasaki, Edgewater Resources, Cummins Cederberg, HLB Lighting, Engineering Matrix, HR&A Advisors, Kathy Blaha Consulting, and Zaragunda.
Photographs by HAPS Agency, Ryan Gamma Photography, and The Bay Park Conservancy.
Select Awards
ASLA, Honor Award in Design, 2024
ASLA Florida Chapter, Award of Excellence in Open Space, 2023
ASLA Florida Chapter, Frederic B. Stresau Award in Open Space, 2023
BSLA Merit Award in General Design, 2023
APA Florida Chapter, Award of Merit for Implementation, 2023
BSLA Merit Award in Analysis and Planning, 2021
ASLA Florida Chapter, Design Award, 2021
AIA Gulf Coast Chapter, Merit Award in Unbuilt Design, 2020
