In this compelling first phase, following our unprecedented and inclusive master planning process, Agency is leading the design, implementation, and programming of a 10-acre public park that will serve as “The Living and Learning Lab”. Sarasota Bay Park South is located where the city’s iconic Boulevard of the Arts meets the Sarasota Bay, creating both a memorable gateway to the Bay itself and an improved edge to Sarasota’s future 53-acre signature waterfront park. Conceived as an experimental testing ground and designed as an active, changing place for Sarasota’s diverse community, the Living and Learning Lab will be guided by one big idea – ‘A Park for All of Sarasota’ – 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 a sunset boardwalk with places for gathering, snorkeling, 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.
The mangrove walk and kayak launch opened in late 2021 as an early effort of a much larger first phase, which is currently under construction and scheduled to open in October 2022. The design team includes Kimley-Horn, Sweet Sparkman Architects, Moffatt & Nichol, Sasaki, Edgewater Resources, HLB Lighting, Engineering Matrix, HR&A Advisors, and Zaragunda.
Photographs by Ryan Gamma Photography and Jennifer Johnston.
Select Awards
BSLA Merit Award in Analysis and Planning, 2021
ASLA Florida Chapter, Design Award, 2021
AIA Gulf Coast Chapter, Merit Award in Unbuilt Design, 2020
