Make it a Day!

Jump start your day with a cold brew coffee and sand volleyball before squeezing in a spa treatment and an afternoon of shopping. And as the sun begins to set, gather family and friends for dinner and drinks under the stars. Whether you’re in the shops, on the Plaza, or at the park, you’ll find new ways to spend the day at Waterside Place every time you come. Our year-round events, Sunday farmers’ market and weekly live music are open to everyone.

go for this park, in my opinion.”

Commissioners have previously expressed distaste with the lack of willingness to try a reservation system to help alleviate strain on the courts and parking. Commisioners cited the reservation system being used for tennis and at other pickleball courts in the area.

Public Works staff surveyed the island and counted about 53 additional pickleball courts on the island outside of those at Bayfront Park — in neighborhoods, condominiums or the Key Club.

Players at the Longboat Key Public Tennis Center have to either pay hourly fees for use of the park or annual dues, depending on their usage of the space.

The Friends of Tennis group is also known for the funding they accumulate themselves for projects and improvements they want to see to the facility.

“While you talk about all the money that tennis is getting, what you fail to recognize is that to play the sport it costs money, and it costs money every day tennis players play,” Bishop said.

She also cited the agreement that was set between the town and Sarasota County that covers the details of terms and maintenance for the southern 3-plus acres of Bayfront Park. The agreement outlined restrictions for use of the land, which include no addition of hard court recreation amenities to the southern portion of the park. The current courts are on the northern, town-owned portion of the park.

Six additional parking spaces have recently been added to alleviate some of the parking strain felt by others wanting to use the park during peak pickleball hours.

BJ BISHOP, commissioner, on the creation of the park’s master plan