Connect with us

Phase 1: Current & Future Accessibility

Timely Topics

Phase 1: Current & Future Accessibility

Phase 1: Current & Future Accessibility

Published on

Over the past two years, the team in partnership with the city and the community has progressed The Bay initiative from Conceptual Master Plans of the entire park and the first phase, to a feasible and developable Implementation Plan for the first phase, and most recently to a recommended Site Plan for the first phase that we can develop into an actual park for everyone in our community to use and enjoy. 

Below, you will learn more about current and future accessibility to Phase 1 of the Park.

The original Master Plan and Phase 1 Plan was approved by the City Commission in September 2018. The current Phase 1 Implementation Plan was approved in September 2019.
Phase 1 of The Bay Park will be built in stages over the next two to three years.
How can I access Phase 1 today?
Getting to the Park by Car. The main automobile entrance to Phase 1 is via the roundabout at 10th Street. A secondary entrance is via Blvd. of the Arts to Van Wezel Way.
Parking: Currently, more than 1,400 parking spots are available on site.
ADA Accessible Parking: ADA accessible parking is available in the areas highlighted in pink.
Walking & Bike Trails: There are numerous walking and bike paths in Phase 1 of the Park. The green path is currently open. The orange path is under construction and will be open in early Fall 2020. The blue path will be open by the end of 2020.
Kayak Launch: The existing kayak launch is closed during construction on the Mangrove Bayou Walkway. Once completed the new Kayak Launch will include direct bayou and bay access for kayakers and paddle boarders.
Future Park Access by Car
Phase 1 Parking: When Phase 1 is complete, there will still be over 1,400 parking spaces as shown.
ADA Parking Phase 1 will also include ADA parking spaces conveniently located throughout the site. This includes ADA parking spaces off of Van Wezel Way and Blvd. of the Arts.
Drop Off Locations Once Phase 1 is complete, there will also be two main drop-off locations for Park visitors at: The Van Wezel circle Van Wezel Way
Uber Drop Off For those wishing to access the Park via Uber or Lyft, a drop-off location will be on Van Wezel Way.
Future Park Access: For Pedestrians & Bikers
Pedestrian & Bike Access Phase 1 will have several miles of pedestrian and bike paths upon completion. The main pedestrian promenade will be on the north side of Blvd. of the Arts.
Future Park Access for Paddle Boarders and Kayakers
The new kayak and paddle board launch will be accessible from the drop-off area and new parking lot at Van Wezel Way. The estimated completion date is January 2021.

You can also learn more about what’s next in development process of Phase 1 here.

Related Topics:,

More in Timely Topics

Press & Media

Julia Groom

[email protected]

(941) 365-9200

Fundraising & Advancement

[email protected]

(941) 203-5316

General Inquiries

655 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236

[email protected]

(941) 203-5316

To Top