Green Scene

Sarasota County has more than 55,000 acres of parks and preserves. The parks offer residents and visitors a place to relax and enjoy the weather in any season. We profiled some parks with unique features.

Arlington Park
2650 Waldemere St.
Best known for its sports facilities, including an indoor gymnasium, 50-meter lap pool and 25-yard instructional pool, Arlington Park combines community athletics and neighborhood charm. The park has a wide variety of Florida flora and fauna with a pond that includes a fountain, trees providing shade and well-maintained open areas for picnics, pets and family activities.

Dog park available and tennis courts

Why do you come to Arlington Park?
I’ve lived in the area my entire life, and I like that there’s so much to do and the walking paths are always well-kept and are shaded.
— Francie Snyder with Buddy

Gillespie Park
North Osprey Avenue between Seventh Street and 10th Street

With tall slash pines surrounding this park’s playground and picnic benches, visiting Gillespie Park can feel like a step back in time.

The park sits just a block from U.S. 301, however, it’s quiet and almost surreal. The best time to visit Gillespie Park is during sunset when neighborhood families play together on the playground, have a picnic or go fishing in the pond.

Tennis courts and basketball courts

Keep an eye out for: A trio of ducks that likes to visit city parks, mainly Payne Park and Gillespie Park.

Pioneer Park
1266 12th St.
Perfect for a game of kickball or soccer, this park also includes a piece of Sarasota history: Crocker Memorial Church, dating back to the turn of the 20th century. Low-hanging Cyprus trees surround the park’s bridge that connects the playground to open space.

Tennis courts and basketball courts

Side Stops
McClellan Park
Osprey Avenue
and Hyde Park Street
The quiet neighborhood of McClellan Park that surrounds the park means visitors can enjoy its calm atmosphere before visiting Southside Village. Pick up lunch in the village and have a picnic in this pet-friendly space.

Payne Park
2050 Adams Lane
For the active user, this park includes a popular skate park, tennis facility, disc golf course, walking trail and circus-themed playground. After working up an appetite, stop by the Café in the Park, which sells sandwiches and salads.

Tuttle Walkway
North Jefferson Avenue and Eighth Street
The best time to take a stroll through the Tuttle Walkway is in the early evening, just before the sun sets. The sunlight streams through the Washingtonian palm trees and live oak trees, which line the quarter-mile-long walkway, creating a pretty path of greens and yellows.