Sarasota County and Longboat Key to host Bayfront Park celebration

After much anticipation, the renovated Bayfront Park reopened in June.

Now Sarasota County and the town of Longboat Key are inviting the public to celebrate.

At 10 a.m. Nov. 8, a grand opening celebration will be held at the park, 4052 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

The celebration will include free refreshments, guest speakers, a dog-training demonstration from Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue at the dog park, a fishing clinic hosted by Rusty Chinnis and pickleball, kayak and paddleboard demonstrations, Sarasota County officials said.

The $3.5 million project began in June 2016 with the town paying $1.02 million and Sarasota County contributing $2 million. Members of the community, including Kiwanis, Garden Club and Rotary members contributed as well.

Renovations include a kayak launch operated by Happy Paddler Kayak Tours & Ecoventures, a dog park, pickleball, shuffleboard and basketball courts, a children’s playground, picnic area, pavilion, fishing pier, bicycle facilities, fitness classes and a technology hub.

Construction on the gulf side began July 24.