Bayfront Park pirate-themed playground on pace for fall opening

By fall, kids will have a new opportunity for some wet and dry fun as the rebuilt splash pad and playground is expected to open in Bayfront Park in October. The $3.22 million project approved by the Sarasota City Commission last September will feature a new water recreation feature and pirate shipwreck-themed playground.

The 27-year-old splash pad, which had been plagued by maintenance issues for several years, was closed for good early last year as the city developed plans for a replacement, which also required a complete reconstruction of the water and drainage infrastructure beneath it. 

Photo by Andrew Warfield

Previously sitting at sea level, the new splash pad is elevated by several feet to provide a measure of protection from the elements and a more seamless transition to the playground. The entire park area will be ADA compatible and children will have control of the flow of water in the fountain area rather than the continuously running water of the prior splash pad.

Parks and Recreation Department Director Jerry Fogle told commissioners last year that the playground structures will be made of more durable materials than previous ones.

“That's all artificial turf, and the playground equipment is all reinforced fiberglass concrete,” Fogle said. “It's meant to be something that's much more durable, so it's not your typical aluminum plate structures.”

Photo by Andrew Warfield

Originally estimated at $4 million by contractor Jon F. Swift Construction, commissioners approved a scaled-down version of the playground project at $2.9 million in July 2022. That paring included removal of a shade structure, which met with concern from commissioners. City Manager Marlon Brown said he would scour the budget to find an additional $300,000 to include the shade, in the new total of $3.2 million approved by the commission in September.

The project will be paid for by American Rescue Plan Act funds for non-recurring projects within the city.