Have your say on the Bobby Jones nature park

With the grand reopening of Bobby Jones Golf Club set for Friday, Dec. 15, the city has begun public outreach efforts to share preliminary concepts for park amenities at the Nature Park at Bobby Jones. 

Built in conjunction with the restoration of the Donald Ross golf course layout, the nature park will be a rustic area with newly created wetlands, crushed shell trails and cart paths repurposed into walking and biking trails. The City of Sarasota is seeking input regarding additional park amenities to complement the natural surroundings. 

The city’s Parks and Recreation staff will present initial conceptual options during a community meeting from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15, at Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, 1845 John Rivers Street. The presentation can be previewed at LetsPlaySarasota.com. 

For those who cannot attend the community meeting, comments may be emailed to [email protected] by Nov. 30.

The Nature Park comprises 90 acres of urban green space. In partnership with the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, a conversation easement is placed on the entire Bobby Jones property at just more than 300 acres, ensuring it will remain a green, recreation space in perpetuity. 

It is located between the newly restored golf course and the Sarasota County’s 17th Street Regional Park, all eventually connected by a spur of the Legacy Trail.