Ibis Playground reopens at Sarasota's Bay Park

The Bay Park announced the reopening of its Ibis Playground on Aug. 17, yet the public discovered what was in store even before then.

During the playground's soft reopening the previous day, kids eagerly took to the equipment to climb inside and explore the two giant ibises, Sara and Zota. 

"Boy, did they come to watch the sunset," said Park Guest Experience Director Diana Shaheen, noting many families with young children happened to be present that evening. 

With the removal of the fences that had blocked off the area for about two months, kids had the chance to play on the new premium artificial turf around the playground, which replaced the original coquina shell material.

According to Director of Park Guest Experience Diana Shaheen, the new surface offers a soft space, has a cooling attribute, and will prevent potential damage by shell fragments to the immediate playground area. 

She said the public was "so excited that Sara and Zota are back, available for their kids to play on" and that the opening saw "lots of laughter."

Shaheen said there is also more coming to The Bay, with the reopening of The Oval, with steps added, at the beginning of October.