The Bay Park Sarasota: Where Art, Nature, and the Ibis Take Flight

If you haven’t been to The Bay Park Sarasota yet, imagine this: the sun setting over the bay, a cool breeze sweeping through downtown, and two giant ibises towering above a playground filled with laughter. What was once a quiet stretch of land beside the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is now Sarasota’s newest landmark — a stunning, artful waterfront park that feels more like an outdoor gallery than a green space.

The Bay Park is a place where design meets imagination, where public art doubles as play, and where locals of every age come to walk, paddle, and reconnect with the water that defines Sarasota’s identity. My family and I visited during the Grand Opening Celebration, and even after decades of watching this city evolve, we walked away thinking the same thing: this is the Sarasota of tomorrow — bold, beautiful, and community-driven.

The Ibis Playground: Sarasota’s Newest Landmark

If Sarasota had a competition for “most jaw-dropping playground,” the Ibis Playground would win without question.

Two towering ibises — sculpted as giant play structures — anchor the playground, their long beaks arching gracefully overhead as children climb, crawl, and slide around them. Every detail, from the textures to the color palette, feels like art come alive — a nod to the city’s creative spirit and coastal wildlife.

Did You Know?

The Ibis Playground was designed by Monstrum, a Danish company known for creating sculptural playgrounds that merge storytelling, architecture, and play. The Bay Park’s ibises are the first of their kind in the United States.

A Bold Design, A Different Vision

Some wondered why The Bay Park didn’t follow the path of Bradenton’s Riverwalk — winding sidewalks, a central amphitheater, and a classic waterfront layout.

The answer lies in vision. The Bay Park Conservancy and the City of Sarasota wanted a park that would reflect the city’s cultural identity, not just duplicate a successful model nearby. The approved design emphasized art, ecology, and inclusivity — creating a space where public art, native landscaping, and year-round outdoor fun could coexist in a living, breathing extension of Sarasota’s arts community.

Did You Know?

The Bay Park is part of a 25-year master plan to transform Sarasota’s central bayfront into a world-class park, balancing environmental restoration with public access, community events, and performance spaces.

Beyond the Ibis: What Else You’ll Find at The Bay

There’s far more to The Bay Park than its playground. Visitors can enjoy:

•Kayak & Paddleboard Launch and Rentals – Glide through the park’s winding canal or venture into the open bay.

•Open-Air Performance Pavilion – A shell-shaped canopy hosts concerts, movies, and community gatherings.

•Bayfront Lawn and Seating Areas – Perfect for yoga, picnics, or simply watching the sunset.

Bridges and Water Features – A picturesque canal winds through the park, crossed by a pedestrian bridge that frames the bay like a painting.

Every feature feels intentional — designed not just for recreation but for connection.

Did You Know?

The curved, shell-like structure you see along the water is the Sunset Deck and Pavilion, designed for performances and community events while capturing the evening glow over Sarasota Bay.

The Bay and the Changing Skyline

The Bay Park doesn’t exist in isolation — it’s the centerpiece of a rapidly evolving district.

Just steps away, the former Hyatt Regency Sarasota has closed, making way for Kolter Urban’s 1000 Boulevard of the Arts: a 20-story mixed-use development featuring 117 luxury condos and a Hyatt Centric® Harborside hotel. This project, along with existing condos and nearby landmarks like Art Ovation Hotel and Florida Studio Theatre, cements the area as Sarasota’s Arts and Culture District.

It’s easy to see why some locals view The Bay as “a green space for the wealthy,” but the park itself was designed to be public, inclusive, and free — a community space meant to connect, not divide.

Did You Know?

The Bay Park’s master plan was intentionally created to preserve public access to the waterfront despite adjacent private development — ensuring Sarasota Bay remains open to all.

Events, Energy, and Everyday Magic

We attended The Bay’s Grand Opening festivities, and it was impossible not to feel the energy. The park pulsed with activity — live music, laughter, food trucks, and families exploring every inch of the new space.

Since then, The Bay has established a robust year-round calendar of free and low-cost community programs, including:

•Outdoor movies and live music nights

•Weekly Pilates, yoga, and run/walk clubs

•Environmental tours and art workshops

Check their latest schedule here: 👉 The Bay Sarasota Calendar of Events

Did You Know?

The Bay Park’s first full calendar year featured over 700 free public events, drawing more than 100,000 visitors from across Sarasota County.

Why The Bay Park Sarasota Deserves a Visit

It’s easy to see The Bay Park as just another development project — but step inside and you’ll feel something else entirely. It’s alive. Playful. Artistic. Hopeful.

Come for the Ibis Playground, stay for the bay views, and leave with a deeper appreciation for how Sarasota continues to evolve — honoring its natural beauty while embracing creativity and community.

Together, these parks tell Sarasota’s story — one of balance between nature, art, and the everyday moments that make this city unlike anywhere else in Florida.

👉 The Bay’s official website: The Bay Sarasota