Design of Siesta Beach Park improvements will be subject of Nov. 13 public meeting
The design of the Siesta Beach Park improvements will be the subject of a public meeting Tuesday, Nov. 13, at St. Michael the Archangel Church, 5394 Midnight Pass Road on Siesta Key. There will be no formal presentation at the open-house-style meeting so residents are invited to come anytime during the 5-7 p.m. event hosted by Sarasota County Public Works and Parks and Recreation.
Staff from the county and Kimley-Horn and Associates Inc., the design and engineering firm, will answer questions about the 60% design plan, which includes new and enhanced amenities at the world-class Siesta Beach, designated by Dr. Beach as the No. 1 Beach in America in 2011. The Sarasota County Commission approved the Siesta Beach Park Preliminary Design Plan in September 2011. The project has continued to evolve with input from the commission and the public.
The project is designed to increase and improve parking and pedestrian access, upgrade and expand recreational opportunities and facilities, and rehabilitation of the historic pavilion built in the 1950s.
Among the possible amenities and improvements the commission will consider for the beach park are:
- a pedestrian esplanade connecting the park from east to west
- an expanded and renovated parking lot
- improved Beach Road access
- modern and expanded restrooms
- two new concession areas, including one that is elevated
- new multiuse shelters
- relocation of several buildings and rehabilitation of the historic pavilion.
The design of the new and upgraded beach park facilities incorporates many sustainable features such as more efficient use of space and sustainable materials, expanded landscaping using native plants, and improved stormwater management through low-impact design principles.
Project design and construction will be funded through the infrastructure surtax, also known as the penny sales tax.
For more information, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000.
