Sarasota’s The Bay Conservancy unveils Fountain Garden

The Fountain Garden at the Bay Park is now open, giving just a preview of the larger park to come.

SARASOTA — Need a break this weekend?

A walking path by the water might be nice. Perhaps a park bench to feel the breeze off Sarasota Bay?

Consider taking a stroll around one of Sarasota’s historic ponds, with a restored fountain providing a relaxing sonic backdrop. The Fountain Garden at The Bay Park is now open, The Bay Park Conservancy announced Wednesday.

The Fountain Garden, at Boulevard of the Arts and North Tamiami Trail, features Florida friendly vegetation, walking paths and park benches along with the restored fountain.

The fountain is one of the first segments to be set in the initial phase of the larger 53-acre bay redevelopment project.

“With the opening of the Fountain Garden, we are one step closer to seeing The Bay Park become a reality,” said A.G. Lafley, founding CEO of The Bay Park Conservancy. “We are excited about the continued progress toward our vision of creating a public park that is open, accessible, welcoming, and free to all.”