Newsletter - City of Sarasota Parks and Recreation Department

🎁 Unwrap the Magic of the Season at Your Favorite Park! ❄️

As the temperatures dip and the breeze turns cool, our parks become the perfect place to soak in the season. Whether you're enjoying a brisk morning walk under the oaks, a peaceful stroll along the beach, or simply basking in the sunshine as the day warms up — there's no better time to explore the beauty of our outdoor spaces.

This month, we’re excited to highlight a variety of events and activities happening across our facilities — from festive holiday happenings to winter break camps and community gatherings. There’s something for everyone to enjoy!

Looking for even more holiday fun? Discover a full lineup of festive activities at The Bay Sarasota, perfect for all ages to enjoy. And don’t miss the magical performances lighting up the stage at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall—a must-visit this holiday season!  So grab a sweater, step outside, and make the most of this beautiful time of year in Sarasota.

Notable Dates

Galvin Park has made a vibrant comeback after being devastated by Hurricane Milton. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of Parks and Rec’s Landscape team, the park now features beautifully renovated landscaping and upgraded irrigation systems. The transformation has not gone unnoticed—one happy resident shared, “Thank you for the beautiful update to the park on Siesta Drive/La Paloma. It’s incredible and makes everyone who passes by smile.” — Audrey R.

🌿Landscape Project Highlights:🌿

Our Parks & Recreation Landscape team has been hard at work enhancing green spaces across the city — with several exciting projects underway and more to come!

• Ringling Causeway Palm Relocation: 39 palms & multiple shrubs were successfully relocated from a construction zone to the medians near St. Armands Circle, preserving valuable greenery.
• Managing Community Forests Grant – Year 3: We're planting 44 new Florida-native and Florida-Friendly trees along Ringling Blvd., continuing our multi-year urban forestry initiative.
• Old Bradenton Rd./Myrtle St. Roundabout: In partnership with Public Works, we're restoring median landscaping after structural improvements to prevent vehicle damage.
• City Hall Fountain Landscaping: Once the fountain renovation wraps up, fresh landscaping will enhance the area with a new, polished look.
• Bobby Jones Nature Park: Construction begins with materials and labor already in motion. A construction fence went up in early November, marking the start of this transformative project.
• *Coming Soon* MLK Park Renovation: In collaboration with the Bay Estuary Program, phase one will include a kayak launch and new landscaping. Our team will later install two new plazas: an Activity Plaza and an Event Plaza.

Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex

2650 Waldemere St., Sarasota, FL 34239

(941) 263-6732

Pools Day Passes:

• $4 Adults (18-54)
• $2 Youth & Seniors

Monthly & Annual passes are available.

Winter Swim Lanes

Through December

10am-7pm

*From 3-7pm, lanes may be limited due school team & swim team practice.

Public Swim Hours:

• M-F: 10 am –7 pm
• Sat: 11 am – 5 pm
• Sunday: Closed

Thank you to our Haunted Trail Heros who helped make our Haunted Trails  a spooky success! These community events thrive because of your support, creativity, and dedication. With heartfelt appreciation to:

• Capo Kids @capokidsvam
• Carbon Sports Clubs www.CarbonSportsClub.com
• Childrens’ Entrepreneur Market
• Dr. Jerry Chery – GiveMeASmile.net
• Fun 4 Kids Manasota @fun4manasotakids
• Girl Scouts of the Gulf Coast www.gsgcf.org
• Greystar Active Adult @greystarapts
• Healthy Start Coalition @HealthyStartSarasota
• Humblebees Pediatric Dentistry @HumbleBeesPD
• LeBarge Tropical Cruises @LeBargeTropicalCruises
• Partners Animal Hospital www.partnersvetfvl.com
• Pediatric Therapy Solutions pediatrictherapysolution.com
• Pure Home 365 @PureHome365FL
• Sarasota Clay Company @sarasota_clay_company
• Sarasota County T-REC @SRQCountyGOV
• Sarasota Opera @SarasotaOpera
• SPD @SarasotaPoliceDepartment
• St. Paul Lutheran Church @StPaulSarasota
• Suncoast Event Rentals @SuncoastEventRentalsLLC
• Suncoast Science - Faulhaber Fab Lab @suncoastscience
• The Makery SRQ @themakerysrq
• The Ringling Museum @TheRingling
• Tropical Thrills @TropicalThrillsFL

Food Trucks: El Taco Loco, Two Guys To Go, One Two TEA

Your participation brought joy, thrills, and unforgettable memories to our community. We couldn’t have done it without you! With gratitude, City of Sarasota Parks and Recreation Department

Payne Park Tennis Center

2050 Adams Lane, Sarasota, FL 34237

(941) 263-6641

🎅SANTA SLAM Doubles Tennis Adult Social Doubles Tennis Round Robin Event.  Sign-up as an Individual and/or with a friend, play with a different partner each round.  Celebrate the season with fellow tennis enthusiasts!   Friday, December 19 - 12pm-3pm $10 per passholder | $20 per non passholder Payment required at time of registration, pay by credit card.

🎾 New Winter Tennis Program! Elevate your game with fast-paced, skill-focused evening clinic designed for intermediate players. Join Robert for an energizing tennis experience that sharpens technique and builds confidence on the court!   🕔 Time: 5:00 – 6:30 PM  📅 Day: Mondays 🎯 Level: NTRP 3.0–4.0 💵 Fee: $40 Cash per Clinic (Pay Instructor on Court) 📝 Registration: Opens 6 days prior at 12 noon. Call or register at the front desk.  (Ages 18+)

🎾 Take Your Game to the Next Level! Join Tennis Clinics with Hassan & Mohammed – a high-energy, skill-building experience for intermediate players. 📅 Days: Monday–Friday, 9:00 - 10:30 AM and Saturday, 10:00 - 12:30pm  🎯 Level: NTRP 3.0–4.0 💵 Fee: $40 Cash per Clinic (Pay Instructor on Court) 📝 Registration: Opens 6 days prior at 12 noon. Please call or register at the front desk.

🎾Advanced Clinics with Mohammed  This clinic is high-intensity and accelerated for advanced players only. (Must have approval by Hassan, Mohammed or Bjorn to participate.) 📅 Day: Wednesday, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM 🎯 Level: NTRP 4.0 - 4.5+ 💵 Fee: $40 Cash per Clinic (Pay Instructor on Court) 📝 Registration: Opens 6 days prior at 12 noon. Please call or register at the front desk.

Champs & Challengers-Fast Feed Doubles Sharpen your doubles game with high-energy drills and fast-paced point play! Designed for players rated NTRP 3.0–4.0, this clinic focuses on strategy, movement, and quick decision-making in a fun, competitive environment.  Ages: 18+ | Limited to 6 players  Day and Time: Wednesdays, 5:00 – 6:30pm  💳 Fee: $10 per player Payment required at registration – credit card only 🗓️ Registration: Opens 6 days prior at 12 noon Register in person or call the front desk 941-263-6641

Mixed Doubles Match-up DOUBLES MIXER Thursdays, 5:00pm - 6:30pm Get ready for a lively Doubles Tennis Social Mixer – a great way to meet fellow players, enjoy friendly competition, and have a blast on the court! Players NTRP 3.0-4.0 levels come together for fast-paced rallies and good times. Sign up now for mixed doubles play and become part of the action-packed tennis community at PPTC!   $10 Program Fee Per Player

Triples Tennis - Drop-In, Let's Play! Fridays Time: 5 pm - 6:30 pm Sundays Time: 9 am - 12 pm Level:  NTRP 3.0 and Above Fee:  FREE - Passholder Fee:  $10 - per Guest Payment required at check-in, pay by credit card.

Robert L. Taylor Community Complex

1845 John Rivers St., Sarasota, FL 34234

(941) 263-6562

Lido Beach Pool & Pavilion

400 Benjamin Franklin Dr

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-363-6732

Take a dip in the refreshing salt water, dig your toes into the warm sand, or simply relax and soak up the sun on the beach. 🏖 Enjoy the cool shade and stunning views from the pavilion—it's the perfect spot to unwind. Bring your own snacks and beverages 🥤 or treat yourself to something tasty at Lido Island Grill!

Lido Island Grill!  

Bobby Jones Golf Club

1000 Circus Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34232

(941) 365-4653

We're Thankful for Golf! Festive Fun on the Fairways.

🎄Ugly Sweater Golf Outing⛳ Join us for a fun-filled day of golf and giving back! Break out your best (or worst!) holiday sweater and tee off for a great cause at our Ugly Sweater Outing benefiting Toys for Tots! 📅 Friday, December 6 🕣 8:30 AM Shotgun Start 💰Four Person Format - $125 per player Includes 18 holes, lunch & prizes! 👉 Register online: Bobby Jones Golf Club

City Resident Discount - Renew for 2026! Reminder to City of Sarasota residents: To qualify for the City resident discount (up to 40% off public rates and 14-day advance tee time booking), you must be verified by Jan. 31, 2026.   With the holidays around the corner, now is the perfect time to renew your membership.   City Resident Discount - Get Verified Now!

Sarasota 2-ball Championship SAVE THE DATE: April 18th and 19th, 2026   Get ready to tee off in one of the most exciting events in the new year. Registration opens in January – don’t miss your chance to compete.  Let the countdown begin! ⛳ 📬 Stay in the loop: Sign up for the BJGC Newsletter and follow us on social media for the latest updates, registration info, and event details.

Don't Miss BJGC Upcoming Events! Subscribe to Our Monthly Newsletter!   Get all of the latest event news at Bobby Jones Golf Club and The Academy by subscribing to BJGC monthly newsletter.   From the https://bobbyjonesgolfclub.com/ website HOME page, scroll to the bottom of the page & enter your email!  Check your email and accept the invitation to join!

Connect with Us on Socials Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest info. Please share your fun golf pics & stories with us! Instagram: BobbyJonesGolfClubSarasota TheAcademyAtBobbyJonesGolfClub Facebook: Bobby Jones Golf Club The Academy at Bobby Jones Golf Club

Sarasota Lawn Bowling Club

951 Circus Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34232

Email: SarasotaLawnBowlingClub@gmail.com

🎳 Sarasota Lawn Bowling Club is one of Sarasota Parks and Recreation’s newest gems for social sport and community fun.  Located 1/2 mile south of the Bobby Jones Golf Club entrance, this vibrant club welcomes seasoned bowlers and curious newcomers to enjoy the classic game of lawn bowling.

Hit the Wicket: Learn Croquet with Us! 🏑✨ Join us Thursdays from 9:30–10:00 AM, to learn croquet—a game of skill, strategy, and just the right touch of finesse!   Whether you're a beginner or brushing up on your technique, our free weekly croquet mini-clinic is the perfect way to get in the game. Learn the essentials like grip, stance, stop shots, take-outs, jumps, and even game strategy in a relaxed, social setting.    Please arrive 15 minutes early to get set up.