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The grand opening of Payne Park fulfills the dream of the
Payne Family, who donated the property to the City of Sarasota
for use as a public park. In 1923, a public “work day” was
held and the community built Payne Park. Through the years,
the park was the site of spring training baseball and even
a mobile home park. About seven years ago, the City began
honoring the Payne Family’s request for a true public
park by designing Phase I of Payne Park.
The county-wide penny surtax funded the $8.8 million park.
Since 2000, a one-percent sales tax was collected throughout
Sarasota County and earmarked specifically for Phase I of
Payne Park, which voters approved as part of the penny surtax
referendum. Phase II of Payne Park, which would include an
amphitheatre, a new auditorium and a children’s play
area, is slated to be funded by the upcoming renewal of the
county-wide penny surtax. The penny surtax renewal is on
the ballot Tues., November 6th.
The fee for a daily skateboard pass will be waived for the
grand opening. Skateboarders must have a signed waiver in
order to participate.
The Mayors Feed the Hungry Program will be on site collecting
canned goods, preparing for the upcoming holiday season.
All canned goods including soups, meats, and vegetables will
be accepted.
Payne Park is located at 2000 Adams Lane. It is bordered
by East Avenue to the north, Laurel Street to the south,
School Avenue to the east and U.S. 301 to the west.
Parking is available in the Sarasota County parking garage
located at Ringling Boulevard and School Avenue.
Schedule of Events
Noon: Suncoast Concert Band
1pm: Ribbon cutting ceremony - Official Payne Park opening
at East Ave. and
Adams Lane
Sarasota High School Marching Band - leads the crowd around the half-mile
trail and stops at the tennis courts
2pm: Ribbon cutting ceremony - Official opening of three
additional tennis courts
2:30pm: Papa Schmitz Band (Main Stage)
3:30pm: Concordia Praise Band (Side Stage)
3:45pm: Big Night Out (Main Stage)
4pm: Jazz Juvenocracy (Payne Auditorium)
5pm: Dance Competition (Auditorium)
5:45pm: Concordia Praise Band (Side Stage)
6pm: Radio Free Carmela and the Transmitters (Main Stage)
7:15pm: Los Independientes del Vallenato
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