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Sarasota, FL: The Skate Park will be temporarily closed for approximately four weeks to provide for a safe construction environment at neighboring Payne Park. The closure is effective immediately.

Annual skate card holders will receive a credit, by having the number of closed days added to their annual renewal date.

During the temporary closure, contractors will install fencing at Payne Park as well as landscaping. The Skate Park is contiguous to Payne Park. “We apologize for the short notice,” said Patrick Calhoon, Sports Facilities Director. “The prospects of occasional closings were discussed with the contractor at the beginning of the project, but it was not known until last week that a lengthy closing would be necessary.”

The grand opening of Payne Park is scheduled for early October 2007. The $9 million signature park spans over 29 acres and is designed to be a relaxing oasis within the City of Sarasota. It will be a place where families will picnic, youngsters will skateboard, sports enthusiasts will play tennis, and walkers and runners will enjoy a half-mile trail looping through the park. Payne Park will also feature a small café, restrooms, lush landscaping, bicycle racks, a bus shelter, and nearly 150 parking spaces.

For more information call the Skate Park hotline at: 954-4101 ext. 5253.

For more information, please contact:
Jan Thornburg, Public Information Officer (941) 954-2613
jan.thornburg@sarasotagov.com