Payne Park Sarasota
Explore Payne Park in Sarasota, a vibrant urban oasis with trails, tennis courts, a skate park, and a charming circus-themed playground. Perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts, Payne Park offers a peaceful retreat with plenty of activities for all ages. Enjoy picnics, shaded seating, and scenic views in this welcoming community park located in the heart of Sarasota
by Celeste Lipford and Terry Lipford - last updated on 11/22/2024
Payne Park Map
Payne Park began as a dream in the mind of Calvin N. Payne. When reporting on Payne's 1921 purchase of 60 acres next to the downtown golf course, The Sarasota Times launched the action, assuming that the land would be used to expand the golf course. That was not to be, however, for Calvin and Martha Payne agreed in the fall of 1923 to give the land to the city for a park. Before the official transfer was complete, Mayor E.J. Bacon proclaimed a "community work day" to create a fair ground and a baseball diamond. Reportedly, union carpenters, bricklayers and painters joined lawyers, business people and other residents to help Payne Park take shape.
The park spans over 29 acres and features a variety of amenities for visitors to enjoy. One of the highlights of Payne Park is its skate park, which is a popular destination for skateboarders and BMX riders. The park also includes multiple playgrounds, picnic areas, and walking paths. Visitors can rent bicycles to explore the park or play a game of tennis on one of the park's courts. In addition, the park hosts events throughout the year, including concerts, festivals, and sporting events.
There is a separate playground that is circus inspired! Featuring a small splash area, rock climbing, slides, music makers, walking paths, restrooms, swings, and more. Perfect for picnics and spending the day with your entire family.
NOTE: No pets allowed in the Circus Park unless they are service trained.
Payne Park Amenities
- Amphitheater
- Cycling
- Disc Golf
- Dog Friendly
- Water Fountains
- Food/Beverage
- Picnic Tables
- Playground
- Public Art
- Rental Venue
- Restrooms
- Transportation
- Walking Path
- Water Feature
Payne Park Hours
- 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Jogging Track
The jogging track is designed with a rubberized surface, providing a safer and more comfortable experience for runners and walkers. Track users should keep to the right if moving slowly, and allow faster individuals to pass on the left.
The Circus Playground and Skate Park at Payne Park were completed as part of a broader park renovation that concluded in 2012. The circus-themed playground features unique climbing structures, slides, and misting circles, all designed under large shade canopies to reflect Sarasota's rich circus history, particularly its connection to John Ringling. The skate park includes modern facilities and requires helmets, with supervised hours for safety. These additions are part of Payne Park’s transformation into a vibrant community space, which also includes jogging paths, a duck pond, and the Café in the Park.
Circus Park: Hop, climb, and explore the younger aged zone and “ride” a tiger as you dodge those
big kids soaring down the slides. Accident-prone? Rubber underfoot saves the day from
knee scrapes!
Skate Park: Admission is free! Located behind the cafe, the skate park is configured with
vert ramps and various curbs, flatrails, ledges, miniramp, halfpipe, poles, pyramids, etc.
Open Daily 7 am - 10 pm.
Café in the Park: Conveniently located for the downtown community, stop in for a great coffee and a
fantastic sandwich, seating inside or out - "al fresco", or on the go. They also have
a beautiful selection of beer and wine.
Circus Park Entryway: This playground is so cute, with so many fun
things to play on, that even as an adult you are going
to want to go inside and play !
Duck Pond: If you parked in the Laurel Street Parking lot, then this little
pond is directly in front of you. Birds of
all varieties gather here to play, drink and have fun.
Disc Golf Course: (AKA Ultimate Frisbee) Mostly open with undulating terrain. Most baskets are positioned on hillsides
and water is in play on a couple of holes. Busy park with walkers and families - please respect other park users.
Circus Park Rules: As you can read, mostly focused on safety for the children.
Dogs are Welcome: With a few rules.
Jogging/Walking Track: Shaded with a softer roadway surface, good traction.More Info for Payne Park
- Our Image Gallery: Click here to view our images.
- Payne Park Website: Click here to go to their Website.
- Bring Fido article for Payne Park: Click here to go to their Page.
- Google Images set for Payne Park: Click here to go to that Page.
- Wikipedia Article for Payne Park: Click here to go to that Page.
- Map for Payne Park: Click here to view a Google Map.
- Our Youtube Channel - Come check out our wide range of videos!
- Google Reviews:
Sarasota Area Parks we've Visited
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