Contact:  Julia Groom - julia@dreamlarge.org

The Bay Park Conservancy (BPC) proudly announces a community partnership with Ride & Paddle to provide park guests with weekly kayak and paddle board rental opportunities at The Bay Park.

The exciting new program brings Ride & Paddle’s ACA-accredited kayak instructors and naturalists to The Bay, providing the community with a new way to explore the flora and fauna of Sarasota’s coastal ecosystems. Every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Ride & Paddle will be located on-site, equipped with a number of kayak and paddleboard rentals. Those interested are encouraged to reserve their rentals here: https://rideandpaddle.com/sarasotabaykayaking/

In addition, Ride & Paddle offers free guided tours through The Bay Park every Thursday from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Tours should be reserved here: https://www.thebaysarasota.org/event/ride-paddle-at-the-bay-2022-05-26/2022-05-26/

Rentals and tours launch from The Bay Park’s newly added ADA-accessible kayak and paddle launch, located at the south-east edge of the bayou. The 2-hour, intermediate-level tour circles through The Bay’s restored mangroves and to the north and south of the park, allowing paddlers to explore Sarasota Bay and learn more about The Bay Park from Ride & Paddle’s experienced guides.

Tours and rentals are recommended for children 12 years and older, and any minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Due to a high volume of interest for this new program, pre-registration is encouraged for rentals and tours.

Rentals can be reserved at https://rideandpaddle.com/sarasotabaykayaking/

Tours can be reserved at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ride-paddle-at-the-bay-guided-tour-tickets-330733060487

All programs at The Bay are made possible thanks to contributions made by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and The Bay Parks Conservancy's Founding Business Partners program (FBP). For more information about all activities available at The Bay, visit our events calendar www.thebaysarasota.org/calendar/

For more information about The Bay Park Conservancy, visit www.thebaysarasota.org or contact Julia Groom at julia@dreamlarge.org

About Ride & Paddle

Ride & Paddle is Sarasota’s premier bike and kayak rental business. Their inventory includes bikes, e-bikes, scooters, paddle boards, kayaks, beach wheelchairs, beach gear and more. With its flagship store on Siesta Key, Ride & Paddle serves Sarasota and surrounding communities. Convenient online booking and delivery services make it easy for everyone to have the gear they need to spend time outside with the people they love. For more information visit Rideandpaddle.com or call 941-346-1797.

About The Bay

The approved Bay Master Plan will conserve 53 acres of city-owned land and create an iconic public park along Sarasota Bay. The Bay is on track to open phase one of the park in the summer of 2022, providing an iconic destination that will welcome everyone to Sarasota. The Park will cost about $100-150 million and will take between 7-10 years, over 3 or more phases to complete. The Blue Pagoda serves as a welcome center for visitors and an on-site office for The Bay Park Conservancy. For more information or general inquiries about this initiative, please visit www.thebaysarasota.org or call 941-203-5316.

About The Bay Park Conservancy

The Bay Park Conservancy (BPC) was formed as a 501c3 not-for-profit organization in 2019 to implement the master plan approved by the Sarasota City Commission to conserve 53 acres of public land for a community park on Sarasota Bay. The BPC entered a long-term partnership with the City and will fund, develop, operate, and sustain the park for the benefit of the community, now, and for generations to come. For more information, visit www.thebaysarasota.org.

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