Guests welcome from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
The nature trails at Bobby Jones Golf Club, located at 1000 Circus Blvd. in Sarasota, have reopened, the City of Sarasota has announced.
Storm debris from Tropical Storm Elsa has been removed from the trails, a news release notes and demolition of golf course facilities has been completed.
Gates open at 7 a.m. for walking, running, bicycling, photography and wildlife observation, the release adds. The gates close promptly at 5 p.m. each day, the release says.
All guests are welcome to enjoy the trails at no cost, the release adds. When visiting, the release continues, the public is asked to please follow CDC Guidelines for the COVID-19 pandemic, including social distancing, limiting large gatherings (no more than 10 people together) and staying at home if you are sick. For more details about current CDC Guidelines visit: https://www.cdc.gov/
All paths and designated restrooms on the American and British courses are available, the release adds. However, water stations are not offered at this time, the release points out, “so please bring your own water.”
Course rangers will be monitoring the paths and golf course, the release also says.
Prohibited on-site activities include fishing, golfing, motorized vehicles, picnicking, and pick-up sports. Further, dogs always must be leashed, the release emphasizes.
During the temporary closure, existing structures at the golf course were removed to make way for the Bobby Jones Golf Club master plan improvements. Projects associated with the master plan include a restored 18-hole Donald Ross course, a nine-hole executive course, a new clubhouse, a new nature park with walking and bicycle trails, and a regional playground.
“Negotiations are continuing with the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast to place a conservation easement on the nearly 300-acre Bobby Jones property, which serves as a vital regional watershed,” filtering millions of gallons of stormwater before it flows into Sarasota Bay, the release explains. “The easement will preserve the green space in perpetuity for golf, light recreation, and natural lands.”