City-owned boat ramps, tennis courts reopen

Members of the public urged to wear face masks outside their homes and to adhere to CDC social distancing guidelines

Boaters once again can use the Centennial Park/10th Street Boat Ramp to access Sarasota Bay. Photo courtesy City of Sarasota

The Sarasota City Commission this week voted to reopen city-owned boat ramps at Centennial Park and Ken Thompson Park as of May 5.

The board members additionally approved reopening the tennis courts at city parks and facilities beginning next week. Use will be limited to singles play only, a news release points out, “with players also asked to adhere to safe playing recommendations suggested by the United States Tennis Association.”

Members of the public are advised to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for safe social distancing “to help stop the spread of COVID-19,” the release says. “City residents are also strongly urged to wear protective masks when leaving home under the City’s local public health emergency declaration,” it adds.

Lido Beach and other city recreational facilities and amenities, including playgrounds and basketball courts, also remain closed at this time, the release notes. (See the related article in this issue.)

Although city buildings remain closed to the public, most city operations and services are still available, the release emphasizes. The public can conduct city business either online via www.SarasotaFL.gov or by phone at 941-263-6000.