FRIENDS OF OSPREY’S BAYFRONT PARKS
We are a new all-volunteer nonprofit support group for Osprey’s four bayfront county parks. Our purpose and mission:
To support the Sarasota County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources in planning, developing, operating, and maintaining the bayfront parks in Osprey. We will facilitate public involvement, be a recruiting tool for county volunteers, purchase and install amenities consistent with park plans, & advocate for park funding.
Your Four Neighborhood Bayfront Parks in Osprey:
Webb Street
The Webb Street bayfront right-of-way sports a bench overlooking Little Sarasota Bay. It’s a nice spot to enjoy a cool bay breeze and watch birds, boats, and sunsets. Best reached by foot or bike. Limited parking.
Osprey Fishing Pier
The Osprey Fishing Pier is a long-established county park and is largely developed. It’s a popular fishing spot. You can also visit to simply enjoy a cool bay breeze and watch birds, boats, and sunsets. Best reached by foot or bike. Limited parking.
West Bay Street
The county purchased the West Bay Street park land in 2023. This half acre site, with 100’ of bayfront, includes two former residences and a newly rebuilt dock. You can enjoy the Bay Street right-of-way all the way to the bay. The adjacent park land is fenced and is not yet open to the public.
Bayview
In 2016 the county purchased this 1 acre parcel, with over 200’ of bayfront. The park is located between the Sarasota Crew rowing club and Hidden Bay condominiums. The park is open during daylight hours, but is currently undeveloped. It can be reached by bike or foot using the County’s public access easement through the Sarasota Crew property south of Evie’s on the Bay. The access easement encompasses the main double-laned drive into the rowing club, signed at US-41 as “Sarasota Crew Way.” There is no vehicle parking at or adjacent to the park at this time.
What’s next
During 2024-2025 we plan to:
- Develop a close partnership with the Parks Department to establish how we can best facilitate planning, operations, and maintenance of Osprey’s bayfront parks.
- Build the membership of Friends of Osprey’s Bayfront Parks (FOOBP).
- Raise operating funds to cover base organizational expenses (e.g. web hosting) and start installing upgrades at our bayfront parks.
- Recruit volunteers for scheduled workdays to maintain and improve our bayfront parks.
- Through emailings, keep FOOBP members informed of news and activities related to our parks.
Be a friend! Join us!
You can join the Friends of Osprey’s Bayfront Parks two ways:
- Make a donation! We operate as an official chapter of the nonprofit (501c3) county-sanctioned Friends of Sarasota County Parks. Using their website (www.foscp.org) , simply click “Donate” and then select “Friends of Osprey’s Bayfront Parks” from the drop down menu. You will become a “Supporter” for $15; “Patron” for $100; or a “Big Kahuna” for $250. Donate more, or less – what’s best for you. The FOSCP’s secure PayPal portal allows donations via your PayPal account as well as credit and debit cards. By making a donation you are automatically added to our member roster.
- Not ready to donate? Then simply email [email protected] and request membership. Please include your name, address, and your email address. We welcome everyone!
The Friends of Osprey’s Bayfront Parks does not sell or share your membership data. The collection and use of all donated funds is reviewed and audited by FOSCP.
Join now! You’ll be informed, by occasional emails, as to happenings, plans, special fund-raisers, and volunteer opportunities. Get involved! Invite your friends and neighbors!
As a brand new and fledging organization, we are a group of several founding members. Acting President is Todd Logan. He can be reached at [email protected].
