Payne Park Sarasota

A visit to Payne Park

by Celeste Lipford and Terry Lipford - last updated on 7/25/2024

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.

Payne Park was a baseball field from 1924 to 1990. The stadium and field were built on a portion of 60 acres of land donated by Calvin Payne and his wife, Martha in 1923. Payne Park today is a 29-acre public park used for recreational events.

The ballpark was erected in 1924 and was a long time spring training and minor league site for baseball clubs such as the Boston Red Sox, Chicago White Sox and the New York Giants. The Los Angeles Dodgers played their home spring training games at Payne Park in 1959.

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 and tears that may lead to going home.

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: captures the spirit of the great tradition of the Urban Cafe Terrace. 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.