Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/260020
Siesta Seen building, Gaubatz pointed out, along with the removal of a number of Australian pines in the playground area. If all goes according to plan, he said, a new parking section will be completed in time for the July 4 festivities at the beach. To make that possible, he added, construction has been taking place on Saturdays as well as weekdays. Several audience members asked questions about why the existing tennis courts — which one woman noted are "as far as I can see, in fantastic condition" — had to be relocated. Gaubatz responded that while he was not part of the project team when that decision was made, his understanding was that the reloca- tion of the courts closer to Beach Road would enable new parking spaces to be placed in greater proximity to the beach. Commissioner Nora Patterson, who was in the audience, pointed out her recollection was that moving the tennis courts made it possi- ble to add quite a few more parking spaces to the site. To the people complaining about the reloca- tion of the tennis courts, she said, "It actually took a pretty good-size decision to retain ten- nis courts at the beach at all. It wasn't an easy decision," she added, because parking is in such demand at the park. Carolyn Brown is director of the Sarasota County Parks and Recreation Department. Photo by Rachel Hackney Sarasota County Project Manager Brad Gaubatz prepares to give Siesta Key Association members an update on Feb. 4 regarding the Siesta Beach Park improvements. Photo by Rachel Hackney Sarasota News Leader February 14, 2014 Page 95