The Bay Park Conservancy (BPC) proudly announces a community partnership with Ride & Paddle to provide park guests with weekly kayak and paddle board rental opportunities at The Bay Park. The exciting new program brings Ride & Paddle’s ACA-accredited kayak instructors and naturalists to The Bay, providing the community with a new way to explore the flora and fauna of Sarasota’s coastal ecosystems. Every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Ride & Paddle will be located on-site, equipped with a number of kayak and paddleboard rentals. In addition, Ride & Paddle offers free guided tours through The Bay Park every Thursday from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Rentals and tours launch from The Bay Park’s newly added ADA-accessible kayak and paddle launch, located at the south-east edge of the bayou. The 2-hour, intermediate-level tour circles through The Bay’s restored mangroves and to the north and south of the park, allowing paddlers to explore Sarasota Bay and learn more about The Bay Park from Ride & Paddle’s experienced guides. Tours and rentals are recommended for children 12 years and older, and any minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Due to a high volume of interest for this new program, pre-registration is encouraged for rentals and tours. All programs at The Bay are made possible thanks to contributions made by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and The Bay Parks Conservancy's Founding Business Partners program (FBP).

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