PARKS: Englewood, Florida
"We have also found [Sweet Sparkman] to be sensitive to and capable of addressing issues related to historic structures and natural vegetation. In addition, the firm has been flexible in adapting plans based upon stakeholder and public input as new ideas and opportunities came to light."
John F. McCarthy, Sarasota County Goverment
Located opposite the vehicular access way to Manasota Key, Manasota Beach Park has a panoramic beach front view of the Gulf of Mexico. Centered at the gateway of this park is the distinctive new pavilion and accompanying garden plaza. The gently sloping roof recalls the extraordinary legacy and history of the Sarasota School of Architecture. Raised slightly above the beach, patrons to the concession area overlook spectacular views in a covered picnic area environment. The concrete roof slab floats above the enclosed building elements on exposed concrete columns. Sea oats are abstractly expressed by slanting aluminum elements along the pavilion perimeter. This is reinforced with the horizontal design elements in the garden plaza walkway represented by the natural stone element of the pavers.
