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Laurel and Gillespie Parks
One of Sarasota's most historic neighborhoods, Laurel Park is within easy walking distance of Main Street and downtown. Stroll the sidewalks of Laurel Park and you'll discover Sarasota's past in charming Old-Florida bungalows, Spanish-style architecture, tall Washingtonian palms and other native plantings. You can also admire renovations of some of Sarasota's quaintest homes, many of which belong to artists and young professionals. An active neighborhood association recently spearheaded the creation of a small park for picnics and children at play.
Gillespie Park is on the near north side of Sarasota. Homes in the Gillespie Park area have sidewalks and streetlights. Most are cottages and bungalows built in the 1920's, 30's and 40's. This is an area of restoration and revitalization.
History of Gillespie Park
Sarasota was platted in 1886 and the Gillespie Park area was designated an experimental farm to promote agriculture in the new city. The effort failed because the soil was unsuitable for farming, but beginning in 1913, residential subdivisions were platted in the area. The real estate boom of the 1920s brought Many people to the neighborhood. John Gillespie helped design the town's experimental farm and he created the first golf course in the US in Sarasota. He was instrumental in getting the Sarasota Bay dredged for a shipping channel and built the upscale DeSoto Hotel on Main Street for tourists and prospective investors. He was elected as the first mayor of Sarasota in 1902.
Experimental Farm Turns Into Neighborhood
Gillespie Park Subdivision was platted in 1917 and Gillespie Park was named to honor him. The city created the park on ten acres of undeveloped land purchased for that purpose in 1924. In 1925 the park supported a natural history museum, Brumby Lake, a lakeside walkway and a playground. In the northeast corner of the park you will find busts of famous leaders installed in 1977 by A Gallery of Partiots. With many trees and spacious areas, Gillespie Park now provides tennis courts, picnic pavilion, playground recreational facilities, and features a lovely meandering pond. Send me information on Laurel and Gillespie Park
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