August Park Update

Now that the storm has passed our construction activity can resume as scheduled. We’re pleased to announce that as of the end of August Bonnet Springs Park has received permitting from Southwest Florida Water Management District otherwise known as SWFWMD. We will begin digging the Lagoon in mid-September. The Lagoon sits over the Floridan Aquifer, water which is spilled on the ground seeps into this underground system and will remain for up to 27 years before returning to the surface through our springs and waterways. The 7-acre man-made Lagoon will be a featured destination within the park for water activities such as kayaking, glass-bottom boats, and paddle boards.
The Lagoon will also serve as a destination for BSP to educate our community about water conservation and sustainability through nature. The Lagoon will be home to the Nature Center, a unique space that will serve as an educational classroom to present meaningful educational content organically throughout park experiences while utilizing the exhibit hall to teach visitors about native Florida wildlife and species. With over 700 terrestrial animals, more than 200 freshwater fish, more than 1,000 marine fish, numerous other aquatic and marine vertebrates, and many thousands of terrestrial insects and other invertebrates, Florida literally is teeming with wildlife.
Explore the Five Senses at The Harrell Family Botanical Gardens
Take a journey to explore all five senses at The Harrell Family Botanical Gardens. The Jack and Tina Harrell Family Botanical Gardens, sitting on the northernmost part of the map, will be one of the most visited places in the park due to its varying attractions. Its diverse landscapes, serene ponds, and extensive Greenhouse will be the ideal spot for nature-inspired families, budding romantics, and those looking for a peaceful spot to relax. There will be something to discover for all who visit The Harrell Family Botanical Gardens and Greenhouse.

Platform Art has also partnered with the Bonnet Springs team to create a sculpture that enhances our space and increases cultural tourism. Executive Director of Platform Art Cynthia Haffey noted “Recognizing the talent and vision of student artists, working with nationally-known professionals from ART, has been especially rewarding. Bonnet Springs Park has embraced this unique Platform Art program to design the first of many significant public art installations.” Students from NuVu Innovation Studio at All Saints Academy responded to the Platform Art Sensory Sculpture public art call-for-design competition with more than 20 constructed models representing one or more of the five senses. Several sculpture designs will be selected and presented to a panel of judges this fall for additional development under the direction of nationally known artist Becky Ault of ART Research Enterprises, Inc. One or more of the student sculpture concepts will be selected for production at AR as a full scale public art sculpture for the park housed within The Sensory Gardens.
Bonnet Springs Seeking Food Service Operators

We are excited to announce that KK&P, a national food programming consultancy, is partnering with Bonnet Springs Park and the park’s designer, Sasaki, to identify operators for three distinct food service venues at the park.
The deadline for all proposals is Tuesday, October 1, 2019 at 5 p.m.
Please feel free to forward this opportunity to others who you think may be interested.
Questions and proposals should be directed to Christophe Hille, Senior Consultant at KK&P: christophe@kkandp.com
Join Friends of BSP and become a Founding Friend!
Founding Friends is a unique group of individuals and families who have demonstrated their support of Bonnet Springs Park prior to the Grand Opening. We hope you will join us and take an active role in supporting BSP. Your initial contribution will help establish the financial foundation of our Friends group and allow us to the support park projects and event programming for years to come.
A Founding Friends household membership is ONLY $30.00. It also makes a great gift!
