South Gate Circle Park in Sarasota, Florida, is a unique geographic feature amidst the urban grid of Sarasota and Sarasota County. Although originally conceived as a focal point for the South Gate Community, the Circle never had a cohesive plan developed for it. The site consists of approximately 2.5 acres and is surrounded by a road network which functions similar to a roundabout, a common transportation device in the cities and towns of England. The land immediately surrounding the Circle itself is used for marginal commercial uses, although the vast majority of the South Gate area is residential in nature. The site has a natural slope from north to south with an elevation change of 5-6 feet. Because in past years the Circle became sparsely vegetated and poorly maintained, it was more of an undesirable interruption in the route through the area rather than a landmark of the community.

After successfully defeating the County’s proposal for eliminating the Circle, the South Gate Community Association began a fundraising effort to create a park-like setting in the circle. The goal of the Community Association was to create a park that would serve as a gateway to the community and transform this urban remnant into a meaningful landmark of the community. Both private and public donations were received and several fund-raising benefits helped make the park a reality.

The Landscape Architectural firm of Swan, Moody & Associates was retained as the Landscape Architects for the park. Their challenge was not only to develop a park that provided a pleasant setting for human activity but would also be a focal point for the South Gate Community and Sarasota’’ County at large. The Landscape Architect was the prime consultant and prepared construction documents for all the park elements, including grading, walls and terrace, lighting, irrigation and planting design.

The ultimate design solution incorporated the following design elements: A circular plaza was introduced that reinforces the geometry of the circle, providing a stage for concerts, outdoor presentations and other community events. Semi-circular grass terraces provide seating for spectators and accentuate the topography of the naturally sloping site. Palm groves on axis with the major north/south and east/west arterials provide focal points for the approaching traffic. Landscaped medians were introduced into the roadway itself to help direct the traffic flow and provide safe pedestrian access. Construction on the park was completed in April 1989 by Landscape Contractors Hazeltine Nursery in Nokomis, Florida and the Sarasota County Forestry Department. The final step was to provide safety and visual enhancement 24 hours a day, through extensive night lighting with HID metal halide energy efficient fixtures.