Pros:
The Mach 5s are in good shape, showing some age, but still good.
Two concrete tees on each hole, the short tees are a little smaller then the long tees.
Good tee signs on each hole, only one, at the Long tee, but they show both tees.
Nice, mostly open park in downtown Sarasota, with even some (GASP) elevation!
Good place to bring the beginners or kids, mostly open holes, with just some shot shaping. The pond carry on #4 is eliminated when throwing from the short tee. Plus, there is a large playground right near #1, in addition to other facilities.
Cons:
This park may be too popular to enjoy your round. It's a great place to have a course, but with a nice walking path, and plenty of open space, you may have to wait a while, or skip some holes if its busy. 5 holes are on what should be lesser used parts of the park, but you could have some delays on #1,#2,#8 and #9.
The description of this park uses the term "inner city park", that makes me think of a bad part of town where you need to keep looking over your shoulder. I pulled up to Payne Park, right across from the Police station, next to their tennis complex and a large church and some new, high dollar condos across the other street. Yet another reason its OK to bring the kids, I felt very safe playing there.
Since most of the trees were along the walking path, not too many guarded baskets, #5 is the closest to a "wooded hole".
Other Thoughts:
Payne Park's location and openness, while a nice break from wooded, palm bush covered courses, may be its biggest challenge, as mentioned above. The course was laid out pretty well to stay away from the walking path and other activities, so it may not be a huge issue, but something to be aware of.
#1 starts out with a valley shot, then you can open it up on #2 with a "top of the hill" shot to a wide open green. Very fun to throw several shots on that hole.
#3 through #7 play around a couple of ponds on the back side of the course. #5 is the most interesting of these, large old growth trees line the fairway, so this is your tightest drive. #8 plays to a basket half way up the hill that #2 tee is on, then you have a downhill shot to finish the round.
While there are several 18 hole options in the Sarasota/Bradenton area, Payne is a nice quick Niner with very few chances of losing one, or even spend much time looking for one. If I lived in the Condos across the street, I'd probably be on this course most evenings. A good beginner/kids option for this area.