The following article appeared in the Herald-Tribune on January 20, 2025:
Following a yearlong challenge to the community, The Bay has raised $3 million in community co-investment to unlock a $2 million matching grant from Gulf Coast Community Foundation, totaling $5 million in funding for the signature public park along Sarasota Bay in downtown Sarasota.
The Gulf Coast Community Foundation, an anonymous donor, The Patterson Foundation, the Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation, and others have helped fuel park expansion and free park programming at The Bay.
Funding will be used to support design and development of an expanded “Resilient Shoreline” as well as ongoing park operations, maintenance and free events and activities.
“At Gulf Coast, we envision thriving communities with opportunities for all,” Gulf Coast CEO Phillip Lanham said. “Conserving, restoring, and transforming the 53 acres at The Bay by creating a sustainable blue-green oasis means that our vision will continue to thrive for generations to come.”
Since opening in October 2022, more than 600,000 people have visited The Bay, and over 100,000 have participated in more than 1,500 free events and programs at the park.
“Steadfast support from key partners like Gulf Coast Community Foundation and The Patterson Foundation, coupled with broad-reaching support from other foundations, business partners and donors enable The Bay to continue to deliver on the community’s needs, wants and aspirations for this important gathering place,” said AG Lafley, founding CEO of the Bay Park Conservancy. “These catalyzing matches demonstrate the importance of The Bay and its growing impact.”
The Bay is transforming 53 acres of city-owned land into a blue and green oasis – revitalizing what was once a parking lot into a dynamic public park. Design and development of Phase 2, the next 14-acre, $65 million development, is underway with expected completion in 2026. The completed park will cost an estimated $175-200 million and will take approximately 8-10 years to finish over four or more phases.
“Together with partners like The Patterson Foundation and Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation, we have worked tirelessly to align our efforts and bring this bold, proactive vision to life,” Lanham said. “Today, we’re witnessing the fruits of that collaboration.”
The Gulf Coast Community Foundation was founded in 1995 to serve the region through proactive philanthropy. Serving the needs of the region as a partner in philanthropy and leader in community initiatives, Gulf Coast has provided over $575 million in the areas of health and human services, civic and economic development, education, arts and culture, and the environment. To learn more, visit GulfCoastCF.org.
For more about The Bay and The Bay Park Conservancy, visit thebaysarasota.org.