The Bay Park Conservancy Awarded $100,000 by Van Wezel Foundation Board Members

This grant goes toward furthering Phase 2 of The Bay

The Van Wezel Foundation Board of Directors has committed a $100,000 gift to help fund Phase 2 of The Bay, the newly-opened signature public park on Sarasota Bay.

Phase 2 is focused on completing the “ring” around the park, which includes Dockside (South Canal District), the Cultural District along N. Tamiami Trail, the Western Shoreline, and the Sunset Boardwalk.

“My fellow board members and I join the community in celebrating the opening of The Bay Park,” says Jim Travers, Chair of the Van Wezel Foundation Board of Directors. “Seeing the Master Plan come to life inspired our shared vision for how special the 53 acres will be, including a world-class performing arts center at the heart of it.”

“The Bay Park Conservancy appreciates the generosity of the Foundation board members. The Van Wezel Foundation is an important community partner in our aspirations to create a place where arts, culture, the environment, nature and recreation intersect,” says AG Lafley, Founding CEO of The Bay Park Conservancy. “We are grateful for this meaningful gift as we continue to build one park for all.”

The Bay, which has been in development since 2019, recently opened on October 14 and includes more than 14 acres of revitalized greenspace, a larger-than-life Ibis playground, Common Ground lawns, a Fountain Garden, multiple walkways, an outdoor Reading Room, an ADA-accessible paddle launch, restored and preserved mangroves and shorelines, and spectacular sunset views.
For more information about The Bay Park Conservancy, visit www.thebaysarasota.org or contact Julia Groom at [email protected] or 941-786-8732.