Pictured: An environmental and community gem, The Bay Park is a space for families to treasure along Sarasota Bay. Photo courtesy of The Bay.

Gulf Coast Community Foundation’s (Gulf Coast) Board of Directors approved a $1 million grant that has been doubled by anonymous Gulf Coast donors, to make a total of $2 million in matching dollars available for The Bay Park in downtown Sarasota, FL. The significant milestone funding will be used to support the design and development of a new Resilient Shoreline as well as free park programming. This is a challenge match opportunity to the community to raise a total of $4 million for The Bay by December 31, 2024. Donations can be made via The Bay’s website: www.thebaysarasota.org/support-the-park. “This important challenge match from Gulf Coast demonstrates the importance of The Bay and its growing positive impact – on the environment and on people. Creating and providing access to more, sustainable green space and more high-quality free programming enables the park to continue to be a delightful place that is open and accessible, free and welcoming to the full and rich diversity of the community -- now, and for future generations,” says AG Lafley, Founding CEO Bay Park Conservancy. Since opening in October 2022, more than 400,000 people have visited The Bay, and more than 50,000 people have participated in free events and programs offered in the park. Immersion in nature helps improve happiness, well-being, and mental focus by reducing anxiety and stress. Gulf Coast has already made many important contributions to The Bay, including support of Common Ground, a centerpiece in the first phase of the park, which has become a beloved, sustainable outdoor gathering space for everyone in the community to enjoy. Extending the Resilient Shoreline as part of Phase 2 will build on the continual environmental restoration efforts throughout the park and will treat millions of gallons of polluted stormwater before it enters Sarasota Bay.

Pictured: An environmental and community gem, The Bay Park is a space for families to treasure along Sarasota Bay. Photo courtesy of The Bay.