Funding for The Bay Match is Realized

Following a year-long challenge to the community, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, an anonymous donor, The Patterson Foundation, Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation, and generous individuals and others throughout the community have helped fuel park expansion and free park programming at The Bay. This milestone demonstrates the power of the community partnerships that enable The Bay to be “One Park for All” – open and accessible, free and welcoming for everyone to enjoy. Funding will be used to support the 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. 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,” says Gulf Coast’s President | CEO Phillip Lanham. “Together with partners like The Patterson Foundation, we have worked tirelessly to align our efforts and bring this bold, proactive vision to life. Today, we’re witnessing the fruits of that collaboration, a testament to the lasting impact we’re making on our community.”

From the beginning, The Bay has followed a set of guiding principles which includes One Park for All, A Gathering Place, and A Community of Partnerships. Since opening in October 2022, more than 600,000 people have visited The Bay, and more than 100,000 people have participated in more than 1,500 free events and programs offered in the park. 

“Continued 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. These catalyzing matches demonstrate the importance of The Bay and its growing positive impact – on the environment and on people,” says AG Lafley, Founding CEO Bay Park Conservancy.