For the first time, The Bay presents a season of free programs. Now through the spring, enjoy music and other performing arts, yoga and meditation, nature appreciation and much more.
Sarasota, Fla. – October 26, 2021 – The Bay Park Conservancy (BPC) is excited to announce a season of free programs and activities for the entire family. Spanning everything from arts and culture, health and wellness, to nature and discovery, there is sure to be a program for every park visitor to enjoy.
In addition to the self-guided activities people can experience throughout the park, The Bay is now offering a diverse range of planned programs and events. Many of these programs feature partnerships between a wide variety of local performing arts organizations, including Asolo Rep, Booker High School’s Visual and Performing Arts Program, The Hermitage Artist Retreat, and Sarasota Orchestra – making arts and cultural offerings accessible to all.
Programmatic decisions have been guided by the insights provided by The Bay’s recent Park Visitor Survey. With more than 2,500 survey respondents, offerings at The Bay are sure to align with the wants and needs of the community. The Bay Park invites residents and visitors alike to attend a wide array of programs and to experience what the park has to offer.
“This is the first time we’ve hosted a full season of events, spanning everything from music and arts events to walking tours and guided activities,” says Jeannie Perales, Chief Experience Officer. “This season of programs provides just a glimpse into what the future of The Bay looks like for the entire community.”
“At The Bay, we are committed to provide a park that is open, accessible, free and welcoming to all,” says AG Lafley, Founding CEO. “One way we do that is by providing free programs and events guided by insights from the thousands of people that took The Bay Park Visitor Survey.”
These free programs are made possible by a generous activation grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. As well, The Bay’s recently announced Founding Business Partners Program is a catalyst fund to spearhead activation in the park – ensuring that The Bay and its programs continue to be open, accessible, free, and welcoming to all.
“We’re thrilled to partner with The Bay to create activities, events, and programs that are welcoming to all to enjoy and come together in the great outdoors,” says Roxie Jerde, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. “We hope you’ll take part in these exciting offerings to refresh, reconnect, and engage with our community’s natural and cultural wonders.”
Arts & Culture programs include weekly and monthly offerings such as Sunsets at The Bay and Sundays at The Bay, both of which feature a diverse range of music and live performances. For more information about these programs, visit https://www.thebaysarasota.org/arts-culture/
Health & Wellness programs include twice weekly free yoga classes, and guided mindfulness walks through the park. For more information about these programs, visit https://www.thebaysarasota.org/healthy-fit/
Nature & Discovery programs include weekly guided nature walks, photography classes and astronomy events, holiday lights and more. For more information about these programs, visit https://www.thebaysarasota.org/nature-discovery/
For more information about all activities available at The Bay, visit https://www.thebaysarasota.org/activities/ For a full list of programs and dates, visit our events calendar https://www.thebaysarasota.org/calendar/
For more information about The Bay Park Conservancy, visit www.thebaysarasota.org or contact Nicole Zimmerman at nicole@largeinc.com or 201-394-4000.
About The Bay
The approved Bay Master Plan will conserve 53 acres of city-owned land and create an iconic public park along Sarasota Bay. The Bay is on track to open phase one of the park in the summer of 2022, providing an iconic destination that will welcome everyone to Sarasota. The Park will cost about $100-150 million and will take between 7-10 years, over 3 or more phases to complete. The Blue Pagoda serves as a welcome center for visitors and an on-site office for The Bay Park Conservancy. For more information or general inquiries about this initiative, please visit www.thebaysarasota.org or call 941-203-5316.
About The Bay Park Conservancy
The Bay Park Conservancy (BPC) was formed as a 501c3 not-for-profit organization in 2019 to implement the master plan approved by the Sarasota City Commission to conserve 53 acres of public land for a community park on Sarasota Bay. The BPC entered a long-term partnership with the City and will fund, develop, operate, and sustain the park for the benefit of the community, now, and for generations to come. For more information, visit www.thebaysarasota.org.