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From Aspiration to Reality: The Bay Park’s Journey of Transformation

The Patterson Foundation

Through The Bay, the community is engaged in a multi-year journey to fulfill its vision to transform 53 acres of the city’s most precious land on Sarasota’s bayfront into a public park that is free, open, and welcoming to our diverse region while offering fitness, health, cultural, recreational, and educational activities and events. From the early beginnings, The Patterson Foundation (TPF)  has supported The Bay as a community-driven aspiration.

Throughout its evolution, The Bay has been defined by a sense of inclusiveness that aligns with TPF’s tenets. To dive deeper into the why and how behind The Bay’s transformation, Debra Jacobs, President and CEO of The Patterson Foundation, is joined by A.G. Lafley, the Founding CEO of the Bay Park Conservancy.

Timestamps 

  • 2:06- Providing the historical context
  • 4:00 - The Patterson Foundation offers to support this community aspiration 
  • 5:29 - The Bay’s Evolution 
  • 7:00 - Engaging AG
  • 9:05 - Public/Private Partnerships
  • 10:45 - Leveraging Matches and Finding Funding
  • 11:30 - Value of TPF’s Leadership and Support
  • 14:03 - The Alignment with The Bay & TPF’s Values
  • 17:16 - Selecting The Master Planning Group 
  • 21:34 -  Developing a Plan with Community Input
  • 26:21 - Phase 1 of The Bay
  • 30:20 - Funding The Bay Step By Step
  • 30:31 - Kicking off the first capital Campaign for Phase One 
  • 32:36 - Engaging The Five Foundations in our Region
  • 33:32 - The Patterson Foundation’s 2nd Match
  • 36:03 -  Impact of Unrestricted Funds
  • 42:00 - Aspirations Moving Forward
  • 44:34 - Making The Bay Free for All
  • 48:00 - Building More Park in Phase 2

Links to Learn More 

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