More than 1.2 million people have visited The Bay since the 53-acre waterfront park opened in October 2022. The Bay Park Conservancy is marking the milestone with a monthlong birthday party starting Oct. 1.
Celebration kicks off Oct. 1 with 70 events
The celebration, called "One Park FOUR All," runs from Thursday, Oct. 1, through Sunday, Nov. 1, and features more than 70 free events at the park along Sarasota Bay, the Englewood Review reported.
"The best measure of The Bay is how people use it," volunteer founding CEO A.G. Lafley said in the announcement.
Six anchor events headline the lineup
Six anchor events headline the month:
- Salsa & Sunsets Community Celebration, Wednesday, Oct. 7: live music, a toast and a dance party with Latin flair.
- The Rocky Horror Picture Show screening, Friday, Oct. 9: a cult-classic movie under the stars.
- Park-toberfest, Sunday, Oct. 11: a stein-hoisting contest, chicken dancing and German-inspired snacks.
- Boo! at The Bay Family Halloween, Saturday, Oct. 17: costumes, trick-or-treating, pumpkin painting and a family movie.
- Taste of The Bay Food Festival, Sunday, Oct. 25: signature dishes from locally owned restaurants, organized by Sarasota-Manatee Originals.
- Best of The Bay Music Fest, Sunday, Nov. 1: a daylong showcase of local talent and surprise guests.
Beyond the headliners, the month includes live music, movies, dance, opera, fitness classes, family activities and guided kayak tours. All events are free.
Park's second phase underway through 2027
The park's first 10-acre phase opened four years ago on land that had been largely a parking lot. Phase 2, covering an additional 14 acres with a $65 million budget, is fully funded and underway, with completion targeted for 2027. The Bay Park Conservancy's website shows the full buildout is expected to cost about $200 million across four or more phases over eight to 10 years.
Visitor totals outpace early projections
The park's visitor count stood at 1.15 million as of May 18, when Lafley and Chief Operating Officer Diana Shaheen presented the figure to the Sarasota City Commission. Mayor Debbie Trice called it "an extraordinary figure" for a city of 58,000 residents.
Public-private funding model splits costs
The conservancy's funding model splits costs roughly 50% philanthropy, 25% city and 25% county, with public dollars drawn from a tax increment financing (TIF) district. That TIF district, established in fiscal year 2020, was originally projected to generate about $190 million over 30 years. Rapid redevelopment in The Quay and the Rosemary District has nearly doubled projections to $378 million, according to the Sarasota Observer.
Design award and $2 million match announced
On June 10, the American Institute of Architects honored The Bay's design team with a 2026 Regional & Urban Design Award. On Aug. 4, Gulf Coast Community Foundation announced a $2 million challenge match. Gulf Coast's board approved a $1 million grant, and anonymous donors doubled it. Every community gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar through June 30, 2027, with a goal of raising $4 million total.
Coming up at The Bay
- Wednesday, Oct. 7: Salsa & Sunsets Community Celebration
- Friday, Oct. 9: The Rocky Horror Picture Show screening
- Sunday, Oct. 11: Park-toberfest
The full calendar of free anniversary events is available at TheBaySarasota.org/Calendar. The Bay is located at 1055 Boulevard of the Arts.
