The Van Wezel Foundation Board of Directors has committed a $100,000 gift to help fund Phase 2 of The Bay, the newly-opened signature public park on Sarasota Bay. Phase 2 is focused on completing the "ring" around the park, which includes Dockside (South Canal District), the Cultural District along N. Tamiami Trail, the Western Shoreline, and the Sunset Boardwalk. The Bay, which has been in development since 2019, recently opened on October 14 and includes more than 14 acres of revitalized greenspace, a larger-than-life Ibis playground, Common Ground lawns, a Fountain Garden, multiple walkways, an outdoor Reading Room, an ADA-accessible paddle launch, restored and preserved mangroves and shorelines, and spectacular sunset views. For more information about The Bay Park Conservancy, visit www.thebaysarasota.org or contact Julia Groom at julia@dreamlarge.org or 941-786-8732.