Along the waterfront, the rhythm of The Bay Park changes throughout the day. Friends walk the nature trails together, families gather in the open spaces for concerts, food festivals and holiday celebrations, and neighbors settle in for movies under the stars. At sunrise, some roll out their yoga mats on the lawn for an early workout, while others flock to the Bayfront Community Center to recenter themselves with a Pilates class. No matter how people choose to spend their time at The Bay, there is an opportunity to find connection, build relationships and, for many, discover a place where they feel they belong. But beyond the free programming and amenities, it is the people who gather there and make the space their own who give The Bay its character.

For Teri Booth, a bookkeeper and frequent participant in The Bay’s fitness classes, those connections have become an important part of her life. What started with researching cost-friendly ways to reinvigorate her wellness routine has evolved into friendships and a community that extends far beyond the park. She and other regulars have even formed a text group, where they actively make plans to do other activities together and share updates about their lives.

“It really is one park for all,” she said. “Showing up to something at The Bay is kind of like the show ‘Cheers.’ You will run into people you know and make new friends.”

For the people who teach these classes, The Bay can feel just as personal. Claudia Baeza, a Pilates and yoga instructor who teaches as part of Namaste at The Bay, was initially drawn to the park’s focus on ecological wellness and public access to the water. She also saw an opportunity to create a “family of yogis” — a group where mindfulness could be practiced together to help people navigate mental health challenges.

“My approach to teaching yoga is to welcome everyone as they are to the room,” she said. “This is an extension of the values and vision of leadership at The Bay and I extend that vision through all inclusive classes that offer yoga to all levels and abilities.”

For Jennifer Johnston, that sense of ease is part of what keeps drawing her back to The Bay. As Gulf Coast’s Director, Community Engagement and a frequent visitor to the park, Johnston has been part of The Bay’s story from the beginning, including volunteering at its grand opening celebration in 2022. Now, she checks The Bay’s weekly calendar for upcoming events and schedules time to take walks along the waterfront and meet friends for lunch at The Nest Café. The park has become as much a part of her daily life as her morning walks.

“Everyone is welcome to do what’s best for them," she said of the park's classes. "There’s no pressure and I don’t feel like people are watching me. The Bay team, the instructors, and participants have always been friendly and helpful. They encourage everyone to have fun and do what they need to, not to compare themselves to others."

The Bay has become a place where people show up for each other, whether that's a fitness class, a concert, or a quiet walk along the water. Now the community has a chance to help complete the park. Gulf Coast and anonymous friends of The Bay have created a $2 million match to complete Phase 3 of the park, advancing efforts to improve resilience and water quality, add acres of greenspace for the community to enjoy, and keep all events free and open to everyone. Donors who give by June 30, 2027, will have their gift matched dollar for dollar, helping raise $4 million to complete the park this community built.

“What stands out to me about The Bay is how many different ways people have made it part of their lives,” said Phillip Lanham, President | CEO of Gulf Coast. “That’s why this match is so meaningful — it’s an opportunity for everyone to play a part, with contributions both large and small coming together to help The Bay and this community continue to grow.”

Moments of belonging have become part of the fabric of The Bay — a shared class, a familiar face on the trail, a conversation over lunch or an invitation to join in. As the creation of the park moves into its final phase, those moments will continue to shape its future. This regional asset will keep moving forward alongside the people who gather there and the community that continues to make it one park for all.

To learn more about the community match for The Bay, visit the Gulf Coast website.