Longtime Van Wezel Foundation Supporter Kicks Off Campaign for New Performing Arts Center Information from the Herald-Tribune According to The Herald Tribune, the Van Wezel Foundation has received a $1 million gift from local philanthropist and longtime Van Wezel Foundation supporter Phil Steyaert, kicking off a private philanthropy campaign for the Sarasota Performing Arts Center. “On behalf of the Foundation and its board, I am incredibly honored to accept this meaningful gift from Phil Steyaert, a longtime champion of the Foundation and its mission,” Foundation board chair Jim Travers said. “His generous gift officially kicks off the private philanthropy campaign for the Sarasota Performing Arts Center, a legacy project that will have a lasting impact for generations to come.” Steyaert’s gift was inspired in response to the board’s $20 million commitment that was announced in January at the Foundation’s annual Inspiration Gala. “The performing arts is so important to me – the warm feeling I get from being there, the excitement,” Steyaert said. “That is why I decided to help kick off the private philanthropy campaign for the new performing arts center with this gift, and with the hope that other art and performance enthusiasts will join me in supporting this transformative project for our region.” As a former musician, Steyaert has been committed to sharing the arts by donating to the Foundation annually to advance its mission of creating and sustaining a vibrant performing arts center, advancing education, and enriching communities through the power of the arts. Steyaert has witnessed the growth within the community, citing the need for a new performing arts center to accommodate the progress of the area. “Our Sarasota community has grown but our space for the performing arts has not,” Steyaert said. “There are so many people that enjoy going, and we can give more people the opportunity to go – many for the first time – when we build the new Sarasota Performing Arts Center.” The Van Wezel Foundation has partnered with the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall since 1987 to support arts education throughout the region, serving more than 50,000 students and their families annually. For more information about the Sarasota Performing Arts Center, visit vwfoundation.org/SPAC.
Celebrate Parks and Recreation Month
July is National Parks and Recreation Month, so whether you’re looking for a place to have a pickleball match or want to walk a few natural trails, below is a list of parks in your area that can help you do just that. Tampa Bay Area •
Upper Tampa Bay Park at 8001 Double Branch Road, Tampa. Minimally developed and perfect for kayaking/canoeing, nature walks and picnics.
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Cypress Point Park at 5620 W Cypress Street, Tampa. Oceanfront with a boardwalk, trails, dunes, picnic shelters and canoe dock.
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Julian B Lane Riverfront Park at 1001 North Boulevard, Tampa. Scenic, 25-acre riverside park featuring a boat house, huge lawn, splash pad, plus areas for dogs.
Lake/Marion •
Hickory Point Recreation Park at 27341 FL-19, Tavares. Waterfront park experience with fishing, a nature boardwalk and trail, outdoor picnic areas with barbecue grills, playground, sand volleyball court, swimming beach and open-field play areas
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Twin Lakes Park at 35303 County Road 473, Leesburg. This park features a boardwalk, playground, pavilions, picnic tables and open play areas.
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Pine Forest Park at 32520 FL-44, Eustis. Noted as peaceful for kids, pets and an afternoon stroll, this park has shade, baseball diamonds, basketball courts and a hiking trail.
Sarasota/Manatee •
Creekwood Park at 7025 44th Avenue East, Bradenton. Community area providing an offleash dog park, playground, picnic pavilion and open green space.
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Manatee Beach Park at 4000 State Road, Gulf Drive, FL-64, Holmes Beach. Plan a beach day here with the bar and grill, live music and stunning sunsets.
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Bayfront Park at 5 Bayfront Dr, Sarasota. This destination offers waterfront green space with a promenade, playground, tiki bar and dramatic views of the bay and city.
Southwest Region •
Gilchrist Park at 400 W Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda. Waterfront green space with picnic & play areas, tennis courts, a fishing pier and community events.
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Ponce De Leon Park at 3400 Ponce de Leon Parkway, Punta Gorda. Park offering a beach, playground, mangrove boardwalk, boat launch & wildlife center.
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Laishley Park at 120 Laishley Court, Punta Gorda. Shoreline park with a fishing pier, marina, memorial garden, harbor walk and seafood restaurant.
Suncoast Region •
Moccasin Lake Nature Park at 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater. Tranquil, oak-lined paths, educational walking tours, natural exhibits and educational kids’ camps.
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Fred Howard Park at 1700 Sunset Drive, Tarpon Springs. Located on the Gulf of Mexico that draws a bustling crowd for the beach and swim area.
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E.G. Simmons Regional Park at 2401 19th Avenue NW, Ruskin. This waterfront wildlife sanctuary & campground offers swimming, kayak rentals and picnic facilities.
Lifestyles After 50 • July 2022 • 11
