Community Corner
Grand Opening Set for Bennett Park
The new park just west of the Walmart Supercenter on State Road 64 includes kayak and canoe launches, a fishing pier and soccer field. Long term plans promise much more.
The County is set to cut the ribbon on Nov. 12 for its newest park, a gift to the residents of east Manatee County who have been requesting a county recreation area for years.
Manatee County will host a huge party for its new 180-acre Bennett Park off of State Road 64 just west of Walmart. And the all day celebration includes food, music, entertainment, a sand volleyball tournament, ultimate frisbee and a salute to Veterans in honor of Veterans Day.
Come prepared to honor veterans and to play hard. Sports demonstrations include Quidditch, Ultimate Frisbee and soccer.
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Turner Tree & Landscape and Holland Construction, two of the parks contractors, have donated 250 live oak saplings for those who attend the grand opening.
Those attending may take home one of 250 live oak saplings which are being donated by Turner Tree & Landscape and Holland Construction, two of the project contractors.
Find out what's happening in Bradentonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Family members of the late Tom Bennett say it was his vision to create a community park for his family and for generations of Manatee County residents. Manatee County purchased the land from the Tom Bennett family in 2003 using mostly funding from the Florida Communities Trust grant.
Along with the playground, picnic tables, soccer field and nature trail that already exist, the county has a blueprint for more amenities. Long term plans include an amphitheater, horseshoe pits, an Olympic-sized pool, baseball fields and tennis courts. Ruben-Holland Development also plans to build a public entry to the park that will also serve its nearby neighborhood.
“We have built a gorgeous park that this community can really be proud of,” said Cindy Turner, Manatee County Parks and Recreation Director. “I think this is the kind of recreation area East Manatee County residents have asked for and deserved for a long time.”
The grand opening ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. on Nov. 12 at 400 Cypress Creek Blvd. After the opening ceremony officials will help kick off the Great American Festival, the first official event at the park.
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