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MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Manatee County commissioners recently approved an investment of $24 million into the county’s parks.
Recently, mornings have been really busy for crews working at Manatee County parks.
That includes Molly White, the director of sports and leisure services for the county.
“Right now we’re at Hidden Harbor Park. It’s right across from the Fort Hamer boat ramp,” White said.
Hidden Harbor Park is not yet open. It’s one of several the county is currently working on, and they hope to open it this fall, she said.
It will offer a pump track, playground, three volleyball courts, an educational center, and a pavilion.
“Alongside the growth to ensure the families that are moving here, that have been here forever, have a place to play,” she said.
Over the past three years, investments in the county’s parks have been a high priority for local leaders, White said.
That focus continued recently at the Board of County Commissioners’ last budget meeting.
“We are so lucky that the Board of County Commissioners has approved over $24 million CIP just for parks over the next five years,” she said.
Roughly 10 parks in Manatee County are under construction, in the design process, or getting ready to open, she said.
The county chooses the locations for the parks based on areas where they’ve seen the most growth.
“Our population has grown immensely. The growth is coming out north and out east. And having a passive park like this gives free, affordable recreation opportunities for kids to get out,” she said.
As White continues to pave a path for Manatee County’s parks, she knows every change and addition is another investment for both residents and visitors.
The county expects to finish work on all the parks that are undergoing work within the next two years.
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Julia Hazel
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