Manatee seeks public feedback for Parks Master Plan

MANATEE COUNTY – Parks lovers and outdoor enthusiasts will have a chance to shape the future of parks, green spaces and trails throughout Manatee County during by providing input over the next two months. Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department, working with consultant Kimley-Horn and Associates, will host six upcoming meetings to gather public opinions that will be a part of the county’s Parks Master Plan. When complete, the Parks Master Plan will provide a 15-year blueprint for the county to develop and maximize recreation and open space amenities.

“During these meetings we’ll be giving an overview of the existing (parks and green space) conditions and asking people what they want to see in the future,” said Charlie Hunsicker Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Director. “We’d like to get a wide diversity of comments and for people to tell us in their own words what their expectations are for what a quality parks system looks like.”

The meetings will be held at the following dates, times and locations:

• Dec. 7, 3–4:30 p.m. at G.T. Bray Park Recreation Center, 5502 33rd Ave Dr. W., Bradenton;
• Dec. 7, 6–8 p.m. at Rocky Bluff Library 6750, U.S. 301, Ellenton;
• Dec. 13, 6–8 p.m. at Braden River Library, 4915 53rd Ave. E., Bradenton;
• Dec. 15, 6–8 p.m. at South Manatee Branch Library, 6081 26th St. W., Bradenton;
• Jan. 12, 6–8 p.m. at Palmetto Library, 923 6th St. W., Palmetto.

Those unable to make any of the meetings can provide answers to 17 questions via online survey that can be found on a website created for the Master Plan. Hunsicker said the project team will return for additional public feedback at other times in 2017 before presenting the Master Plan to County Commissioners for final approval.