City of Bradenton to Break Ground on City Park Project

The City of Bradenton will celebrate the groundbreaking of City Park on
Tuesday, June 9, marking the beginning of a multi-phase project that will add new
recreational amenities while helping revitalize the area surrounding LECOM Park.

The groundbreaking ceremony will take place at 11:45 a.m. at the City Park site adjacent to LECOM Park, 1511 9th Street West.

Phase 1 of the project includes the addition of a new baseball field and related site
improvements. The project is the first step in a larger transformational vision for City Park, which includes future opportunities for recreation, youth development, education, and community engagement through partnerships with local organizations and public agencies.

The City Park name pays tribute to City Park Field, where baseball was played more than a century ago.

City Park is the result of collaboration among the City of Bradenton, Manatee County, the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, the School District of Manatee County, the Manatee Police Athletic League, the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, and numerous community partners. The broader project has also received significant support through state and federal appropriations, including federal funding secured with the support of Congressman Vern Buchanan.

“City Park is about more than the addition of a baseball field,” said Mayor Gene Brown. “This project has been years in the making, and we’re excited to see it move forward. We’re investing in a place where families can gather, young people can play and learn, and residents can enjoy new recreational opportunities. It’s also an important step in strengthening the connections between our neighborhoods, downtown, and the Riverwalk.”

The ceremony will include remarks from community leaders and project partners, followed by the groundbreaking.