Design Work Continues on Vets’ Hub, Memorial Park
By Lisa Neff
Design and survey work continues in the campaign to establish a resource hub for military veterans and a memorial park in Palmetto.
“This is a heavy lift,” said Manatee County Commissioner Jason Bearden, himself a military veteran. “This is veterans are coming together and trying to create something that connects veterans.”
Manatee County has provided a 24-acre site and also authorized $4 million in February 2024 for the project, with the expectation that there will be additional public and private funding.
A comprehensive plan, headlined “A place of honor, healing and connection” and prepared by Kimley Horn design, shows several ponds, wetlands, a veterans connections hub, a grassy event space with a stage, a military plaza, a walking trail, a donor wall, restrooms, a fire pit, parking and multiple memorials.
The memorials would honor veterans of American-involved armed conflicts dating to the American Revolution, as well as honor each branch of the armed services and “hometown heroes.”
The property, 5431 Buckeye Road, Palmetto, is adjacent to a new school site and bordered by the Artisan Lakes subdivision.
County commissioners have said the concept and initial designs were inspired by visits to other memorial parks, including the Veterans Memorial Park and Museum off US 301 in Hillsborough County, where there are 14 war memorials, picnic pavilions, hiking trails and resources.
Project consultant Carlos de Quesada, a managing partner with VeraCruz Advisory LLC, described amenities that would be veteran-focused, including ceremonies, referral services and direct educational and vocational support, as well as amenities that would be community-focused, such as concerts, markets and educational tours.
“There’s great work being done by the design team.” de Quesada said in a recent report to county commissioners outlining a multiyear, multiphase campaign. “We want to make sure that what we’re designing serves the community.”
Next steps include naming the park, holding listening sessions with veterans, establishing a nonprofit and board, further evaluating the more than 200 community surveys received and fundraising.
“Funding,” said County Commissioner Mike Rahn, “is the root of everything.” He suggested looking into whether the property might be used for reserve training or meetings, as well as lining up backing from other public and private sources, including $3.8 million anticipated in federal dollars.
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