County seeks park proposals that will make a splash

EAST COUNTY — Manatee County officials are ready to dive into proposals for the construction of a regional water park at the 188-acre Tom Bennett Park.

The county issued a request for proposals for a long-term lease for the approximately 20-acre parcel fronting Interstate 75 about three weeks ago. The county will accept proposals through March 5.
But don’t break out the swimsuits and towels just yet.

“The motion has started,” said District 5 Commissioner Vanessa Baugh. “I think we’re all anxious to see (what comes back). But no absolute decision has been made on whether we do a water park or not. Obviously, it’s very important to get with the public on this before a decision is made.”

Commissioners heard an update on the Bennett Park site during a workshop last week because the site is being deemed a “surplus” property.

Mike Whelan, recreation division manager for Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources, said the word “surplus” is a misnomer. The county is considering using the site for something other than originally proposed — the water park — so it was included with a list of other surplus properties, including land at the Bradenton Area Convention Center and the Rubonia Community Center, among others.

“On that 20 acres, part of the original plan was to include a couple of softball courts,” Whelan said. “Our fields will be moved to a different part of the park if we are able to partner with someone to build a water park there.”

If the water park concept moves forward, the county also would shift Bennett Park’s main entrance off Kay Road farther south, to another existing entrance off Cypress Creek Boulevard immediately north of Gettel Toyota of Lakewood.

Whelan said construction of two softball fields is contingent on the collection of sufficient impact fees and likely won’t be constructed for at least two years.

The County Commission began considering the Bennett Park site for a water park in September, after the Bradenton-based nonprofit Central Economic Development Center presented a request for a $20 million water park facility at that location. It partnered with Mims Construction and Austin Commercial for the project. Austin Commercial has worked with theme parks such as Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, in Orlando.

The proposal included a roller coaster, slides, child and teen activity zones, a wave pool and a lazy river.
At the time, the board voted to put the concept out for proposals and invited the CEDC to participate.

Commissioners have maintained the property should be considered as a long-term lease, rather than selling the land.

PROJECT OVERVIEW
Manatee County is seeking competitive proposals for the financing, development, design, construction, operation, maintenance and marketing (turnkey solution) of a top-quality aquatic and recreation complex at Tom Bennett Park.

The site is located at 400 Cypress Creek Blvd., Bradenton.

The site is highly visible from Interstate 75.

The destination should contain attractions and elements commonly found in recreational centers, including rides, surf pools, inner tube/mat racer slides, interactive play areas and other elements.

Requirements:
The successful proposer is expected to:

• Finance, design, develop, operate and maintain a family-oriented destination on the site;

• Include all support buildings found at similar destinations;

• Demonstrate experience successfully operating and managing an aquatic and recreational complex of similar scope and size;

• Provide ancillary destination-related retail and merchandising goods;

• Provide ancillary facilities, such as lockers, shower stations, restrooms and rest areas;

• Provide proper lighting and security 24 hours a day, 365 days per year;

• Provide for marketing in cooperation with Manatee County Parks and Recreation and Manatee County Tourist Development Council;

• Provide food concessions and a seating area to park patrons(and possibly external patrons);

• Provide landscaping, noise management and onsite signage plans; and

• Participate in the public hearing process for the development plan and/or preliminary site plan