Neal, Observer launch contest for Central Park

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Eight East County groups are vying for their chance to win $1,000, and contest organizers need your help choosing the winner.

In celebration of the July opening of Lakewood Ranch’s newest community, Central Park, its developer, Neal Communities, has asked select groups to design and paint benches that will be placed in a special garden section of the community’s 10-acre park.

Now, it’s the community’s turn to pitch in.

“We’re looking for the people’s choice,” said Leisa Weintraub, Neal’s vice president of marketing/creative director.

The East County Observer will host voting for the My Favorite Bench Contest through July 12. Registered users can vote up to 10 times per day.

“It’s a great idea,” said Sondra Guffey, bench project coordinator. “Now that these people have done all this work, even more people can see it — friends and family all over the world.”

Organizations competing include the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners, Gullett Elementary School, Nolan Middle School, Lakewood Ranch High School, the Manatee County YMCA, the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance and Manatee Technical Institute’s Lakewood Ranch campus.

Students at each of the schools and three professional artists working on behalf of the non-profits have painted unique benches, designing their pieces either to reflect the group’s character or natural Florida habitat.

Lakewood Ranch junior McKenzie Marshall’s design mirrors the concept of a patchwork quilt, displaying a variety of scenes you would see in Florida. The bench created by Gullett Elementary, designed by art teacher Dana Sackett and painted by four students, features a Florida panther and a viceroy butterfly.

“The idea was to involve the community, especially young people and non-profits, and we think this is a great way to give (these groups) a permanent place within Central Park and hopefully be a good awareness driver for these groups, as well,” Guffey said.

Central Park, located just south of Gullett on the east side of Lakewood Ranch Boulevard between 44th Avenue and Malachite Drive, will be a private gated community of about 780 homes. The community’s main feature will be a centrally located park modeled after Central Park in New York City. The amenity will include shaded picnic areas, a covered pavilion, sports fields, a kiosk and a gazebo. It even will have the same benches used in Central Park.

Neal will announce the winners at a dedication ceremony July 15.

If Manatee County’s bench wins, the money will go to its Keep Manatee Beautiful program.

THE CONTESTANTS
• Manatee County Board of County Commissioners — Bench painted by Ann Marie Nicholas. Theme: a variation of the seal of Manatee County.

• Gullett Elementary School — Bench designed by art teacher Dana Sackett and painted by students. Theme: Florida wildlife.

• Nolan Middle School — Bench designed by art teacher Wade Smith and studens and painted by students. Theme: Native Florida habitat.

• Lakewood Ranch High School — Bench designed by student MaKenzie Marshall and painted by Marshall and Michelle Rushing. Theme: Collage of Florida scenes and icons.

• YMCA — Bench designed artist Ann Marie Nicholas. Theme: Kids and sports.

• Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance — Bench designed by artist and Lakewood resident Janet Mishner. Theme: Lakewood Ranch activities and scenes.

• Manatee Chamber of Commerce — Bench designed by artist Sarah Taylor. Theme: Manatee County map highlighting areas of interest.

• Manatee Technical Institute — Bench designed by massage therapy and surgical students. Theme: Day to night.

CAST YOUR VOTE
Click here to view the benches and cast your vote.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].