Manatee Commission blesses Rotary park project

A project to build all-inclusive playgrounds in Manatee County is officially underway.

The Manatee County Commission today gave the green light for Manatee County staff to work with the Rotary Clubs of Manatee to build three playgrounds in Manatee County, with the first at G.T. Bray Park and others at Tom Bennett Park and Buffalo Creek Park.

The projects, in total, are expected to cost about $1.8 million. Seven Manatee County Rotary clubs are working together to raise the funds through grants and private dollars. Manatee County will provide the space and land for the playgrounds and maintenance of them in the future.

“This has been lacking desperately in the county,” Commissioner Carole Whitmore said. “The best way to get through a disability is to not see the disability. The best way to do that is to blend with everyone else. Don’t separate.”

Commissioner Betsy Benac agreed, citing the board’s thankfulness for the effort.

“Volunteers are what make Manatee County great, and we appreciate you taking on this significant challenge,” she said.