Kudos to homebuilder John Neal and his wife, Rebecca, for their bargain-basement sale of seven parcels in the Ballard Park neighborhood to the City of Bradenton. Worth an estimated $1.325 million, the Neals sold the parcels for about $285,000 in a break-even deal.

With some waterfront land along Wares Creek, the neighborhood would benefit mightily from a public park or open space.

The Neals also envision a rowing facility housed in a historic white house on one of the properties directly on the creek. Once the ongoing creek dredging is complete, kayakers and canoeists could launch from that point and enjoy a rejuvenated waterway.

Now the neighborhood could enjoy a similar revitalization with such an expansive public gathering spot. Cheers to the Neals.