New exercise area coming to Riverwalk

Together Manatee, a group of business and community leaders, is donating $40,000 toward a new exercise pad on Riverwalk.

Formed just two years, Together Manatee identifies unmet needs in the community and finds solutions to meet project goals that will have a long-lasting and positive effect. Economic Development Director Carl Callahan said Together Manatee has been working, essentially since forming two years ago, to make this project happen.

Project costs are expected to $66,000 to include the new equipment and artificial turf exercise pad. The city will contribute the remaining funds and will spend another $34,000 to ensure the design of area, located to the east of the skate park, is consistent with Riverwalk’s landscaping and design.

“The mission of Riverwalk has always been all inclusive and to make it a great place, not just a nice place,” Callahan said.

The location and theme are ideal for the eventual eastward expansion of Riverwalk, which is expected to have significantly more health and fitness components.

Though actively seeking new members, Together Manatee board member Bob Turner, a former Bradenton Herald publisher, said the organization currently includes 14 businesses and other organizations, “that got together to try and fill some needs in the community and create opportunities for new things.

“This exercise plot on Riverwalk is something we would really like to see and we wanted to participate financially.”

This story was originally published October 11, 2017 at 1:30 PM with the headline "New exercise area coming to Riverwalk."