When will Washington Park be built? Here’s what to know about the plans in Palmetto
Work is scheduled to begin soon at Washington Park in Palmetto, where county officials plan to use dredge material from Port Manatee to fulfill the promise of a long-awaited recreational space.
The Manatee Board of County Commissioners and other local leaders planned to host a groundbreaking ceremony at the park, 3011 Eighth Ave. E in Palmetto, on Wednesday afternoon. For decades, the county has planned to bring the park to the historically Black neighbohood.
In 2017, Parks and Natural Resources Director Charlie Hunsicker said he had been working on finalizing the plan since it was first pitched in 2000. According to the county, the 88-acre park will be completed in three phases.
“The residents of Palmetto and District 2 have waited a very long time for this moment and I know people are excited to have Washington Park come to reality,” said Commissioner Reggie Bellamy, the district commissioner. “I’m so appreciative of the many people who worked diligently for many years to make it a reality.”
Here are some things to know about the park:
What amenities will be included at Washington Park?
The park will be developed over the next few years. The first phase of the park will include a pavilion, a children’s play area, a multi-use field and a walking trail. Restrooms will also be at the park.
Where is Washington Park being built?
The brand new Washington Park will be located on 88 acres at 3011 Eighth Ave. E. in Palmetto, just east of U.S. 41. The land in that area was used a borrow pit to help build that highway’s nearby overpass in 1957.
When will Washington Park open to the public?
Construction is expected to take about a year, according to a county spokesman. The first 12 acres of the park should open in May 2022.
How much will Washington Park cost to build?
The first phase of Washington Park will cost the county $2.75 million. Those funds will come from the Infrastructure Sales Tax fund as well as Community Development Block Grant funds.
Will anything be added to Washington Park in the future?
There are plans to expand Washington Park’s footprint over the next years. The park will open with a few amenities, while other additions will come later. Some of those enhancements include a walking trail, boardwalks and observation platforms.
How will the county fill Washington Park’s borrow pit?
In a partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the county plans to use dredge material leftover from the expansion of Port Manatee. Around one million cubic yards of that material will come from the port “over the next decade” in order to fill 20 acres of the former borrow pit. The partnership is estimated to save the county $10 million.
This story was originally published July 28, 2021 at 2:38 PM.
