MANATEE COUNTY, FL (January 17, 2024) – Manatee County is getting ready to construct a first-of-its-kind-in-the-county ADA-accessible playground at the Tom Bennett Park, located at 280 Kay Road, Bradenton, FL 34208.
A groundbreaking scheduled for Tuesday, January 30, 2024, will celebrate the start of this much-anticipated project, in conjunction with the Bradenton Kiwanis Club. Bradenton Kiwanis members presented $784,000 to the County in May 2023 towards the construction costs. They’ve been working with County staff to ensure the design and construction are consistent with the Club’s vision on this legacy project.
"I’m hopeful this playground will bring our whole community together in play, while helping those with disabilities have fun, further their development and experience a true sense of belonging, as well as helping others in this community embrace the values of inclusion,” said City of Bradenton Vice Mayor and Kiwanis Club Board Member Jayne Kocher.
Some of the planned features for the playground include ramp accessibility onto the play structures, slides, climbing nets, a climbing wall, built-in sensory and cognitive activities, a wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round, zip lines with accessibility seats, shade covers and synthetic turf ground.
“This is a project with generational impact,” said Manatee County Commission Chair Mike Rahn. “It is exciting to see a partnership come together like this to build a legacy of play for all.”
The groundbreaking ceremony will be in conjunction with the Bradenton Kiwanis Club’s regular meeting on January 14 and also will include a collection of food trucks—just in time for lunch.