PALMETTO, Fla. — Manatee County is pouring money into its parks, including one in Palmetto that just opened up before the Memorial Day weekend.
What You Need To Know
- More than $13 million has been put into revamping Lincoln Park in Palmetto
- The two basketball courts were refurbished with added lighting above the courts, and a new bridge will be built connecting a neighborhood to the park
- Residents say it’s a great way to get exercise and enjoy the new additions to the park
There are a lot of upcoming changes to Lincoln Park, but two new additions recently opened to the public.
On Friday, one family took to the courts for the first time to practice basketball.
“The whole fun of it is just having fun,” said 7-year-old Tony Porter.
His family loves basketball, so naturally Porter wanted to take up the sport.
“Giannis is my favorite player,” he said of Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Porter has only been playing for two years on a youth basketball team, but says it’s his passion and he practices during the week any chance he gets.
"I’m so excited for these new courts,” said Stephanie Porter, Tony's mother.
Manatee County refurbished the old basketball courts at Lincoln Park in Palmetto, along with the lighting above the courts. The new-look courts were opened this week.
“It's really been an opportunity where a recognized need for amenities for our residents really took full course,” said Molly White, the deputy director of sports and leisure services for Manatee County.
She says over the past two years, the county has put more than $13 million into Lincoln Park.
"Well, you have to invest in your parks because it's a vital part of you community's health," she said. "And it's very important when you have so many families and such a need within the county to really put that investment back into the community."
For the Porter family, its about using the courts to spend time together.
“I’ve been a Manatee County resident for over 12 years and been able to see the area grow and stuff like this is amazing it propels children to go outside and play,” Stephanie Porter said.
And for Tony, he hopes to use the new court to refine his skills.
The family says they are also going to take advantage of swimming for free.
Meanwhile, the county has announced that all Manatee County pools and splash pads are free to the public.
There will also be a two-level press box and a bridge connecting the nearby neighborhood to the park for easy accessibility.
White says she expects those two additions to open by this fall.