Bill Evers Reservoir (Ward Lake) is a very nice and attractive lake. It is owned by the City of Bradenton and provides water supply and recreation. It is on the Braden River.
The County of Manatee has provided a very nice recreational facility called Jigg's Landing located at the east side of the lake. Canoes and boats can be launched from Jigg's Landing.
Honore Avenue borders the southern border of the Lake. But the area is fenced and the lake cannot be seen or used by local residents. To see or use the lake requires an over 5 mile drive.
We propose that Manatee County develop a park on the south boundary of the Lake on Honore Ave. The County already owns property in this location and with a small effort the County could create a nice park that would provide an attractive area for the people near Honore. We propose the name Honore Park.
Jiggs Landing can be seen in the north east corner of the Lake. The proposed new park would be at the south east corner of the Lake with access from Honore Avenue.
The map below shows how residents who live near Honore must now travel to get to the Lake. The new park would lower the distance by over 5 miles. Bikers and walkers could easily get to the lake.
Photos of the Lake taken from Jigg's Landing looking across the lake towards the proposed Honore Park.
The map below shows the location of the proposed Honore Park. People living west of I-75, north of University, and south of State Road 70 would benefit from the park and convenient access to the Lake.
The outlined parcel below is owned by Manatee County. It fronts on Honore Avenue and has a small detention pond on the west end. If is also very close to the Lake. Land on all sides of the parcel is owned by the City of Bradenton. The County could easily create a small park in this location with nice overlooks and access to the Lake.
Bradenton has just announced that they intend to sell the 200 acres just west of the Lake and bordering Honore. They have received a number of offers for the land. Now would be an excellent time for the County to buy some or all of this land. So options for the County are:
1. Take no action.
2. Create a small park on County owned land.
3. Work with developer to develop larger lakefront park.
4. Buy the entire property.
An additional benefit of acquiring some or all of the land along the lake is for the protection of the water, since this lake is used for public water supply for residents of Manatee County. It is better to have land that drains directly into public water supply as natural as possible, with little direct drainage from lawns and their fertilizer.
We are forming a Committee to explore this potential park. We ask that the County Board explore the possibility of an acquisition of some or all of the site.
Jigg's Landing is a very nice Manatee County Park. A list of Amenities at Jigg's Landing is listed below:
- Picnic areas and pavilions
- Boardwalks
- Concession stand
- Wildlife viewing areas
- Dock
- Nature-themed Playground
Kayak/Canoeing: A new handicap accessible canoe/kayak launch is located at the site. The launch gives paddlers access to the entire Braden River and its freshwater system.
Picnicking: Available at the various sites throughout the preserve on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Pavilion: The picnic pavilion is available by reservation on a first-come, first-serve basis. You can reserve a pavilion online or by calling 941-742-5923.
Wildlife Viewing: Visitors can view a variety of birds and wildlife throughout the preserve in the restored native ecosystems.
Coming Soon:
The following amenities will be added to Jiggs Landing as it develops:
- Interpretive signage
- Kayak concessions
- Bicycle concessions
- Food, bait, and drink concessions
http://www.mymanatee.org/home/government/departments/parks-and-recreation/natural-resources/preserves/jiggs-landing
Conclusion
Manatee could create a nice small park on Honore with access and views of the Lake.
Contact Craig Hullinger at craighullinger@gmail.com if you have comments or concerns or if you would like to help make this park a reality. craighullinger.com
Proposed Honore Park
Possible Trail System
Subdivision design with public open space.
Create entry way park with views of the lake.
Create a grand entryway to the development.
Park / Development Name the same.
Park / Lake helps market development.
Create trail along lake.
Donation of land for tax deduction.
Use County land for entrance.
Use donation for acquisition match funds.
Improve bird habitat southeast of the lake.
Create trail along lake.
Donation of land for tax deduction.
Use County land for entrance.
Use donation for acquisition match funds.
Improve bird habitat southeast of the lake.
Background
Bradenton officials extend bid deadline on 200 acres near Evers Reservoir
Two hundred acres of city-owned vacant land at Bill Evers Reservoir in east Manatee County is back up for bid. WCI Communities withdrew from a $10 million agreement with the city of Bradenton in early February, opening the door for new bidders. GRANT JEFFRIES/Bradenton Herald file photo
BRADENTON -- The deadline to respond to an invitation to negotiate to buy 200 acres of city-owned vacant land next to the Bill Evers Reservoir in East Manatee County has been extended to March 9. (2016)
In early February, WCI Communities opted not to pursue its $10 million agreement with the city about halfway through its due-diligence period after coming out on top of six bids early last year. The deadline was Feb. 29, but according to City Administrator Carl Callahan, two more expected submissions did not arrive on time.
Bradenton officials opted to extend the deadline to give everyone a chance to submit potential offers.
Click below to read the rest of the story.
http://www.bradenton.com/news/local/article34869126.html
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