Bradenton Plans $1.7 Million Renovation for Love Park Honoring First Black Councilman
The City of Bradenton is moving forward with a major renovation of Love Park, a neighborhood greenspace named after former Councilman Clarence Love Sr., the city’s first Black elected official. The park, located at the corner of 11th Avenue West and Second Street West, will undergo a $1.7 million transformation designed to enhance safety, community engagement, and recreation.
Bradenton’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) approved the redevelopment plan in January. The park, which was last renovated in 2014, has since fallen into disrepair and become a magnet for criminal activity, according to CRA Executive Director Jeff Burton. As part of its mission to eliminate blight and revitalize neighborhoods, the CRA has been developing the new vision for Love Park over the past year.
The planned upgrades include new playground equipment, a “bamboo jungle” climbing obstacle, a half-court basketball court, a partial football field, and a covered gathering area near the entrance. On-street parking and artificial turf will also be incorporated to reduce long-term maintenance needs. Tampa-based firm Applied Sciences designed the new layout, which emphasizes both aesthetics and safety.
To improve security, the CRA worked closely with the Bradenton Police Department to implement Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles. These features include increased lighting, security cameras, and strategically placed entrances and exits to enhance visibility and monitoring.
The project budget allocates $1.5 million for construction, $85,000 for a public art installation, and the remainder for design and contingency funds. A public art consultant is collaborating with the Love family to ensure that any artistic elements reflect the values and legacy of the man the park honors.
Clarence Love Sr. served on the Bradenton City Council from 1976 to 1980 and was a trailblazer in Manatee County politics. During his tenure, he championed improvements in infrastructure, such as sidewalks and streetlights, in underserved neighborhoods. The original dedication of Love Park in his honor was a reflection of his lasting impact on the community.
The CRA anticipates beginning construction by the end of the year, with completion expected within six to nine months. Once finished, Love Park will stand as both a vibrant neighborhood gathering space and a lasting tribute to a pioneer of local progress.
