Connor Park Transformation Earns National EPA Phoenix Award
A once-contaminated railroad site in Palmetto has been transformed into an award-winning community destination.
Connor Park, which opened in 2023 at 505 Fifth St. W., is now a two-acre eco-park designed to blend environmental restoration with public recreation. The site, previously classified as a brownfield, has been redeveloped to include a 500,000-gallon stormwater retention pond, native landscaping, public art installations and trail connections that contribute to the protection of the nearby Manatee River.
The project recently received national recognition with a Phoenix Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The award honors excellence in brownfield redevelopment projects that return environmentally challenged properties to productive use while benefiting surrounding communities.
Connor Park’s design emphasizes sustainability and improvements in water quality. The stormwater system helps capture and treat runoff before it reaches the Manatee River, while native plants support local wildlife and reduce long-term maintenance needs. Walking paths and gathering spaces provide residents with a new outdoor amenity in the heart of Palmetto.
The redevelopment of the former railroad property reflects a broader commitment to revitalizing underutilized land and enhancing environmental resilience along the Manatee River corridor. Community members are encouraged to visit the park to experience firsthand how restoration efforts have created a space for recreation, education and connection to nature.
