Mixon Farms Park Opens in Bradenton with Inaugural Farmers Market and Plans for Future Community Space
Manatee County leaders celebrated the grand opening of Mixon Farms Park on Sunday, welcoming residents with the site’s first monthly farmers market and marking the transformation of one of the area’s most historic agricultural landmarks into a new community gathering place.
The property, which operated as the beloved Mixon Fruit Farms for 84 years before closing in 2022, has been reimagined as a year-round public park centered on agriculture, education, and community engagement. County officials say the project aims to preserve the legacy of the farm while creating new amenities for families in a part of the county that has limited park access.
Over the past year, the site has undergone significant redevelopment while maintaining elements that reflect its agricultural roots. The park now features a barn-themed playground designed to be wheelchair accessible, a miniature golf course, and preserved spaces such as the longtime wedding venue that hosted countless celebrations over the decades.
For many residents, Mixon Farms was more than a business. Generations of families visited the property for fresh fruit, farm tours, and the iconic orange swirl ice cream cones that became a local tradition. Community leaders say maintaining that sense of nostalgia while introducing new features was a key priority during the redevelopment process.
Supporters of the project say the park also fills an educational gap by offering a place where families and children can learn about farming and agriculture without traveling far outside the urban parts of Manatee County. Plans for the site continue to evolve, with county officials noting that the current park represents only a portion of the long-term vision.
Future phases could include the addition of a library and community center, expanding the park’s role as a hub for education, programming, and neighborhood gatherings.
The farmers’ market, which launched during the grand opening celebration, will be held on the third Sunday of each month. The market will operate through May, pause during the summer months, and resume in September, providing local vendors and farmers a place to connect with residents while continuing the agricultural tradition that has defined Mixon Farms for generations.
