On August 18, Manatee County hosted a workshop to discuss three upcoming projects at the Lakewood Ranch Library: baseball fields at Country Club East Park, soccer fields at Premier Park, and the Cortez Marina Boat Ramp. The baseball fields project sparked the most debate.
The county intends to transform the current multi-use field at Country Club East Park into three youth baseball fields, complete with bleachers, dugouts, backstops, perimeter fencing, and expanded parking.
The estimated cost for this project is $6.4 million.
Before any construction begins, two opposing sides are already positioning themselves for what has become a significant conflict — even over a project intended for children’s baseball fields. Similar disputes over community development are common across the region, with the term Not In My Backyard (NIMBY) gaining traction.
In the baseball fields debate, two factions have emerged among residents.
On one side are the residents of Country Club East, who wish to maintain the peaceful atmosphere of their park. On the opposite side are parents eager for more youth baseball facilities closer to home.
Field of Dreams
Lindsay Champion’s sons, Luke and Jack, play for Lakewood Ranch Little League. She drives 21 miles from The Isles at Lakewood Ranch to Buffalo Creek Park in Palmetto for practices twice a week, often facing heavy traffic.
This photo illustrates both sides of the issue: older residents in Country Club East want to keep their neighborhood’s tranquility, while local children need more Little League facilities to avoid long waitlists.
Despite the long drive, Lindsay feels fortunate her boys have spots in the league. Parents often stay up late on registration day to secure a place for their children.
The county lacks sufficient fields for the growing number of children interested in youth baseball in East County. Manatee County Deputy Director Bryan Parnell reported that approximately 200 kids found themselves on a waitlist last spring and fall.
Country Club East resident Darrel Drury is a former youth baseball player. While he appreciates the game, he opposes the idea of more fields at Country Club East Park, arguing that they wouldn’t benefit the neighborhood.
Some residents value the tranquil nature of the 15-acre park and prefer minimal development. They would welcome features like bocce ball courts or walking trails instead.
Drury suggests that a multi-generational park with a tee ball area could work, but fears that three baseball fields would introduce noise, lights, and increased traffic to the neighborhood.
He voices concern that neighbors were not consulted on plans for the park.
“We had no idea this was going to happen,” says Drury. “People get weary of government agencies imposing decisions that affect how we live.”
Residents contend that the plan contradicts the county’s master plan.
Lakewood Ranch Little League officials, including President Alan Dolhi and Vice President Nate Carr, are optimistic about the community’s response to the new fields.
The 2021 Manatee County Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan designates Country Club East Park a “local park,” defined as accessible by walking or biking without encountering heavy traffic.
Despite this designation, Parnell argues that the park is valuable to a wider community, serving residents from farther afield, including taxpayers in Manatee County.
County Administrator Charlie Bishop notes that the park was bought in 2016 with plans for either soccer or baseball fields.
Run the Bases
The intention of the August 18 meeting was to clarify misconceptions about the project, not to alter its course.
For instance, residents believed the lights would remain on until 11 p.m. Director of Sports and Leisure Molly White clarified that while lighting is set to operate until then, youth baseball activities end by 9 p.m.
Both Dolhi and Carr assured attendees that the league pays for lighting and turns it off after their final games at 9 p.m.
The county will use advanced LED lighting designed to minimize light pollution, projecting only within 15 to 20 feet of the field.
LED lighting at Lakewood Ranch Park demonstrates the focused nature of the light intended for the new Little League fields.
Despite reassurances, some Country Club East residents remain skeptical about potential disturbances and the project’s significant cost.
Drury intends to voice his concerns to Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia and the DOGE Task Force, amid ongoing financial audits in Manatee County.
Manatee County commissioners need to approve the final construction contract, expected by early 2026, with construction slated to commence shortly thereafter and projected to last about a year.
This article originally appeared on sister site YourObserver.com.
Key Information
- Workshop Date: August 18
- Location: Lakewood Ranch Library
- Projects Discussed: Youth baseball fields, soccer fields, Cortez Marina Boat Ramp
- Cost of Baseball Fields Project: $6.4 million
- Concerns Raised: Noise, traffic, light pollution, community input
- Projected Start of Construction: Early 2026
- Completion Timeframe: Approximately one year
Article original publish date: 2025-09-02 09:00:00
Article source: businessobserverfl.com
Read the full story at the original source: businessobserverfl.com
