G.T. Bray Park Rededication Draws Over 1,500 for Family Fun Night Celebration

In a lively and well-attended rededication ceremony, more than 1,500 community members gathered at G.T. Bray Park to celebrate its role as a central recreational hub in Manatee County. The event, held during a Family Fun Night, commemorated George Thomas Bray nearly four decades after the park was named in his honor on March 26, 1985.

The park has seen significant improvements in recent years, with over $15 million invested in new amenities and upgrades. These enhancements include a teen center, new playgrounds, a gymnasium for basketball and volleyball, tennis and pickleball courts, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a splash pad, kiddie pool, athletic fields, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. The updated facilities have transformed G.T. Bray Park into a modern recreational destination for families and individuals of all ages.

Family Fun Night attendees were treated to a variety of activities that delighted both children and adults alike. The event featured an exhilarating foam play zone, inflatable bounce houses, craft stations, and live music by the band One Night Rodeo. Adding to the festivities, a backpack giveaway ensured that children left with smiles and supplies in hand.

To cap off the evening, guests enjoyed extended hours at the park’s fitness center, recreational facilities, and swimming pool, making it a memorable night of fun and community togetherness. As the improvements continue to breathe new life into G.T. Bray Park, visitors are encouraged to experience all the park has to offer and create new memories in this cherished community space.