Riverwalk Work Moves to the Waterfront

Workers are beginning to build what city leaders hope will be Bradenton’s signature – the Riverwalk along the banks of the Manatee River.

Downtown Development Authority Director Dave Gustafson says the project is on schedule and budget. He told the monthly meeting of the authority that he would give a full report on Riverwalk next month.

He said he’s fielding calls from nearby condominium residents who reported the ground is shaking from the construction.

One still-unresolved issue of the linear park concerns the design of the skateboard park. Aspects of the facility are still under discussion, including the use of dyes to color some of the concrete. Gustafson said the design should be wrapped up – and a rendering available – also at the February meeting.

Public art for the Riverwalk is completed, and engineering is under way for the pedestals.

“This project got very technical with foundations and lighting and construction details,” said Ann Wykell.

There may be another and unexpected addition to the project. “One condominium association has a 5,000-square-foot recreation center that’s empty 350 days of the year,” Gustafson said. “It’s on the river next to Rossi Park, and they said ‘We should partner with you guys.’”

The DDA could rent it for big events, he added.

The director reported to his eight-member board about the other activities the DDA is engaged in. He read from a three-page list.

“Our New Years Eve event was a huge success,” he said. “It brought a lot of folks up here, and a lot of the reaction was just ‘Wow!’”

Work on the Pink Palace is on hold until the Manatee County Commission approves a final parking agreement. Developer Widewater Inc. received the county-written contract Tuesday. Final approval by the commission is expected in mid-February, clearing the way for construction to begin.