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Bradenton approves MOU with Pittsburgh Pirates to advance City Park construction and Pirate City repairs
Summary
The council unanimously approved an MOU with the Pittsburgh Pirates to allow construction access and temporary parking for City Park, and discussed a roughly $10.5M repair program for Pirate City with the Pirates contributing about $3.5M; staff said funding will come from multiple partners and the spring-training capital fund.
Bradenton City Council unanimously approved a memorandum of understanding with the Pittsburgh Pirates on April 22 to permit City Park construction access (including temporary use of Pirate parking) and to advance repairs at Pirate City and possible improvements to Leecom Park.
Staff said construction of City Park phase one requires temporary use of a Pirates parking lot north of Lecomer (Lecomte) Field for staging, along with development of alternate temporary parking (the MOU references roughly 375 temporary spaces). The Pirates are expected to contribute about $3.5 million toward an estimated $10.5 million program of repairs at Pirate City; city staff and the EDC are seeking additional funding partners and state grants to cover remaining costs.
Administration framed the measures as part of a larger "City Park" redevelopment strategy and said shared use and coordinated scheduling have been routine in prior partnerships. Council members emphasized neighborhood benefits and long-term redevelopment goals; the mayor described the work as "a next cog in the wheel" for neighborhood investment and youth programming.
The MOU passed 5–0. Council directed staff to continue pursuing grant and partner funding and to return to council with any significant financing commitments.
