To: Manatee County Commissioners and Parks & Recreation Department

We, the undersigned residents, parents, coaches, and supporters of youth baseball in Manatee County, respectfully request the county to invest in the construction of additional high school regulation-size baseball fields to meet the growing demand for field space.

The Need for More Baseball Fields

Currently, there are not enough high school regulation-size baseball fields in Manatee County to accommodate the increasing participation in recreational leagues, school teams, and travel baseball organizations. Due to the shortage of available fields, teams face difficulty scheduling practices, games, and tournaments, leading to overcrowded conditions and limiting opportunities for young athletes to develop their skills.

Benefits of Additional Fields

Increased Access for Youth Players – More fields would allow more kids to play baseball, reducing waitlists and ensuring all teams have adequate practice and game time.

Support for Local Recreation and Travel Leagues – Travel baseball organizations and recreational leagues struggle to secure field rentals due to limited availability. Additional fields would provide more opportunities for these programs to thrive.

Economic Impact – More fields mean the ability to host more tournaments, which would attract teams from surrounding areas, boosting local businesses, hotels, and restaurants.

Community Growth & Development – Investing in youth sports fosters a sense of community, promotes healthy lifestyles, and provides structured activities for young athletes.

Our Request

We urge Manatee County to allocate resources toward the development of additional high school regulation-size baseball fields. We request that the county conduct a feasibility study to identify suitable locations, funding opportunities, and a timeline for construction.

By signing this petition, we express our strong support for expanding baseball field availability in Manatee County and ensuring that youth baseball players have the facilities they need to succeed.

Sincerely,

Residents of Manatee County