Scores of tennis and pickleball enthusiasts joined Manatee County leaders today to dedicate the new newly renovated C.V. Walton Racquet Center at G. T. Bray Park. With 20 pickleball courts (most of them under cover) and 8 clay tennis courts, the complex welcomes players of all ages and abilities to the West Bradenton facility. All courts were filled shortly after the early morning ceremony – which also featured the renaming of a main road that crosses through the complex for a long-time local supporter of recreation and education opportunities. Manatee County Commission Chair Kevin Van Ostenbridge joined past and present political leaders in a ceremony renaming part of 33rd Ave. Drive W. to Wilbur Boyd Boulevard in memory of the former Florida State Senator and civic leader. County Administrator Scott Hopes thanked Van Ostenbridge – and fellow Commissioners – for maintaining the mission of building the facility to support the fast-growing participatory sport of pickleball. Praising the hard work of Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources, Administration and Property Management teams, the Manatee County School Board and Clerk of Court, City of Bradenton, contractors McIntyre Elwell & Strammer, Kimley Horn and Sweet Sparkman, he said that this facility is nothing short of world-class. And it’s a sign of what’s to come – across the county. For more information on Manatee County Government, visit www.mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501. Follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/manatee.county.fl and on Twitter @ManateeGov.