By Tamas Mondovics

That area public community park renovations and upgrades took center stage in 2017; there is little doubt. The busy Paul Sanders Park, also known as the “tree park” in Brandon also enjoyed some much-needed attention.

The $315,000 project covered by the County Parks and Recreation department’s budget for Capital Improvement Projects, included a wide range of upgrades.

County workers completed the project within its promised timeline, and upon its reopening park visitors expressed their thanks for all of the upgrades that now makes the famous park more enjoyable.

Original Story printed Feb 2017

Hillsborough County has temporarily closed and began a two month long renovation project of one the largest and most heavily used parks in Brandon.

The makeover at Paul Sanders Park, 602 W. Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon, named after long time Brandon resident Paul Sanders three years before his death in 1991—is promising to upgrade as well as expand the park, while virtually replacing all of the playground equipment and adding additional play structures, county officials said.

Famous for its mature oak trees that provide shade by means of a natural canopy, the park has been the favorite hangout for the thousands of visitors it sees annually. Picnic tables throughout the park have been used for birthday parties and family gatherings.

The facelift is a much welcomed and anticipated project for many of its regular guests including Lithia resident Jinifer Leichner who said, “I love this park. I have great memories growing up as a teenager visiting this park and as an adult bringing my children here. It is a beautiful park and I am glad the county is putting the effort into making sure it stays that way.”

The $315,000 project covered by the County Parks and Recreation department’s budget for Capital Improvement Projects also includes renovating the restrooms, repaving the parking lot, adding sidewalks, and creating an additional entrance on the northwest side of the park to improve traffic flow, which will come in handy.

For more info, visit www.hillsboroughcounty.org.

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