Lakewood Ranch Is Getting Three New Little League Fields — A $7.2 Million Investment in Youth Sports
Manatee County approved $7.2 million for three new youth baseball fields at Country Club East Park in Lakewood Ranch. Construction started in May 2026, with completion expected by early 2027. Here's what's being built and why it matters.
If you're moving to Lakewood Ranch with kids who play baseball, here's news that matters: Manatee County has approved a $7.2 million project to build three new youth baseball fields at Country Club East Park, with construction underway and completion expected by early 2027.
What is being built
The project at Country Club East Park (15015 Masters Avenue, adjacent to Robert Willis Elementary School) converts the existing multi-use field into three dedicated youth baseball fields. The scope includes:
- Three new youth baseball fields with LED lighting systems
- Bleachers, dugouts, and backstops
- Restrooms and perimeter fencing
- Expanded parking
- A 2,000-square-foot maintenance building with office area
- One intermediate-sized field (225 feet from home plate to the fence) for players age 13 and up — something the league does not currently have
Why it is needed
Lakewood Ranch Little League currently has approximately 700 to 750 registered players sharing existing fields at Lakewood Ranch Park on Lakewood Ranch Boulevard. The program caps at about 500 players, but demand far exceeds capacity — roughly 200 kids have been landing on waitlists each season. The three new fields are expected to allow approximately 200 additional children to join the league.
The intermediate field is particularly significant. At 225 feet, it serves players age 13 and up who have outgrown the smaller youth fields but aren't ready for full-size high school diamonds. The league currently has no field at this size.
Timeline and funding
The Manatee County Commission approved the project with a 5-1 vote on March 3, 2026. The $7.2 million cost is funded through previously allocated County Capital Improvement Project funding. Construction was originally planned to start in early May 2026, but was delayed to May 29 (after the school year ended) to accommodate parents using the adjacent Robert Willis Elementary for pickup and drop-off. Construction is expected to take approximately nine months, which puts completion around February or March 2027.
What this means for families considering Lakewood Ranch
Youth sports infrastructure is one of the biggest quality-of-life factors for families relocating to Southwest Florida. Lakewood Ranch already has Premier Sports Campus for soccer and lacrosse, and the new $44.2 million Athletics and Aquatics Center opening in September 2026. Adding dedicated little league facilities rounds out the youth sports picture.
For families house-hunting in the eastern part of the Ranch — Country Club East, the Country Club villages, Savanna, or the newer Parrish-area communities — these fields are a short drive away. Combined with A-rated schools and the community's trail and park network, this investment reinforces Lakewood Ranch's position as the top family destination in Southwest Florida.
If you're relocating with kids and want to know which LWR villages have the best combination of school zones, sports access, and family amenities, reach out and I'll walk you through it.
General information only — not financial, legal, tax, or insurance advice. Market conditions, programs, taxes, fees, and insurance requirements change; verify current details with the appropriate licensed professional.
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