GT Bray Park and Recreation Complex

Okay so GT Bray is nothing exceptionally fantastic. It’s definitely not something to brag about, but it’s not nearly as bad as it’s been reviewed. The dog park is one of the only ones in town and I have met some very friendly «regulars» there over the years. There are tons of soccer fields to play on. My brother grew up playing soccer on those fields. There’s multiple playground/​swing set areas for children, a swimming pool, baseball fields, inside basketball courts, etc. The best part of the park by far is the shady area near the dog park. There’s a large rock area and shady trees to sit under and read or just enjoy being outside! If you grew up in Bradenton like myself, you know this is where you played on the monkey bars, met your team for practice, or just hung around at in high school. GT Bray is a basic park that meets any requirement a «park go-​er» could ask for.

The idea of a dog park is not unusual in this area, but the execution of a dog park at GT Bray leaves very much to be desired. The fenced areas for large and small dogs are a little on the smaller side, and they are proverbial minefields of un-​bagged doggie doo. I have been only a few times, but almost as ever present as the smell of dog-​do in the air, is the certainty that there will the equally ever present unregulated pit bull, trying to fight and/​or hump everything. Shame really, as they seem to have a crowd of «regulars» that seem nice enough, but even they seem all to ready to offer the excuse «oh, he’s just playing» as their pet exhibits classic aggressive behavior. All things being equal, I’ll will forego this park in the future in lieu of somewhere filled with people who have actually seen an episode of the dog whisperer.

My experience with their swimming lessons is that they are a waste of time and money. Before I signed her up, I spoke with people «in charge» on three different occasions about my granddaughter’s need for lessons where she can learn the basic strokes. She’s a strong swimmer but needs some order in her style. They assured me she would be evaluated and put in the right group.
They put her in with kids much younger than her and she is doing exactly the same thing she does in my condo pool for free. I tried to talk to one of the instructors but he put me down in an intimidating manner, saying, «We know what we’re doing. She’s in the right group.» The instructor in her group didn’t even know her name even though she referred to the other kids by name. How humiliating for a nine-​year-​old in front of five and six-​year-​olds!
The park is fine — just don’t waste your kid’s time on their swimming lessons, or your time and money.

I am not much of a beach person, and prefer to hide in the shade. Even on a nice sunny day, it is better to watch the sun come through the trees than have it beating down and burning my face. Behind the dog park and amphitheater is a beautiful wooded oak hammock with some pavilions and a winding paved path, which is where I spend most of my time. I believe it is a ¼ mile walk.
GT Bray Park is basically the only «real» park in Bradenton. I know, I know– if you look at the Manatee County Parks website it shows that there are many parks. But, most of them are tiny or a single picnic table along the water or beach. GT Bray is an all encompassing mega park and recreation center with multiple pools, fields, dog park, and gym. There are even trees in select areas! Yes, folks real trees in Bradenton, FL that are not burned by the sun. There are multiple entrances to the park, either on foot or in a car.
Since it is Bradenton, there are many homeless people that live on bicycles. You will see them parked under the amphitheater checking out the families that have rented pavilions and doing their BBQ business. I also find it very interesting that it costs money to use the pavilions for public use, according to the website they should be reserved and run about $ 50 plus tax.