A ribbon cutting ceremony was held July 15, to officially unveil the Plant City Tournament Management Facility, located in Ellis-Methvin Park, a facility that hosts a wide array of sports tournaments every year.
“Parks and Recreation staff will be operating this new facility to add another amenity to our field users and tournaments that take place at Ellis-Methvin Park,” said Parks & Recreation Director Julie Garretson.
The new facility will provide an enhanced park experience with additional large restrooms, a concession stand with kitchen, a staff office, a second-story shaded observation deck and a meeting space. It also includes an ADA-compliant elevator.
The event kicked off with remarks by City Manager Bill McDaniel, Mayor Nate Kilton and Garretson. McDaniel and Kilton shared their gratitude for the parks department staff for their tireless work to see the project to fruition and also shared stories of former mayor and longtime city commissioner Rick Lott’s contributions to the city.
The facility was dedicated to Lott, a former mayor and longtime city commissioner, whose contributions to not only youth sports but Plant City as a whole have improved the lives of many city residents. Lott’s volunteer experience includes serving as a board member for the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, Florida Strawberry Festival, South Florida Baptist Hospital and Plant City Economic Development Corporation, as well as the Hillsborough County School Board Oversight Committee. He served on the Plant City High School Business Leaders Advisory, helped start the Plant City High School Raider Champions Foundation, coached various levels of youth soccer, was recognized by Plant City YMCA with their 2007 Strong Leader Award and was the 2023 Citizen of the Year.
“The City Commission’s decision to name this new facility in honor of long-time Commissioner and Mayor Rick Lott, makes all the sense in the world,” said McDaniel. “Rick Lott has long been a tireless supporter of our community-at-large, but he has a specific dedication promoting opportunities for our youth and he has a particular focus on the benefits of sports and athletic programs for our youth.”
Lott spoke at the ceremony, sharing his appreciation for the honor that was being bestowed upon him. Many of Lott’s friends, colleagues and family members filled the audience and congratulated him at the conclusion of the event.
“We are excited to get this building in use and look forward to the impact it will have on our field renters, park-goers and community members,” said Garretson.
Information about the Ellis Methvin Park facilities can be found at plantcitygov.com/parksrec.