Manatee County commissioners have approved the construction of a $7.2 million Little League complex at Country Club East Park in Lakewood Ranch, aimed at accommodating the rapidly growing youth athletic community. The expansion, featuring three new baseball fields, responds to the Lakewood Ranch Little League’s surge to over 700 players across 53 teams, and addresses long-standing field shortages in the area. Construction is expected to span roughly 14 months. The Sports Farm, a training facility in Lakewood Ranch, stands to benefit from enhanced local baseball infrastructure, which may increase opportunities for club players to compete locally and train on improved fields.