George "G.T." Bray moved to Manatee County in 1942 and dedicated much of his time to improving recreational access for the adults and children of the community. He was instrumental in developing several parks, including Blackstone Park in Palmetto and the park that bears his name today. A former president and director of the Manatee River Fair Association, Bray received the Manatee County Distinguished Citizen Award in 1983. On March 26, 1985 Manatee County Commissioners voted to authorize building Phase I of a new community park on 59th Street, and unanimously agreed to name it G.T. Bray Park.