PALMETTO, Fla., September 12, 2025 — Stellar Development is proud to announce that Connor Park has been awarded the 2025 Region 4 Phoenix Award, one of the nation’s most prestigious honors for brownfield redevelopment.
About the Phoenix Awards
Since 1997, the Phoenix Awards have recognized excellence in transforming contaminated and underutilized properties into thriving community assets. Each year, only a select number of projects are chosen across the country, highlighting not just environmental cleanup but also innovation, community impact, and sustainable design. Winning a Phoenix Award places Connor Park among the top redevelopment projects in the United States.
Stellar Development’s Role as General Contractor
As the General Contractor for the Connor Park redevelopment, Stellar Development managed the complex construction process that turned decades of industrial contamination into a safe, vibrant public park. The project included the removal of thousands of tons of contaminated soil, restoration of wetlands and creek habitats, and the installation of reef balls and coral plugs to protect the Manatee River. Stellar’s construction team ensured the park was delivered to the highest standards of safety, sustainability, and quality.
“Our team is honored to have been recognized with the prestigious Phoenix Award,” said Maurice Opstal, President of Stellar Development. “Connor Park showcases what can be achieved when environmental restoration, innovative design, and strong community partnerships come together. We’re proud that our work will benefit the people of Palmetto for generations to come.”
A Park with a Rich Story
The history of Connor Park stretches back to the early 20th century, when the site served as a railroad spur and freight yard. Over the decades, it became impacted by petroleum and arsenic contamination, requiring extensive environmental cleanup. With support from EPA brownfield grants, the project removed more than 900 tons of contaminated soil, installed a 500,000-gallon stormwater reservoir, and introduced over 600 Florida-friendly plants to filter runoff before it reached the Manatee River. Reef clusters, oyster habitats, and public art installations now tie together the park’s ecological mission with its cultural identity — transforming a once-abandoned site into an asset that improves water quality, restores ecosystems, and educates visitors about Palmetto’s history.
Collaboration and Funding Partnerships
The success of Connor Park is also a testament to collaboration. Multiple agencies and organizations supported the redevelopment, including the U.S. EPA, the Sarasota Manatee MPO, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Southwest Florida Water Management District, and the Palmetto Community Redevelopment Agency. Together, these funding partnerships provided millions of dollars in assessment, cleanup, and infrastructure investment. Stellar Development worked seamlessly with these partners to bring complex grant-driven requirements to life, demonstrating its expertise in delivering high-impact projects that balance accountability with innovation.
A Lasting Community Asset
Opened in April 2023, Connor Park now provides walking trails, public art, shaded green spaces, and stormwater treatment systems that improve water quality before it reaches the Manatee River. The site also honors Francis “Frank” Connor, a local hero, ensuring that the park’s story ties together history, ecology, and community to enhance the overall park experience for visitors.
Building a Sustainable Future
The Phoenix Award for Connor Park reinforces Stellar Development’s reputation as a contractor that delivers more than just construction. The company is committed to projects that restore environments, uplift communities, and leave a legacy of sustainability across Florida and beyond.
Stellar Development would like to thank the City of Palmetto, Moore2Design, Gause & Associates, Brightwater Solutions, all our project partners, and the many dedicated workers whose skill, passion, and hard work brought Connor Park to life. This award belongs to everyone who contributed to making the vision a reality.
