Tidewater Preserve, the 373-acre gated master-planned community along the Manatee River, recently partnered with The Children’s Academy of Southwest Florida Inc. to offer a free children’s tennis summer camp.

Steve Larkin, director of amenities at Tidewater Preserve, teamed up with Dr. Geri Pasquerella, executive director of the academy, to offer two sessions to the kids in the program.

“We had six students participate,” said Larkin. “They had a great time on the tennis court learning the basics, and then had more fun playing games.” Lunch followed in the clubhouse overlooking the large community lake that leads to the Manatee River.

“I enjoy the game of tennis and sharing it with others,” said Larkin. “Watching the excitement in the kids’ eyes as they master a skill while having fun and improving their fitness level was a great reward.”

Tidewater Preserve is also offering additional discounted tennis camp sessions through Aug. 11 for children. Sessions take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Children ages six to 12 are invited to participate; space is limited.

For more information, contact Steve Larkin at stevenlarkin@wcicommunities.com or 941-745-1092. The Children’s Academy of Southwest Florida Inc., a nonprofit provider of child-care services in Manatee County, currently serves 400 to 700 children throughout the year.

With a location convenient to Gulf of Mexico beaches, Tidewater Preserve features approximately two miles of frontage along the Manatee River, multiple lakes and a 50-acre lagoon.

Tidewater Preserve’s Port & Court Club offers a three-court tennis complex, calendar of activities, lessons and tournaments for the tennis enthusiasts. The community’s River Walk provides walking, hiking and jogging opportunities along nature trails and boardwalks skirting the river and several conservation areas. The planned River Club will offer additional recreational amenities and gathering spaces, including a fitness center, resort-style pool and sand volleyball court.

Tidewater Preserve offers new homes in Bradenton, Florida, and is located just 15 miles from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport. The nearby I-75 corridor provides easy access to numerous arts and entertainment venues in Sarasota, as well as the professional sporting events and international shopping of the Tampa, Clearwater and St. Petersburg area.

The Tidewater Preserve Welcome Center is located at 4700 Tidewater Preserve Blvd. From I-75, take exit 220, travel two miles west on SR 64, and turn right at 48th Street Court.