VALRICO - Developer Ray Campo, a philanthropist whose name graces the Campo Family YMCA in Valrico, recently gave the county 20.62 acres to help it build a park.
"No matter what color, creed or nationality, our kids need a place for love, help and free play," Campo said in an interview.
Campo's donation was approved last week after the county promised to turn the property on the west side of N Valrico Road, just south of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, into a passive park by 2009.
Campo, 79, said there just aren't enough parks. "It's all for the kids," he said.
The lifelong Hillsborough County resident was born in Ybor City and moved to Brandon in 1961 after founding the Brandon Water Co.
Campo is also responsible for the donation of 5 acres for a library, land for Boys and Girls Club facilities in the area, and land for two YMCAs, one in Valrico and one in Riverview.
"I try to pay back to my community that has been so good to me," Campo said. "I help the community all the time and have done my civic duties."
Peter Fowler of the county parks, recreation and conservation department said officials are not sure what to call the new park. But they are getting suggestions.
The community will have a chance to share ideas about what should go in the park, he said. The facilities could include walking trails, playground equipment, picnic tables and multipurpose courts.
