An extension of the Bradenton Riverwalk will nearly double the length of the pedestrian-friendly pathway along the Manatee River, connecting the city’s oldest neighborhood to downtown Bradenton. The Riverwalk’s extension to the historic Old Manatee district adds to ongoing efforts by local officials to create pedestrian-friendly interconnectivity between the various neighborhoods throughout central Bradenton. “This is a viable downtown because of the pieces that have been put together, and it is important for the city to continue that growth as we go forward,” Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown said. Known as Riverwalk East, the project will extend the popular linear park by about 1.25 miles, take about two years to complete and cost about $7 million.