In 1990, the grassroots initiative for a botanical park began when local citizens and community groups rallied to save the 10 acre site that had served as the Manatee County Nursery. In 1993, the non-profit 501(c)(3) Palma Sola Botanical Park Foundation, Inc. was established and the park has evolved ever since.

The park does not charge an entrance fee and receives no federal, state, or local government subsidies. We rely greatly on donations to keep the park open free of charge to the public 7 days per week.