An effort to build a major privately funded park located in an area near downtown Lakeland is under way.
- Park would be named "Bonnet Springs Park"
- Site spans about 200 acres, land formerly home to CSX rail line
- Park would include shoreline along Lake Bonnet
Bonnet Springs Park would sit on about 200 acres located largely on land that previously was home to a CSX rail line along Kathleen Road. Various parcels of land were assembled by commercial real estate broker David Bunch and the Barnett family, with ties to Publix.
The park would include playgrounds, walking trails, a restaurant and a large amphitheater, among other features. Planners said the park would cost up to $60 million.
"We need something like this in the heart of our city and the heart of this whole central Florida area to be a green space for generations to come,” said park supporter Wesley Barnett.
Photo: Rick Elmhorst, staff
Bonnet Springs Park would also include shoreline along Lake Bonnet, another amenity that supporters believe will attract visitors from Tampa to Orlando.
"This park is going to draw regionally, no question,” said park supporter Bill Tinsley.
Supporters also hope the park will spur development nearby, including the former Florida Tile Factory property. That property would include millions of dollars in housing, commercial and retail development.
Some profits from that development would then be put back into the park.
Currently, supporters are planning a major fundraising campaign for the park. They project that it could be open in four years.