Backers of the future Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland revealed their plans to the public on Feb. 20. The park west of downtown may cost up to $100 million.
- Park will be located on former CSX rail yard
- Will feature trails, amphitheater, restaurants, museum
- Construction should begin in 2020
The new park will be built on a former CSX rail yard and a wooded area further to the west. The park will feature outdoor trails, an amphitheater, restaurants, a huge tree house and a museum.
Lakeland mayor Bill Mutz believes the park will draw a multitude of people from Tampa to Orlando.
“You know, you look at the Riverwalk area in Tampa, what a great job has been done down there, and lots of us go over and celebrate that," Mutz said. "This is going to be an area we not only celebrate locally, but people will come in as well.”
Residents living next to the future park believe it will have a positive effect on the community.
“It will be transforming because there was nothing, just woods,” said Vothosia Flournoy, who owns a home right next to land already being cleared for the park.
Much of the money for the park is coming from the heirs of Publix founder George Jenkins. Construction on Bonnet Springs Park should start in 2020.