The Lakeland City Commission voted to reopen trails, tennis courts, boat ramps and dog parks during a March 30th Specially Called City Commission Meeting. These and other park amenities were originally closed on March 24th as a way to enforce social distancing to help curb the spread of COVID-19.
The City Commission after much discussion passed the motion to reopen some park spaces to potentially alleviate overcrowding in other public locations. The Parks & Recreation Department met to evaluate venues and determine which park spaces could be opened based on Commission recommendations. Even with the opening of additional amenities, it is important to note the decision will be monitored going forward and visitors must practice social distancing, proper hygiene and disinfect any contact surfaces. The following City of Lakeland Parks & Recreation spaces will reopen the morning of Thursday, April 2nd. Ongoing decisions regarding public restrictions will be evaluated weekly based on the impacts from COVID-19.
Tennis Courts & outdoor Pickleball Courts (Open Dawn to Dusk)
Lake Parker Park
Woodlake Park
Simpson Park – Tennis Courts & trail only
Kelly Recreation Complex –tennis & outdoor Pickleball courts only
Beerman Family Tennis Center – (Parking lot for the tennis courts and walking path will be in the northside parking lot off of Southington)
Cleveland Heights Golf Course
The following operations will be adjusted to encourage compliance of hygiene and social distancing recommendations:
Pro shop will be closed to walk-in access
All transactions will take place through an exterior window
Attendant will wear gloves at all times
Separation between customer and attendant, and each customer standing in line
Credit, debit, and cash will all be accepted
All picnic tables from the downstairs will be removed
Upstairs is closed off so people will not congregate
All starters and golf attendants will be called on Wednesday morning to see if they are able to return. If they are not, they will remain on the active list until the coronavirus has subsided.
Starters will wear gloves
Starters gazebo will be closed to the public
Ball washers will be covered with trash bags
No rakes in sand traps
Flag sticks will not be removed
Pool noodled will be installed in up so that the golf ball stays at the top of the cup
1 person per cart, unless they are a part of the family unit then 2
Walkers welcome all day/everyday
Each Golf Cart will be washed and disinfected upon return
Walking Paths, Trails and Dog Parks
3 Parks Trail – open
Douglas Cook park – trail and dog park only
Dog Leg Woods Dog Park – open
Lake Parker Park –tennis courts & trail only
Fletcher Park on Lake Bonny – trail only (boardwalk closed)
Lake Crago Park – dog park and boat ramp
Westside Park – trail only
Peterson Park – trail & boat ramp access only (Boardwalk closed)
Dobbins Park – trail only
Jackson Park – trail only
Publix Charities Park – walking trail north of Beerman Family Tennis Center & tennis courts only
All boat ramps open
Parks and Recreation indoor facilities and offices will remain closed at this time which include: Main Library, Larry Jackson Branch Library, eLibrary, Simpson Park Community Center, Kelly Recreation Complex, Coleman-Bush Building, Gandy Pool, Lake Mirror Complex, the Splash Pad at Barnett Family Park. The trail at Se7en Wetlands will remain closed due to lack of access through Polk County Parks. The City of Lakeland encourages the public to follow the recommendations for social distancing and hygiene when participating in outdoor activities. The City of Lakeland has developed a dedicated webpage with a number of resources to help the community stay informed. You can find this site by visiting LakelandGov.net/covid19.