The City of Lakeland closed on land purchased for a future community park in southwest Lakeland. The City of Lakeland now owns 101.46 acres of land with approximately 2,050 feet of frontage on West Pipkin Road.
The property has a 15-acre pond and a five-acre pond on site that may be used for fishing once the park is built out. The future Community Park will be designed to support the growing southwest Lakeland community with multi-purpose sports fields, baseball diamonds, pickleball courts, tennis courts, basketball courts, a recreation center, and possibly a southside library.
Plans for the property also include trails, bike paths, a playground, and picnic areas. The park is surrounded by residential development with over 5,000 existing and approved housing units. The park site will be the only City park south of the Polk Parkway and west of SR 37. Funding for the construction of the park begins in the 2030 budget.
Director of Parks & Recreation Bob Donahay said, “The acquisition of this property was essential to meet the growing needs of the southwest Lakeland community. This area is growing fast and we are very lucky we were able to land bank the property for future park development.”