The City of Lakeland will host a series of public forums to gain public input as we start the planning process to revitalize the Munn Park area. Consulting park planners want to hear from you on what active recreation uses the public would like to see in Munn Park. There will be two open forums where citizens will review possible design elements, share valuable feedback, and provide input on future park plans. The forums will take place in the Magnolia Building located at 702 East Orange Street, Lakeland. The dates and times are as follows:
- Tuesday, January 10, 2023, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
- Thursday, January 12, 2023, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Following a professional development trip to Carmel, Indiana City Manager Shawn Sherrouse brought back some ideas and concepts that were part of that community’s pedestrian-based planned development.
“Carmel incorporated a number of active uses around their town square, and I immediately thought about Lakeland and our own downtown,” said Sherrouse. “We continue to look at ways to improve the experience our citizens and guests have when they visit downtown. The goal is to have year-round activity with a mixture of recreational uses in Munn Park. Over the past few years, we have introduced some really cool elements that helped create a downtown identity and we want that same excitement to spill over into our town square.”
The City of Lakeland invested in decorative string lights crisscrossing downtown streets, drip lights were installed in the trees at Munn Park, and sidewalks were expanded to allow for outdoor dining. These elements help create an ambiance inviting visitors to our downtown and the next step is a revitalized Munn Park as an activity center.
Deputy Director of Parks, Pam Page said, “Munn Park is the front lawn of the community. We are working with Pennoni, a landscape architecture and engineering consultant in bringing that front lawn to life. The firm will share come concepts they have created during the two forums with hopes that the design elements will spur additional public input.” Sherrouse added, “I really want the public to take ownership of Munn Park and I invite the community to share their thoughts on what recreational elements they would like to see in Munn Park.”
we need to do something with the homeless that take residence at Munn Park.I wish they will al go to a shelter where they will be taking care of better
Some do not want to go because they have to follow a program and they don’t want to.
I used to go and feed them and police stopped me one day and said that was counterproductive because it create trash from the food and will litter the area.
It is not a pleasant view to see all this unfortunate people and think of you dinning and enjoying yourself when others fo not.