Lakeland city staff threw the switch on Thanksgiving evening. Holiday lights instantly lit up archways, candy canes, toy trains and a jack-in-the-box announcing the Christmas season had arrived.
But for Bernnie Brandt, something wasn’t quite right at Munn Park.
Brandt, 33, a Lakeland resident, took a walk through Munn Park to view the city’s Christmas display on Thanksgiving weekend with his wife and 10-month-old son. Standing in the middle of the park, Brandt said he was struck by a realization.
“We get there and there’s nothing in the middle,” he said. “There’s bland gray tiles.”
Brandit took to Change.org to start an online petition on Nov. 24 to ask Lakeland to erect a holiday tree in the center of Munn Park.
“Munn Park is an integral part of Lakeland’s identity, but lacks a holiday tree during the winter holiday season,” read the petition. “The addition of a holiday tree would not only enhance the park’s visual appeal but would also foster communal spirit.”
Brandt’s petition has gathered more than 414 online signatures from supporters in only a few days. He’s surprised by the support it has gathered.
Bob Donahay, the city’s director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts, said the city puts up several trees. There’s the large singing tree near the Main Fire Station off Lake Mirror and floating trees on Lake Morton and Lake Wire.
“We try to spread it out as much as possible so everyone can enjoy it,” he said.
Brandt said he’s concerned the spread out decorations may make it difficult for senior citizens or families with young children to travel across downtown to see the entire display.
“I see families with kids running around the tree all the time, enjoying the tree and taking photos,” Donahay said. “It’s a bigger area for families to enjoy. That’s why we chose the spot.”
The highly decorated tree off Lake Mirror that includes lights and synchronized music is in part sponsored by municipal-owned Lakeland Electric. It’s a highly visible spot where both passing motorists and pedestrians alike can enjoy it, while utility employees still have a view.
Lakeland has considered putting up a Christmas tree in Munn Park in prior years, Donahay said. The Lakeland Downtown Development Authority began inquiring whether it was feasible shortly after the Confederate statue was removed in 2019.
“If someone wants to raise the money or come up with it, we’re pretty maxed out dollar-wise,” Donahay said.
The city’s Public Improvement Fund sets aside $12,500 a year for Christmas decorations, but that figure does not fully include the cost of electricity, some leased equipment, its installation and removal.
Julie Townsend, the LDDA’s executive director, said she quickly realized placing a Christmas tree in Munn Park would be cost prohibitive and a safety liability. Given the city’s solid pavers, there would be no way to anchor a tall tree against strong winds or a potential storm.
“I’m happy to entertain decorating our magnolia tree as if it were a Christmas tree,” she said.
Townsend said decorating the magnolia tree would be most cost efficient, using what the city has, then possibly adding some balls, garlands and maybe a star or angel on top.
Townsend said if the LDDA were to purchase any new holiday decorations, she would want to make sure it evolves with and matches the new vision of a revitalized Munn Park, rather than risking becoming obsolete and not fitting in the park’s new design.