The City of Lakeland owns and operates Se7en Wetlands, a constructed wetland treatment system that provides tertiary treatment, or final polishing for all of the City’s treated wastewater. Se7en Wetlands is a reclaimed mining area that has been mined for over 60 years. Mining operations stopped in 1984. Shortly after, the City of Lakeland Purchased the property and then constructed the wetland treatment system in 1987.
In 2018 the City of Lakeland opened Se7en Wetlands as a passive recreational area for hiking, walking, and wildlife viewing. The current 8.5 miles of trail can be accessed through two trailheads, one at Loyce Harpe Park and the other at Lakeland Highland Scrub Park. There are two boardwalks, five shade pavilions, two restrooms, and 18 trail markers for navigating the trail system. New trail construction has started that will include an additional 15.5 miles of trail, three shade structures, and a trailhead at Mulberry Park (Polk County Park) that will include an interpretive kiosk. Once the new trails are completed, Se7en Wetlands will have 24 miles of recreational trail. The new 15.5 miles of trail will have an additional 31 trail markers to assist visitors with navigating Se7en Wetlands.
Se7en Wetlands is over 1,640 acres of marsh, swamp, upland, and small lakes or cells. Se7en Wetlands does connect with the North Prong of the Alafia River which flows directly to Tampa Bay. Se7en Wetlands also provides treated water that is used as a cooling agent for Tampa Electric’s Polk Power Station. Se7en Wetlands is home to a diverse assortment of flora and fauna. Nature lovers will see a variety of native plant species as they stroll the walking paths. Guests are very likely to see alligators, wood storks, sandhill cranes, tortoises, ospreys, hawks, owls, egrets, herons, and bald eagles when they visit the park. The trails at Se7en Wetlands are open 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily.
When visiting please keep the area clean and stay on the marked open trails. The property does contain wild animals, so visitors are warned to maintain a safe distance from alligators and other wildlife. Carry plenty of water, drinking water is only available at each entrance gate. No dogs, pets, or horses are allowed on the trail system. Alcoholic beverages, bicycles, motorized vehicles, drones, and fires are prohibited. Absolutely no swimming, fishing, or hunting is allowed on the property. For more information on Se7en Wetlands, please visit www.lakelandgov.net/departments/water-utilities/se7en-wetlands.