Newsletters

April 2020

April Park Update

Behind the scenes with Bill Tinsley, CEO
Let me share three photographs taken within minutes of each other in this incredible park. Continuing to gain control over the plant exotics that permeated the edge of the lagoon is revealing an inspired view and location for our community. As updates were completed, I look around and realized that the scope of this park is going to allow so many diverse opportunities, that even now it is hard to choose a favorite location!

Installation of the storm water system by Tucker Paving crews is advancing. Control of the site drainage is a critical step in controlling and constructing the Park. As General Contractor, Rodda Construction races against the summer rainy season, the true scale of the challenge is not realized until there are people in the photo. Open air construction, practicing distancing, regular safety briefings, additional hand wash stations in the park, staying at home if you are sick are important pillars in the construction industry, just as they are in your life at home during this challenging time.

The Hollis Family Welcome Center, Maintenance Building, Explorations V Children’s Museum, and Event Building pads are all in. The next steps will include the driving of structural piles by Trottier Pile Drivers, beneath the buildings where it is required, and the installation of the footers, rough in plumbing and electrical. The pouring of our first building slabs is scheduled within the next two weeks. In coordination with Design team Sasaki, submittals and installations are progressing. Through careful planning, both those working in support from home and those spread out in the field, we will come through this together. Stay safe.


Bonnet Springs Park Breaks Ground at Private Groundbreaking Ceremony

On Thursday, March 12th Bonnet Springs Park hosted a private groundbreaking ceremony. Pastor Arthur Johnson, City of Lakeland Mayor Bill Mutz, Board of Directors Nick Barnett and Wesley Barnett, Lakeland Chief of Police Ruben Garcia, Explorations V Children’s Museum CEO, Kerry Falwell, and BSP CEO, Bill Tinsley, offered brief remarks on what will be the Great Lawn to mark this defining moment for the Park.

State, county, and city government officials alongside the board of Bonnet Springs Park and Explorations V Children’s Museum assisted Bonnet Springs Park leaders in breaking ground on the park. The $110 million project will help grow Central Florida’s green spaces and reconnect multiple neighborhoods to downtown, making them more navigable for visitors and residents alike.


Current Lagoon Progress

The lagoon is quickly coming together! Take a peek at the progress being made. Thanks to BrightView‘s hard work, future kayakers will be able to relax as they float down the lagoon lined with Cypress and Bay trees. We’re so excited to see how beautifully it’s coming along.


Buildings Soon to Come….

The Park has received 140 truckloads of dirt from Tucker Paving, Inc. in preparation for the concrete pads to go down and lay the foundation for each building that will be a part of Bonnet Springs Park! To take a virtual tour and see what these buildings will be, head over to our website!


Ready, Set, Grow: Build Your Own Mini Park!

Bonnet Springs Park will soon become home to millions of plants to see, smell, touch, and even taste! In this activity, you’ll be able to build your own mini park and explore the different changes plants make as they grow!

Download this fun STEM activity; great for kids to learn how to build your own mini-park at home. The Bonnet Springs team would love to see your unique creations! Be sure to tag Bonnet Springs Park on Facebook or Instagram with a picture of your own at home mini-park.


As a Founding Friend, help us grow our membership!

A Founding Friends household membership is ONLY $30.00. It also makes a great gift!

Give a Founding Friend membership as a birthday, graduation or wedding gift! Be an advocate for the park and be sure to tell people everywhere that you go about the great work that is being done to bring this amazing resource to the community. There are still so many people who haven’t yet heard about Bonnet Springs. Be sure to tell your friends, acquaintances, co-workers and fellow members at the organizations where you belong, such as PTA, sports teams, church groups, social and civic clubs to go to www.bonnetspringspark.com and become a Founding Friend!

Founding Friends is a unique group of individuals and families who have demonstrated their support of Bonnet Springs Park prior to the Grand Opening. 

Bonnet Springs Park – 2023 Annual Report

June 13, 2024
Bonnet Springs Park had a remarkable year in 2023, highlighted by engaging events, expanded educational programs, and new initiatives! Volunteers, staff, and board were pivotal,…

March 2023 Newsletter

March 6, 2023

February 2023 Newsletter

February 3, 2023

August 2022 Newsletter

August 8, 2022

Donate

Bonnet Springs Park is a privately developed public park that depends solely on public support. There are several ways that you can help make this dream for Lakeland's future generations become reality, and make it possible for friends and families to create endless memories at the park.

Volunteer

There are many ways you can help in the enabling of this magnificent regional park, from one-time to reoccurring volunteer opportunities. Bonnet Springs Park is looking for volunteers, sponsors, patrons, and professional services to help in the design and implementation. 

Donate

Bonnet Springs Park is a privately developed public park that depends solely on public support. There are several ways that you can help make this dream for Lakeland's future generations become reality, and make it possible for friends and families to create endless memories at the park.

Volunteer

There are many ways you can help in the enabling of this magnificent regional park, from one-time to reoccurring volunteer opportunities. Bonnet Springs Park is looking for volunteers, sponsors, patrons, and professional services to help in the design and implementation. 

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