Lakeland, FL., April 16, 2025 – Central Florida has something to celebrate: Bonnet Springs Park has been named USA Today’s “Best City Park” of 2025, a national recognition fueled by public votes and incredible community support.
It’s a joyful milestone for a park that’s only been open for two years. Nestled between downtown Lakeland and Lake Bonnet, the 168-acre green space has quickly become a beloved gathering place for both locals and visitors alike.
“This recognition means so much to us,” said Josh Henderson, CEO of Bonnet Springs Park. “From the very beginning, we set out to create a place that brings people together and reflects the heart of our community. It’s a testament to the people who dreamed it, donated to it, and continue to support it every day. We have the best guests, and they have called us the best park. We are thrilled to be recognized as the Best City Park for 2025.”
Bonnet Springs Park blends nature, learning, art, and play into one beautiful space. Visitors enjoy highlights like the Crenshaw Canopy Walk, the Florida Children’s Museum, the Harrell Family Botanical Gardens, and miles of scenic trails and boardwalks winding through revitalized landscapes.
Since its opening in 2022, the park has played a meaningful role in supporting local tourism, boosting the economy, and nurturing the environment. Welcoming around 1 million guests each year, Bonnet Springs Park has become a beloved destination for vibrant, year-round events—all of which are free to the community. Guests have come to love cultural celebrations such as Bienvenido, a Hispanic Heritage celebration, Caribbean Carnival, and Light Up BSP, a dazzling holiday light series. It’s a shining example of what’s possible when a community comes together around a shared vision. These beloved events continue to grow in popularity each year, and the park looks forward to an even brighter future filled with connection and celebration.
ABOUT BONNET SPRINGS PARK
Bonnet Springs Park is a blended urban/natural 168-acre Park centrally located in Lakeland. Bonnet Springs Park is designed to create spaces to escape, engage, and explore while experiencing and learning about the extraordinary history of Central Florida. Bonnet Springs Park is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization with a mission to enrich the community through nature, culture, recreation, and education. The Park serves to unify Central Florida’s diverse population, offering public spaces that serve the needs of many by providing engaging and unique opportunities in education and recreation to residents and visitors. The vision of Bonnet Springs Park is to be a place within walking distance of our city’s urban core where art, recreation, fun, and tranquility intersect by design.
We encourage you to learn more by visiting: web: www.BonnetSpringsPark.com
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MEDIA CONTACT
Donovan Tinsley
President/Brand Partner, Tinsley Creative
donovan@tinsleycreative.com
