Behind the Scenes Park Updates
Provided by Bill Tinsley, CEO

Behind the scenes with Bill Tinsley, CEO
A major milestone in development of the park was reached this month as SWIFTMD approved the Environmental Resource Permit and Water use permits. As we continue on this amazing journey, a significant step in creating a sustainable environment from the existing conditions involves the capture and cleaning of the off-site drainage water from 296 acres that currently travels through the former CSX site. This water is conveyed through the FDOT and City drainage systems. This untreated water is currently a major pollutant for Lake Bonnet and points beyond. The high speed and energy of this water erodes and carries plastic and debris from roadways and ponds upstream.
Bonnet Springs Park plans to capture this water at the FDOT point of source on Kathleen Road, remove the solids, and filter the water through a series of planted areas to remove excessive nutrients. Eventually this treated water will be introduced to the six and one-half acre lagoon in the nature area. This captured and filtered water resource will be pumped from the surface water of the lagoon and be the primary source for sustenance for the gardens and plant material in the park.By once again applying the sustainable environmental principles to a problem, the team at BSP is able to take a negative and create a positive for the environment for the short and long term.
Southeastern University Students Partner with Bonnet Springs Park

A group of Southeastern University (SEU) students will be working with Bonnet Springs Park to help raise community awareness and support. On Wednesday, February 5, the students toured the property on all-terrain vehicles with park leadership as they embark on the project.
Each year the students, who are a part of SEU’s Enactus team take on a number of projects to transform the lives of those in their local community and around the world. Enactus is a global nonprofit platform through which university students around the world empower their communities via entrepreneurial projects.
Funding for the park is based solely on public support. Students will be developing marketing initiatives to help grow public support of the park to assist with park projects and event programming.
Public Phase Campaign Chairs Featured on The Listen Lakeland Radio Show

On February 1st, Kimberly Elmhorst, President of the Friends of Bonnet Springs Park, Heide Waldron, Development Director at Bonnet Springs Park and Linda Rice & Ellen Salm who are the Public Phase Campaign Chairs had a lively discussion with Lakeland Vision sharing the vision of Bonnet Springs Park, provided a construction update and talked about how the public can get involved. The public involvement is key in sustaining the park for generations to come! Click the link here to listen to the segment on Listen Lakeland Radio Show !

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