Behind the scenes with President Bill Tinsley
The Park is alive with activity in every section. Starting from the south, a construction coat of asphalt has been poured on Bonnet Springs Boulevard, which has improved access to the site, as well as the companion bicycle path that connects Memorial Boulevard to George Jenkins Boulevard, which has defined the eastern edge.
Progress at the Hollis Family Welcome Center has continued with the mechanical, electrical, and carpentry trades working on both floors. Roof installation and framing are also in progress. Some site work continues as irrigation for AgAmerica Heritage Gardens is brought up, and the paving of another section of the Lakeland Regional Circulator is continuing. Moving north past the Franklin Family South Mountain, you will now be excited to see the full skeleton of the 40,000 square foot Explorations V Children’s Museum constructed with momentary welds and decking being installed. The BSP Café next door is very visible as well with its elevator shaft and stairwell towering above the ground. Steel will follow closely on the heels of the slab pour.
The split-faced block exterior of the Nature Playground restroom sits nestled at the foot of the Clyne Family North Mountain as we continue north. Crossing over Bonnet Springs Valley, as it undergoes major stabilization, we enter the Jack and Tina Harrell Family Botanical Gardens, where we will find aggressive planting underway. The first 500 trees, along with several miles of new pathways, are bringing the north end of the park to life. From the beautiful yellow tabebuia flowering trees to the cabbage palm clusters, each plant is being carefully placed around the ponds and gardens to bring the designers’ vision to life. Work has started on the elevated boardwalk, Ann and Ward Edwards Boathouse, GiveWell Community Foundation Nature Center, and much more that we look forward to sharing next month.
I hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful spring weather as much as we are at Bonnet Springs Park.
Going Green
The landscape of the Bonnet Springs Park site is turning a new leaf, literally! It’s been a thrill to watch the movement of dirt, installation of steel, and pouring of concrete, but we are so excited to see some color coming to the Park. In the last week, the first 500 trees were planted along trails and around ponds, and the momentum will continue through this month. Sasaki’s Landscape Architect, Ashley Pelletier, is currently onsite overseeing the planting of hundreds of shrubs, trees, and flowering plants. Stay tuned as we follow along with her throughout March!
Camera Ready!
In February, our team got to work with Tinsley Creative to produce video content to share with you. We captured footage of Bonnet Springs Valley, the Event Center, and more! You’ll feel as if you’re onsite with us watching these park update videos, so stay tuned!
Paving Our Own Path
Walk, run, or roll along one of the 19 trails in Bonnet Springs Park! There is no better way to take in all of the sights, smells, and sounds of the Park than to travel down the paths created to help you escape, engage, and explore with nature. The first of these paths are currently being cleared and paved throughout the site, and the spaces designed to immerse you in nature are beginning to take shape!
Leave Your Mark on the Park!
Looking to leave a lasting legacy at Bonnet Springs Park? We’ve got you covered! Visit our site to learn more about sponsoring engraved bricks and benches. For a gift certificate, contact Hannah at hannah@bonnetspringspark.com.
Give a Gift of Friendship
As a Founding Friend, help us grow our membership! A Founding Friends annual household membership is ONLY $30.00. It also makes a great gift!
Give a Founding Friends 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.
