A Boston company known for its work planning urban parks has been chosen as lead designer for Bonnet Springs Park, a privately funded recreation space planned for 180 acres west of downtown Lakeland.

Local philanthropists are developing a new 160+ acre, privately-funded urban park between West Memorial Boulevard and George Jenkins Boulevard on the east side of Lake Bonnet for the residents and visitors of Lakeland. The planned project – called Bonnet Springs Park – will reside on the former CSX railyards and adjoining historic parcels that once occupied this tract.

It will take a community effort to realize Bonnet Spring Park, the name chosen for the 160-acre, privately funded park intended to be a centerpiece amid Lakeland’s inevitable west side growth, organizers said Wednesday.In the future, residents and visitors will be able to take a swan boat ride across Lake Bonnet, walk the park’s trails, play on its playgrounds and enjoy a meal by the shore, Wesley Barnett said, speaking for his family alongside his brother, Nick Barnett.

Under an impressive, centuries-old oak, Wesley and Nick Barnett were joined this morning by Realtor David Bunch and retired Lakeland Parks Director Bill Tinsley in announcing plans for Bonnet Springs Park, a privately funded, 160+-acre urban park west of downtown Lakeland. Read on for sketches, photos, a video of this morning’s announcement and the presentation shown to the dozens who attended.