Behind the scenes with Bill Tinsley
We are excited to share the progress in the Park for the month of August. York Bridges has begun the installation of the Circulator Bridge over Bonnet Spring that will allow emergency vehicle access. This major structure will be part of the 18-foot wide path system that will be approximately 2.5 miles in length. The pedestrian and bicycle Circulator ties all the major activity centers in the Park together. Although under normal circumstances, the recreation path is for strolling, jogging, and family bicycle activities, if an emergency vehicle requires access it will be part of our life safety system.
Nature Bridges is continuing installation of the Boardwalk along the east shoreline of the Lagoon and loops into the wetlands on the west side. This beautiful walkway will allow visitors an opportunity to enjoy the emerging wildlife and flora in this breathtaking setting. Two observation decks on the edge of the Lagoon will provide a great place to both rest and to stop off via boat to picnic.
Tucker Paving has the task of controlling the site drainage. With several hundred structures and thousands of feet of pipe ranging from 72” down to 6” in size designed to control the on-site and off-site water for the Park, it is a logistical puzzle. Erosion control during this rainy season and always anticipating potential hurricane influences on the site require careful planning. The construction of Bonnet Springs Boulevard is progressing in concert with the drainage and both will continue over the next 60-90 days. Four buildings are under construction at various stages.
The Maintenance Building’s interior finishes have started leading the way. The Event Center is becoming more visible from the Memorial Boulevard Bridge as masonry work is moving vertically, and steel is expected on sight by mid-September. As 700 piles are being driven at Explorations V Children’s Museum, the actual pile caps, which will hold the steel structure of the Hollis Family Welcome Center, have been poured. Electricians and plumbers will be on site next to begin the process of the under-slab utilities.
It has been a fantastic month at the Park as we began on-boarding our new CEO, Josh Henderson. The team here at Bonnet Springs is backed by an incredible Board of Directors, our diverse and talented committees, staff, volunteers, and donors. Thank you for staying engaged in this legacy effort.
Lake Bonnet Drainage Basin Flood Hazard/Debris Removal Grant Application: City Seeks Feedback On Grant Application
The City of Lakeland in partnership with Bonnet Springs Park (a non-profit organization) will be submitting an application to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity for a Florida General Infrastructure Program Mitigation Grant (CDBG-MIT) on September 14, 2020. Grants will be awarded to successful applicants for risk mitigation projects including but not limited to flooding, severe storms, and tropical cyclones. The proposed multi-component project is focused on adding flood storage capacity to the Lake Bonnet Drainage basin through improvements to stormwater infrastructure and the natural environment.
The City of Lakeland and Bonnet Springs Park have envisioned this innovative, cooperative project as an opportunity to improve stormwater storage capacity, quantity, and quality; mitigate flooding hazards within the drainage basin; and restore Lake Bonnet surface waters and ecosystems while supporting the overall revitalization of the neighborhoods within the basin.
The Public can view a presentation on the project and provide public feedback by visiting http://www.lakelandgov.net/LakeBonnetDrainageBasin.Questions and feedback are welcomed on this application and they can be submitted to: laurie.smith@lakelandgov.net.
To read the full press release, visit our website.
Back to School With Bonnet Springs Park!
Students and teachers in Polk County kicked off the beginning of the new school year last week. Over the course of the next few weeks, all of us here at BSP wanted to spread the word and help our amazing educators by posting their classroom needs list.
Whether you opted to have your child go back to the classroom or chose distance learning from home, teachers’ are still in need of very specific items this school year to maintain a healthy and safe environment for themselves and every student.
As we share these lists, please consider helping a local teacher out. Teachers, if you’d like us to post your list, please send us a private message on Facebook or email us at info@BonnetSpringsPark.com with a link to your list and your picture. The shipping address is hidden but people will have the opportunity to ship these items directly to you.
Sound Wall Update
As you drive along George Jenkins Boulevard, you’ll be able to check out the Sound Wall in it’s temporary location until it’s permanent installment in the Harrell Family Botanical Gardens in 2021. Surrounded by Japanese Blueberry, Juniper Parsoni and Apostle Iris, this beautiful structure was dreamed up by All Saints Academy NuVu Innovation Studio students Laura Prazdnicane and Jaiyun “Lucy” Zhnag and created by artist Art Research Enterprises founded by Becky Ault and Mike Cunningham.
Stemming from our partnership with Platform Art, the goal was to create a sculpture that will enhance our space and increase cultural tourism. We’re delighted to say that we think this sculpture is the perfect fit for the botanical gardens and we can’t wait for you to stroll through the park and interact with this incredible, beautiful piece.
Bonnet Springs Director of Development Joins Leadership Lakeland Class 38
Look out, Lakeland! Our own Director of Development, Heide Waldron, has been chosen as one of Leadership Lakeland’s newest members of Class 38. Leadership Lakeland is a Lakeland Chamber of Commerce program that aims to provide leadership experiences and outreach opportunities throughout the Lakeland community, and empower and inspire Lakeland’s current and future generation of leaders. Already a devoted community leader, we can’t wait to see how Heide takes the lessons she learns over the next 9 months and applies them towards Bonnet Springs Park!
Leave Your Mark on the Park!
Wondering how you can leave your mark on the park? We’ve got you covered! Visit our site to learn more about sponsoring engraved bricks and benches.
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.
