Bonnet Springs Park | Florida Hikes
TLDR SECTION:
Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland, Florida, is a 168-acre transformed urban landscape that combines nature with learning centers and event venues. The park grew from a public-private partnership to clean up an abandoned former train station and remediate soil contaminated with hazardous industrial chemicals. Natural springs were discovered by the erosion process and now feed the creek that flows into Bonnet Lake. Developed and maintained by a private foundation, Bonnet Springs Park is a rarity in Florida, a private park created for public use. It features a canopy ride, nature center, butterfly house, botanical gardens, and tree house.
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FULL ARTICLE BELOW:
After seven years in construction, Bonnet Springs Park now spans a staggering 168 acres in the heart of Lakeland. The Park is a truly remarkable feat of urban transformation, having been developed in conjunction with a public-private partnership that sought to rehabilitate an abandoned train station, formerly a bustling hub of steam train travel in the days of Florida’s citrus boom. The extensive renovation involved the removal of hazardous industrial chemicals that had leached into the soil from the rail terminal. The unique sloping landscape of the park now provides ample opportunities for recreation and relaxation, with grassy slopes and natural creeks that feed into Bonnet Lake. The park incorporates an exciting array of attractions, including learning centers and event spaces, all devoted to preserving natural heritage and railway history alike. Bonnet Springs Park is a truly visionary example of a private park that has been created exclusively for the benefit of the public. With a small core staff and tireless volunteers, Bonnet Springs Park is an exemplary model of how corporate donations and private individuals can work together to create a public space that truly benefits the community.
Bonnet Springs Park is a new 180-acre public park located in Lakeland, Florida, that opened in May 2021. The park features around 8 miles of trails, a 5-acre playground, multiple lakes, a boardwalk, a splash pad, an amphitheater, and a botanical garden.
Some interesting statistics about the park include:
– The park was constructed over a period of 3 years at a cost of $38 million.
– Around 1.2 million cubic yards of dirt were moved during the construction of the park, which is roughly equivalent to 120,000 dump truck loads of dirt.
– The playground at Bonnet Springs Park is the largest public playground in Central Florida and features a custom-designed 60-foot tall tower with multiple slides.
– The park has a 2.5-acre botanical garden with over 1,200 plant species, including a butterfly garden and a sensory garden.
– The amphitheater at Bonnet Springs Park can hold up to 4,000 people and features state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems.
– The park has several lakes, including a 3-acre lake stocked with fish for catch-and-release fishing.
– Bonnet Springs Park is dedicated to sustainability and features solar panels on many of the buildings, as well as a rainwater harvesting system for irrigation.
RELATED QUESTIONS
1. What is Bonnet Springs Park?
Bonnet Springs Park is a new urban park located in Lakeland, Florida. It spans over 180 acres and offers a wide range of recreational activities for visitors of all ages, including hiking trails, a zipline adventure park, a splash pad, playgrounds, and event spaces.
2. How much does it cost to visit Bonnet Springs Park?
Admission fees to Bonnet Springs Park vary depending on the activities you wish to participate in. The park offers both single activity and multi-activity passes, with prices ranging from $10 to $50 per person.
3. Are pets allowed at Bonnet Springs Park?
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed at Bonnet Springs Park, with the exception of service animals. This policy is in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors.
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