It’s no secret that Lakeland is growing faster than ever before. As such, the City of Lakeland has launched numerous initiatives to help support growing infrastructure needs, plus a few focused on beautification + revitalization. Here are five ongoing projects we’re keeping an eye on throughout this year and beyond.
Downtown West Action Plan
The Lakeland City Commission unanimously voted in April 2024 to adopt the Downtown West Action Plan. The plan focuses on improving pedestrian and bike connectivity, nurturing neighborhood infrastructure, and increasing residential density across the Downtown West area, which covers landmarks like Bonnet Springs Park, the RP Funding Center, and Lakes Bonnet, Beulah, and Wire.
Munn Park revitalization
During the City of Lakeland’s 2024 strategic planning retreat, city commissioners approved a new design concept for Munn Park based on public feedback + discussion. The unfinalized concept includes a water feature, dog park, community lawn, and a shade pavilion that can be used for special events.
East Main Street redevelopment
Straughn Trout Architects and Lakeland’s Community Redevelopment Agency collaborated to envision a new design for the East Main District, which stretches from East Oleander Street south to East Main Street, and from Ingraham Avenue west to Lake Mirror. The concept presented in 2023 included enhancements like extended sidewalks, new lighting, and public art + attached maker spaces.
FDOT also announced in 2024 that it would perform a Project Development and Environment study on the area of US 92 from Walker Avenue to Lakeland Hills Boulevard to identify opportunities for complete street enhancements.
Screenshot via Google Maps
Memorial Boulevard revitalization
Also in September 2024, Florida Commerce granted $75,000 to the city to conduct an economic study of Memorial Boulevard, with commissioners approving the grant agreement in October. Now, the city is partnering with Ayres — a planning, design, and engineering firm — to develop a plan for creating a thriving economic environment in the six-mile stretch of road between I-4 and East Lake Parker Drive. Phase 2 is slated to wrap up around the end of May, when a Final Economic Development Strategy & Implementation Report will be created.
Western Trunk Line replacement
Construction is set to begin this spring for key replacements in the Western Trunk Line sewer pipeline, one of the city’s main wastewater collection systems. In September 2024, city commissioners approved a new route for the line that will cross Harden Boulevard south of West Beacon Street instead of the previously approved Forest Park Street, which will reduce the construction timeline by six months. Commissioners are also hoping to receive state funding for the project.
Kevin Cook, the Director of Communications for the City of Lakeland, also shared with us that several of these major city projects will be addressed in the State of the City presentation, which is set to take place in late May.
