If you’ve entertained out-of-town guests in Swan City, odds are you’ve taken them downtown. While the bones of this historic district have stayed relatively consistent over the years, the businesses, aesthetics, and activities for families are always evolving.
Wondering what the future could look like in downtown Lakeland? Here are a few things we’re watching.
Beautification
In January 2023, the City of Lakeland unveiled potential plans for a Munn Park revitalization project. A final decision is yet to be made, but it’s clear that the city intends to make some community-centric changes to our town square. Meanwhile, the LDDA has added new self-watering pots filled with fresh flowers along Lemon Street and Tennessee Avenue.
Dining
There’s always something new to eat in downtown Lakeland. Nineteen61 is planning to add a rooftop bar just a couple of doors down from a new upscale Japanese eatery: Hakucho. Down the street, the former Crispers location is still vacant, and while no plans have been shared, our readers are hoping for a wine bar, Chicken Salad Chick, or a diner, among other ideas.
Family activities
The Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market is known for bringing local vendors and community members together along Kentucky Avenue, but shoppers could experience an even bigger market in the future. The LDDA is considering expanding the market into Munn Park.
Lakeland’s fourth dog park (and downtown’s first) is planned for the corner of East Rose Street + North Lake Avenue. Fit with retro LED signage, dog statues, a pup-friendly photo op, and a dog wash station, this park will open to Lakeland’s four-legged citizens later this year.
There are still plenty of things up in the air, but if we had to guess, 2025 could include meals at new eateries, fetch with Fido at On Dog Time Park, and perhaps a more concrete idea of Munn Park’s future. What do you think? Peer into your crystal ball and tell us what you see.