This park is Munn in a million

A rendering of colorful pod swings in Munn Park

Would you grab a seat on one of these colorful pod swings in Munn Park? | Rendering via The City of Lakeland

The City of Lakeland’s public forums surrounding Munn Park took place this week on Tuesday, Jan. 10 and Thursday, Jan. 12, which means we’re one step closer to seeing the newest iteration of our beloved town square.

Citizens who attended were able to view some of the potential outcomes for the park. Six options were presented at the forums, but the city’s total list of considerations includes:

A large front lawn
A concessions area featuring permanent shipping container-style eateries or food trucks
A fully-enclosed dog park with artificial turf
A public parkour course
A special events stage with a structure to provide shade

A rendering showing lawn games like giant checkers and cornhole in Munn Park — We challenge you to a game of cornhole, Lakeland.

The ideas don’t end there. With goals to make Munn Park more of a destination for Lakelanders, designers are focusing on potential interactive elements like:

Bocce ball
Cornhole
Giant checkers
Pod swings
Billiards
Ping pong
Putt-putt golf
Shuffleboard
Ladder-toss games

A rendering showing a hashtag Lakeland sign in Munn Park — Say cheese and pose here for your next Instagram photo.

Finally, what would a park revitalization project be if we didn’t talk about design? Here are some of the design elements currently being considered:

Bench seating surrounding the lawn’s perimeter, similar to what exists now
Planters decorated with artwork
New landscaping welcoming visitors at the park’s entrances
Historical markers
Public art opportunities, like an Instagram-worthy #LAKELAND sign

If you were unable to attend and still want to provide input, no worries. The City of Lakeland is still accepting feedback via an online survey through Friday, Jan. 27. 🌳

Pro tip: You can view all of the potential features on the City of Lakeland’s website.

EVENTS

Click here to have your event featured.

Friday, Jan. 13

Leadership Forum “Living, Learning and Leading Lakeland” | Friday, Jan. 13 | 2-5 p.m. | Lake Crago Park, 525 Lake Crago Dr., Lakeland | Free | Attend this panel of Lakeland business leaders for a discussion on talent recruitment and retention, equity and inclusion, and more.
Lakeland Magic vs. Greensboro Swarm | Friday, Jan. 13 | 7 p.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | $12-$158 | Watch the Lakeland Magic tip off against the Greensboro Swarm at Orlando Magic Night — the first 1,000 fans will receive a free Lakeland Magic lunchbox.
Big Time Juke Box | Friday, Jan. 13 | 7-11 p.m. | Duke’s Brewhouse, 4960 Florida Ave. S., Lakeland | Free | Listen to hits spanning multiple generations and genres by this five-piece band.
Unity Luncheon | Friday, Jan. 13 | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Nora Mayo Hall, 500 3rd St. NW, Winter Haven | $5 | Enjoy a catered lunch and hear musicians and speakers at this luncheon to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Saturday, Jan. 14

Nature Narrator | Saturday, Jan. 14 | 10-11 a.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Children ages 4-8 can hear a story from a new narrator each month and complete a related activity or craft in the park’s Outdoor Classroom.
Dream Fest Kids Edition: Day of Caring | Saturday, Jan. 14 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Florida Children’s Museum, 600 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with free museum admission, live performances, arts and crafts, giveaways, and more.
Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market | Saturday, Jan. 14 | Downtown Lakeland | Free | Find fresh produce, plants, and locally handcrafted items at this outdoor farmers market.

Sunday, Jan. 15

LuBeck w/ Billy’s Roadside Grill | Sunday, Jan. 15 | 2 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free | Hear classic rock, country, and alternative music by LuBeck with a locally brewed beer from the taproom.
Florida Tropics SC vs. Milwaukee Wave | Sunday, Jan. 15 | 3:05 p.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | $7-$23 | Turn the tide in the Tropics’ favor by cheering them on to a win over the Wave.

Monday, Jan. 16

MLK Brunch + Service Day | Monday, Jan. 16 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | The Joinery, 640 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free | Grab brunch at The Joinery before volunteering at Lighthouse Ministries, Dream Center of Lakeland, One More Child, or Prayer Walk — registration required.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

NEWS NOTES

Weather

63º | Rain | 90% chance of rain 🌧
Break out those wellies and umbrellies, Lakeland. A cold front pushing south through the Sunshine State is bringing showers and thunderstorms our way this morning. You can expect cooler temps through the weekend, with highs in the 50s and 60s on Saturday and Sunday, respectively. (WFLA)

Development

You’ve heard of SoHo, but what about LoMa? A revitalized local maker village was proposed by Straught Trout Architects for the area around East Rose Street, near The Joinery. The proposal includes improvements to sidewalks, lighting, and streetscaping, plus new public art and the revitalization of older industrial buildings. 🧱 (The Ledger)

Biz

Black & Brew’s southside location is celebrating its grand opening from Monday, Jan. 16-Saturday, Jan. 21. Stop by all week for specials, giveaways, live music, and more. Here’s a sneak peek: Monday customers can enjoy a free 16-oz tea lemonade with their purchase. View the rest of the week’s deals here.
First impressions go a long way, especially in business. Find out what your startup needs to stand out — and how to avoid common mistakes — in this podcast episode from Catapult. 🎧 *

Number

$120,000. That’s how much Florida Southern College received in state grant funding for its nursing program, with hopes to strengthen Florida’s nursing workforce. Seniors in FSC’s nursing program have fellowship and scholarship opportunities with BayCare Health Systems and Lakeland Regional Health, as well. 🩺 (The Ledger)

Legacy

Winter Haven physician Dr. Eugene Nagel — credited as one of 11 “EMS Innovators” at the forefront of emergency medicine on the National EMS Museum’s website — died at the age of 98. When doctors couldn’t be present for all emergency responses, he connected ambulances with hospitals via radio, decreasing mortality rates. (The Ledger)

Deal

Keel Farms is hosting a Family Fun Day with the Camaraderie Foundation for military personnel, veterans, and their families on Saturday, Jan. 28 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Festivities include farm tours, strawberry picking, live music, complimentary lunch, playtime with the farm animals, and more. Registration is required.

Family

Legoland Florida’s new pirate-themed ride, Pirate River Quest, opened yesterday. Take the family to experience Cypress Gardens via boat ride daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online. 🏴‍☠️ (The Ledger)

Try This

Whether you’re looking to spend more quality time with your family or working on staying consistent in the gym, we’re here to help with those New Year’s resolutions. Check out our guide to help you stay consistent.

Lakelander

Happy birthday, LALtoday member Jana F. (Jan. 14). We hope your special day is filled with all of your favorite things in Lakeland! Did you know when you become a LALtoday member, you’ll get a birthday shoutout, too? Join today. 🎉

Drink

Cheers to the weekend, Lakeland. Celebrate the end of the work week (responsibly) with an at-home happy hour. Liquid Light Sauvignon Blanc is buy one, get one free at Publix GreenWise Market now through Wednesday, Jan. 18. 🍷*

Eat

It’s still soup season. Enhance your soup skills at the Winter Soups hands-on cooking class at Publix Aprons Cooking School on Tuesday, Jan. 24. On the menu: Boston-Style Clam Chowder, Chicken Sausage Toscana, Truffled Roasted Tomato Soup, and more. 🍲 *

Correction

Yoga for Beginners at the Simpson Park Community Center is canceled on Monday, Jan. 16 due to Martin Luther King Jr. Day. You can get your flow on at the next class coming up on Wednesday, Jan. 18 at 10 a.m.

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ASKED

New year, new favorites ✨

Color Theory Tea makes for the perfect at-home beverage. | Photo via Color Theory Tea

Whether you’re looking for your new favorite locally-made pantry staple, Lakeland-esque candle, or your next go-to hobby, check out these 10 things we can’t live without.

$5 movies
City Editor Connor doesn’t miss a Tuesday at the CMX Cinemas Lakeside 18 & IMAX — that ticket discount makes popcorn basically free... right?

Color Theory Tea
Pick up a bag of loose-leaf tea next time you’re in Black and Brew Coffee House & Bistro. Pro tip: Rilee suggests signing up for a monthly subscription to get your tea delivered monthly.

Neighborhood candles
Head to Stationery Loft for a candle inspired by your neighborhood (or whichever neighborhood smells the best to you, we won’t tell).

While we’re at it, it’s probably time for us to find some new favorites of our own. Tell us your Lakeland essentials so we can add them to our rotation for 2023.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Rilee.

Editor’s pick: TGIF, Lakeland. ICYMI in yesterday’s LALweekend newsletter, I’m looking forward to frequenting my usual stomping grounds: The farmers market and a dog-friendly patio for brunch — though my plans may be thwarted by rainy weather. If that’s the case, I’ll probably catch a movie at Lakeside Village’s CMX Cinemas Lakeside 18 & IMAX.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? We nurtured your green thumb, here.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Rilee Delgado, Connor Keith, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Kailey Burke | Advertise with us.

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