Progress being made at Bonnet Springs Park

Drone image of the maintenance building at Bonnet Springs Park.

Entrance + Maintenance Building at Bonnet Springs Park | Photo courtesy of Bonnet Springs Park

Table of Contents

Hey there, park hoppers. Recently, we had the chance to tour Bonnet Springs Park (1025 George Jenkins Blvd) for a sneak peek of all 168 acres of the park’s developments.

Drone photo of the welcome center at Bonnet Springs Park

Hollis Family Welcome Center | Photo courtesy of Bonnet Springs Park

After finding one of 600 parking spots, guests will be greeted by the Hollis Family Welcome Center. The 14,000-sqft center houses the Watson Clinic gallery, the Rodda family playground + a restaurant space with seating for 80.

Guests can walk or bike the 2½ mile Lakeland Regional Health Circulator, a wide path designed to help families comfortably navigate the park to their next destination.

Drone photo of Explorations V Chidlren's Museum at Bonnet Springs Park

Explorations V Children’s Museum, Cafe + Franklin Family South Mountain | Photo courtesy of Bonnet Springs Park

The 2-acre great lawn, backed by the Explorations V Children’s Museum + flanked by the Franklin Family South Mountain + Clyne Family North Mountain, will be a place for guests to enjoy live performances and large-scale events.

Families can enjoy 47,000-sqft of indoor + outdoor exhibits at the Explorations V Children’s Museum. The Museum anticipates over 115,000 guests yearly. Just steps away from the museum lies The Cafe, where guests can relax + gather for lunch, coffee, or cocktails at the rooftop bar.

Drone photo of the event center at Bonnet Springs Park

Event Center | Photo courtesy of Bonnet Springs Park

The Event Center features the Citizens Bank and Trust Ballroom and the Maya + Wesley Beck Patio. This 7,000-sqft space overlooks the Harrell Family Botanical Gardens + accommodates up to 400 guests for private events.

Some other spots that you’ll have to see with your own eyes:

  • Nicholas + Ashley Barnett Peace Pagoda | Connect with nature + quiet your mind at this peaceful location in the valley.
  • Kiwanis Cares for Kids Treehouse | Experience a birdseye view of the park in this 500-sqft aerial treehouse.
  • Wetlands Boardwalk | Observe + walk among Florida’s flora + fauna.
  • Ann + Ward Edwards Boathouse | Grab a snack or hit the lagoon in the aquatic vessel of your choice.

Crenshaw Canopy Walk | Take the elevated walking path through the Bonnet Springs treetops.

Quiz

More from LALtoday
Put your money where your community is and help us create a guide to small businesses by submitting your favorite local spots and sharing this page with a friend.
It’s the sweetest time of year — the Florida Strawberry Festival is back. Save our guide so you don’t get in a (strawberry) jam.
The 90th season of this beloved Lakeland tradition is underway at Joker Marchant Stadium — here’s everything you need to know if you’re planning to attend.
The City of Lakeland laid out a new timeline for this ongoing project’s design and construction, plus updated renderings of how it could look when complete.
Did you get your hands on the popular Strawberry Season Passports before they sold out? If not, no worries — just follow along with our editor’s tasty travels.
Keep reading for our favorite local love story.
We may not have snow, but there are plenty of gold medal-worthy ways to pretend you’re at the Milan-Cortina Games.
Whether you’re seeking a whirlwind romance or a fresh friendship, our readers share where they would go to meet someone new in Swan City.
This state organization invites you to visit 100+ historic Florida places in celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary.
Do you remember your first Lakeland concert? Did your favorite musician make a major impact? Share your concert memories with us for a chance to be featured.