Parks and Recreation

LAKELAND, FL (April 11, 2023) | The boardwalk and small fishing pier at Peterson Park are currently closed until further notice. The structures have deteriorated over time and City staff has deemed the structures unsafe. 

LAKELAND, FL (April 4, 2023) | Barnett Family Park located at 730 East Orange Street will be closing for repairs from April 18^th through May 8^th.  The splash pad, playgrounds and picnic area will all be impacted as part of the closure. 

LAKELAND, FL (October 20, 2022) | The City of Lakeland just completed the 42^nd Annual Swan Roundup.  This event allows the City’s swan veterinarian to oversee the health and vitality of Lakeland’s swan flock.  Dr. Price Dickson from My Pet’s Animal Hospital and her staff provided wellness examinations on the 73 swans that make up the Lake Morton flock.  There are three different breeds of swans, including Mute Swans, Australian Black Swans, and one lone Black Necked Swan.

LAKELAND, FL (July 28, 2022) | The City of Lakeland Public Works Department and Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts Department have begun work on a stabilization project on the south side of Lake Morton adjacent to the swan pens. The Construction and Maintenance and Lakes and Stormwater Divisions of Public Works and the Parks Division have teamed up on this project to address ...

LAKELAND, FL (May 19, 2022) | The Lake Crago Outdoor Recreation Complex was recently designated as an Outstanding Partner by the Florida Youth Conservation Center Network (FYCCN).  FYCCN is a program administered by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission designed to get younger Floridians involved in outdoor activities.  The FYCCN program is dedicated to getting kids and families outside and helping them understand the importance of the state’s amazing natural resources. FYCCN educates and empowers Florida’s youth with outdoor know-how and the latest conservation concepts.

LAKELAND, FL (May 11, 2022) | The community is invited to join the City of Lakeland with the McGee Family as we dedicate John McGee Park with a ribbon cutting on Saturday, June 4^th at 10 a.m.  John McGee Park (formally Cypress Youth Sports Complex) is located at 2125 Edgewood Dr. S.

LAKELAND, FL (April 4, 2022) | The City of Lakeland Parks & Recreation Department is adding Cultural Arts to its name.  Yes, starting April 4^th, the Department will be Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts.  The addition of Cultural Arts to the Department not only recognizes programming, partnerships, and green spaces but it also highlights the adaptability of these spaces going forward.  Recreation and library needs have changed over the years to include cultural arts.

LAKELAND, FL (March 24, 2022) | The City of Lakeland invites you to join us for First Light Yoga in Hollis Garden. The Parks & Recreation Department has teamed up with yoga studios in the community to provide a series of free yoga classes in one of Lakeland’s most serene locations. Participants are recommended to bring their own yoga mat and wear comfortable clothing. Minors must be at least 14 years of age to participate and be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The first yoga session at Hollis Garden will feature Yoga Pointe leading the class on Saturday, April 9^th at 9 a.m.  Registration will be the day of the event at 8:30 a.m.

LAKELAND, FL (November 15, 2021) | The City of Lakeland is hosting the 7^th Annual Holly Jolly Jingle Bell Jog on Saturday, December 11^th.  This festive 5K race takes place on Three Parks Trail, and this year there will be a 7 a.m. staggered start for the runners gathering on Buckingham Avenue.

LAKELAND, FL (July 9, 2021) | With pollinators in a serious decline, it is more important than ever for people to take part in their conservation.