The City of Lakeland Is Planning the Next Decade of Parks and Libraries. Your Opinion Is Due.
If you have ever wished Lakeland had better trails, more shade at playgrounds, expanded library hours, or a dog park closer to home, now is the time to say so. The City of Lakeland Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts Department is asking residents to complete a public survey that will directly shape how the city spends its time and money on parks, recreation, and community facilities over the next 5 to 10 years.
The department oversees five divisions: Parks, Recreation, Cemeteries, Golf, and Libraries. The Master Plan survey covers everything from how often residents use facilities like Gandy Pool, Cleveland Heights Golf Course, and the Kelly Recreation Center, to what new programs and amenities they want to see added in the coming decade.
The 29 questions touch on current usage of parks, trails, aquatics facilities, libraries, dog parks, pickleball courts, and more. Residents are also asked to weigh in on what would make them use city services more, including improved lighting and safety, expanded hours, better maintenance, more youth and senior programming, and access to parks from nearby sidewalks and public transit.
The survey also asks about funding. Residents will be asked how they feel about potential options such as naming and sponsorship opportunities at city facilities, a dedicated sales tax increase, a $10 annual property tax addition, and higher user fees for rentals and programs. No decisions have been made on funding, and the survey is designed to gauge community sentiment before any plans move forward.
The city wants to hear from everyone, including people who do not currently use Lakeland parks or facilities. If distance, conditions, or lack of programming has kept you away, that feedback matters just as much as input from frequent users.
The survey takes just a few minutes to complete and is available now at City of Lakeland Master Planning Survey.
Source: City of Lakeland Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts Department
