Bonnet Springs Park will be more than a nature park –
it will be a community gathering place for art experiences.
When Bonnet Springs Park opens in October, it will not only be one of Central Florida’s newest green spaces, but it will also be a gathering place for art and cultural activities. Located on 168 acres of an abandonded rail site near downtown Lakeland, the park planners have been keen to include the arts in the planning process. “Arts and culture are central to our mission to ‘enrich our community through nature, culture, recreation, and education.’ I want to create space for people to share their stories as well as celebrate and learn from each other,” said Kirsten Heim, Vice President of Programming for Bonnet Springs Park. This reflects an intentional focus on programming and events that weave the arts into all parts of te parks’s programs and events. There will be concerts, exhibits, and performances, but there will also be participatory art experiences as well. “We want to have arts activities where our guests are involved in creating, not only performances where our guests are the audience,” Heim said.
Sara Roberts McCarley, the Chair for the Arts and Culture Committee and a Lakeland City Commissioner, recognizes that planning for these opportunities requires feedback from the park guests. “Once the park opens in October, we will see how visitors experience and utilize the entire area,” she said. “We are working as a committee with the staff to determine the best ways to integrate works of art. Our ultimate vision is to not compete with all of the natural elements but thoughtfully and intentionally curate works/events that enhance this beautiful gift.” And they’ll get the opportunity to see how guests respond in pretty short order with the grand opening weekend set for October 22-23.
“We’ll have music performances by nationally-known and local acts, strolling performers who will interact with our guests, and volunteers at each building who will give a short explanation of where you are in the park and how the spaces were created,” Heim said, speaking of the opening weekend’s programming. The two-day event will also feature interactive art installations and a market showcasing local makers. “We will try to activate all parts of the park so that we can show off every space and attraction to our guests,” Heim said. By highlighting the entire space, Bonnet Springs hopes to become a connector for the community, nature, and art.
“Local artists are helping us with design projects to promote the park,” Heim continued. “There will be visual artists and floral artists involved in creating visual art and installations during grand opening. There will be a traveling, interactive sculptural piece onsite from October to December.” The hope is that the park becomes a focal point for both local residents and vistors to the area alike. ” This park is beyond anything that already exists in Florida. It is in itself a destination that will draw visitors from all over the US,” McCarley said. And she’s convinced that these visits will be frequent. “I know that once someone visits, they will be overwhelmed at this gift and they will return to it over and over again bringing others along to enjoy it too.”
So with all of the dreaming, planning, and development finally coming to fruition, Heim wants to make sure everyone knows they are invited to come out to the park for the grand opening, “We will have music of many genres during opening weekend, live bands and DJs.” she said. “It will be a celebration throughout the park. We can’t wait to share it with the community!”
By Daryl Ward, PhD
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