Comments on: Chain of Lakes Complex … Make No Little Plans

By: Bob Gernert

Bob Gernert — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 18:10:18 +0000

Actually there are several new techniques being evaluated to deepen the canals. The canals form Summit to Eloise and parts of Winterset/Eloise are deeper. May/Howard in underway.

In the near future Canal Commission representatives will join with Chamber and City reps to evaluate deepening canals more centrally located in the southern Chain.

A key fact in deepening canals is the length of the aluminum sheeting in place. Some is eight feet and some is ten. Older asbestos sheeting cannot withstand deepening and will have to be replaced. It costs approximately $750 a linear foot to install new canal walls.

It is both costly and difficult but we will work together to find the necessary resources.

Fact: No water naturally flows into the Chain of Lakes. Only rainfall adds to their level. Appropriate dances and praying for rain are encouraged.

By: John

John — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 17:59:23 +0000

I wish we would be the Chain of Lakes City. Currently the only way to get from one lake to another is by car.

By: Bob Gernert

Bob Gernert — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 15:07:00 +0000

David,

Lakeside Village was not developed by the City of Lakeland but by a private developer. Winter Haven has been approached by a number of similar developers interested in everything from the Chain of Lakes complex all the way to Lake Shipp. I have personally visited other developments with City representatives including one Orlando-based complex. A development of regional impact (DRI) is planned for that area of Winter Haven and from all efforts I have witnessed it will equal or exceed the Lakeside Village model. We have natural assets to incorporate in such planning that many communities can only dream about. I find an increasing appreciation for our lake-centered environment by city officials and residents alike.

By: David

David — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:58:54 +0000

Continued— I somtimes wonder if it is some psychological “little brother” type complex. Posner Park is terrible and not at all pedestrian friendly. Winter Haven should should embrace good ideas no matter where they come from. Copying as much as possible from Lakeside Village would be a great start.

By: David

David — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:54:56 +0000

I think the city is doing a great job in the long neglected area of parks and recreation. I’m hopeful that the development of this area will include some nice outdoor space for a park. Folks on this side of town will not and should not have to drive to other areas of town for parks since we pay more than our fair share of taxes.
Finally, Lakeland did a great job with Lakeside Village. Winter Haven sometimes seems intent on not copying Lakeland’s success in park design, planning, etc.

By: Thomas

Thomas — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 20:25:34 +0000

In a hearing before the Transportation Committee in the Florida Senate this morning, Lakeland Senator Paula Dockery offered amendments that would strip out “rail yards” from areas where accidents would be covered. Dockery said without it, Florida taxpayers “will be on the hook for accidents occuring in CSX’s rail yard which have nothing to do with commuter rail.”

The amendment failed.

Go to http://www.orlandosentinel.com/politicalpulse.

By the way, I’ve changed my name so people won’t get us Bob’s mixed up.

By: Bob Gernert

Bob Gernert — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 17:35:43 +0000

Nothing definite has been determined with regard to this property. Current economic conditions have slowed all forms of development. The city’s intent remains to master plan a major area bounded by Avenue O, SW on the north, Chain of Lakes property on the East, Lake Shipp on the West and the Lulu Ship Canal to the south.

RussMatt Collegiate ball has signed a 10 year contract with Polk County Sports Marketing. The tournament is generating significant economic activity for area hotels, restaurants and other merchants. Any long term solution will involve new ballfields on less valuable property.

The Chamber intends to survey our members in early April to gauge this Spring’s tourism season as compared to past years.

By: Jeff

Jeff — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 16:56:34 +0000

Just wondering if there any new updates on how the Citrus Dome and Chain of Lakes Ballpark will be used. It’s been almost a year since the announcement on this web site.
The college games are nice but I’m sure that is not the long term answer.

By: John

John — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 04:54:12 +0000

This site would have been perfect for what Auburndale is doing at Lake Myrtle with the $14.2 million dollar sports complex. Too bad for Winter Haven.

By: chris

chris — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 19:17:26 +0000

I would like to see a boardwalk on Lake Lulu. Possibly something that resembles the Boardwalk at Disney, with stores on the first floor of the walk and residential/offices above. The fact is that Winter Haven has a major commodity in which to build tourism off of, the Chain of Lakes. Right now, we have some boat ramps and parks along it. The apartments up on Cypress Gardens Blvd. that seem to be falling apart are prime real estate. I would like to see a commercial / residential super-project down by Lake Lulu once the stadium is gone. There is plenty of room for park improvements and fields all over the city, especially if you build up.