Lake Wales Connected

Lake Wales Connected is a long-range plan to revitalize the City's historic core.  The area comprises the downtown historic district and Northwest Neighborhood. 

The planning process was designed to seek input from many perspectives, and engage public and private stakeholders in defining a vision for the future of downtown. Business and property owners, City staff, and interested residents were among the many participants that contributed their input and ideas. 

Key priorities:

Design: Our redevelopment plans focus on downtown being the epicenter of Lake Wales with vibrant streetscapes and interconnected trails, connecting citizens and visitors to area establishments, nearby parks, green spaces and neighborhoods. Seven streetscapes and five trail segments comprise Lake Wales Connected. Encouraging adaptive reuse of downtown buildings and historic preservation are top priorities.

Activate: The redeveloped centerpiece in the heart of downtown, Market Plaza serves as an outdoor gathering space for events and exhibits. New restaurants and businesses are opening on Park Avenue and First Street, offering citizens a variety of eateries and services.

Connect: We’re implementing plans to connect green spaces to downtown and nearby neighborhoods. First Street will link citizens from downtown to A Street and Lincoln Avenue in the historic Northwest Neighborhood. A two-way cycle track is proposed for First Street. The new Tower Boulevard Trail will link citizens to Bok Tower Gardens from Lake Wailes Park. And the Park Avenue Connector Trail links citizens from Lake Wailes Park to downtown. 

Populate: In-fill is a priority. Downtown features mixed-use zoning to permit a mix of residential uses and commercial activities in a compact downtown setting. Attracting people to relocate to downtown urban-style townhomes and duplex-style condos will maximize infill development and activate the historic downtown district.  

Empower: The City’s economic development strategy coupled with incentives and grants facilitated by the Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency make it easier for people to be part of the revitalization of downtown Lake Wales. The programs and incentives are attracting new businesses and private investment. Entrepreneurs also have access to BizLINC, a business incubator designed to coach business owners on the startup of a company.

Full copy of Lake Wales Connected Plan




Upcoming grant funded capital improvement projects:


Orange Avenue, Crystal Avenue, and Market Street in the downtown historic district are in development. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2025.

The City of Lake Wales was awarded a $22.9 million grant to fund the redevelopment of four road segments in historic downtown Lake Wales:  Central Avenue, First Street, Lincoln Avenue and A Street will be redeveloped into complete streets. 

The funding was awarded by the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program. 

Connected page
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Lake Wales Envisioned

City commission adopted Resolution 2023-18 – Lake Wales Envisioned. It serves as a general guide for future development decisions. The City is experiencing an historic period of renewal and the potential for significant growth. 

Back in January 2023, City Commission adopted Resolution 2023-02, Planning in Progress, establishing Aspirations for the “Lake Wales Envisioned” effort. City Commissioners, staff and consultants conducted several public workshops to capture ideas and feedback from the community.  

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Big Green Network

City staff and consultants recently conducted a land-use study that evaluated the natural lands within and around the municipal service area. A map was created to illustrate the network of land that may preserve biological diversity, protect wetlands, and listed wildlife and native plants. 

The Big Green Network lies on the east and west sides of the City. Two potential neighborhood green networks were also identified in the City’s long-range plan, Lake Wales Envisioned.  

Green Network

Community Engagement & Input

"Lake Wales Envisioned" Charrette Week took place in April 2023. Citizens got the chance to meet with the planning team and participate in a variety of in-person and online work sessions geared to identify common goals for land-use throughout the city and its surrounding utility service area.

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A Best Practices Symposium Community Meeting was held at the Bok Tower Auditorium on March 20th to kick-off the planning process for Lake Wales Envisioned! Citizens got the chance to engage with City staff and project planners. 

On April 15th, the "Hands-on-Design Session” featured an in-depth presentation followed by mapping and visioning exercises at tables. Citizens rolled up their sleeves and marked up maps, drew out ideas, and presented their recommendations to all of the attendees.

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Sponsors

An "Open Planning Studio" took place on April 14th. Citizens stopped by to share ideas and check on the progress of the planning team. It gave many people the opportunity to ensure the work being created is a proper reflection of the community’s vision.

City staff thanks our project sponsor who helped promote and provide event support for the Lake Wales Envisioned initiative.