LAKE WALES CONNECTED 

A community-based vision for the future.

Construction for the Park Avenue and Market Plaza Redesign has started. Park Avenue between Wetmore Street and 1st Street is closed through November 2023.

Two parking lots are available to access merchants and the post office located on Park Avenue.

1.    Public parking lot located at the corner of Park Avenue and 1st Street

2.    Public parking lot accessible from Orange Avenue

Detours are in place to direct traffic around Park Avenue between Wetmore Street and 1st Street.

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CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE (Dates subject to change)

Phase 1: March 2023 - November 2023   Park Avenue between Wetmore Street to 1st Avenue

Phase 2: August 2023 - January 2024   Park Avenue between 1st Street to Scenic Highway

Phase 3: January 2024 - March 2024   1st Avenue Resurfacing (between Park Avenue and Stuart Avenue

Phase 4: March 2024 - June 2024   Scenic Highway between Stuart Avenue to Orange Avenue

Market Plaza: August 2023 - January 2024

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN DISTRICT
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A key component of the “Lake Wales Connected” plan is the revitalization of the historic downtown district. The area will feature outdoor dining on sidewalks, events in the streets, open spaces to socialize and a plaza for outdoor exhibits. 

Plans include linking the historic downtown district to the Northwest Neighborhood with tree-lined streets, enhanced sidewalks, multiuse trails and two-way cycle tracks.

MARKET PLAZA

Market Plaza is nestled in the heart of the historic downtown district. Future enhancements will include the ideal public space for outdoor exhibits and large community gatherings.

Key components include:

  • Cathedral live oaks
  • Enlarged sidewalks
  • Gathering spaces
  • Seating areas
  • Enhanced lighting
  • Welcoming entrances
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PARK AVENUE
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Park Avenue is the centerpiece of the historic downtown district. It’s geared to become a desirable street to explore a variety of eateries and retail shops. The street will be curbless to accommodate exhibits and special events.

Key components include:

  • Street pavers
  • Enlarged sidewalks
  • Seating areas
  • Hanging-flower baskets
  • Enhanced lighting
  • Parallel parking
FIRST STREET

First Street bridges the core of the historic downtown district and Northwest Neighborhood. Improvements to the area will offer convenient access to area establishments and recreation opportunities.

Key components include:

  • Tree-lined streets
  • Enlarged sidewalks
  • Rain gardens
  • Hanging-flower baskets
  • Two-way cycle track
  • Parallel parking
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LINCOLN AVENUE BUSINESS DISTRICT
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Lincoln Avenue is a premier spot in the Northwest Neighborhood. Redevelopment plans include quality buildings, tree-lined streets and open spaces. 

The new enhancements to the district are intended to revitalize the core of the Northwest Neighborhood by attracting new businesses, retail and restaurants.  

GROVE MANOR

Grove Manor is the keystone of the historic core between the historic downtown district and the Northwest Neighborhood. 

Redevelopment plans include a mixed-income neighborhood with public housing plus moderate income and market rate units. The area will feature tree-lined streets with comfortable sidewalks, seating areas and multiuse recreation trails. 

Grove Manor Interperation
CENTRAL AVENUE
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Central Avenue is the gateway to the historic downtown district and Lake Wailes Park. Structural enhancements will optimize the area to connect two-way cycle tracks to Scenic Highway and the Ridge Scenic Highway Third Street Trailhead.

Key components include:

  • Shade trees
  • Two-way cycle tracks
  • Parallel parking
  • Contemporary landscaping
  • Streetscape improvements
  • Enhanced crosswalks
PARK AVENUE CONNECTOR TRAIL

A multiuse trail that connects Lake Wailes Park to the historic downtown district at Scenic Highway and East Crystal Avenue. It’s the City’s first step in establishing a network of trails linking residents to parks and area establishments.

Key components include:

  • Multiuse trail
  • Scenic overlook
  • Contemporary landscaping
  • Trail lighting
  • Parallel parking
  • Calming zone
Park Avenue Connector Trail

LAKE WALES MAIN STREET

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Lake Wales Main Street is recognized as one of Florida’s first Main Street programs and continues the mission of making Downtown Lake Wales a historical site destination for everyday business, shopping and leisure activities.

Interested in expanding business operations to the Lake Wales Historic Downtown District? Please call (863) 678-4023.

CHARTER SCHOOL SYSTEM

Lake Wales is the first city in the state to have its own  non-profit charter school  system. It’s comprised of seven schools designed to promote inclusion, real-world learning, small class sizes and individual support. 

Key priorities include providing innovation and choice within curriculum, so each child recognizes the benefits of life-long learning, constructive citizenship and personal happiness. 

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CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
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The City of Lake Wales is located in Polk County, Florida, one of the fastest growing places in the state and in the nation, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Just a short commute from Orlando and Tampa, Lake Wales is close to metropolitan cities and vacation destinations. 

Lake Wales has a variety of options to expand business operations. Light manufacturing and distribution companies have convenient access to Central Florida via State Road 60, Highway 27 and the CSX Railway Intermodal Terminal, which features warehouse distribution centers and office facilities. Delivery services and ecommerce companies have access to the Lake Wales Municipal Airport.

Interested in relocating a business to Lake Wales? Please call (863) 676-3445.

City staff and members of Main Street appreciate everyone’s patience as we revitalize the downtown historic district. The primary goal is to create a fantastic street lined with trees, flowers and landscaping to create a beautiful environment for residents and visitors to commute to area establishments. Cathedral live oak trees, rain gardens and hanging flower baskets will line Park Avenue. Other enhancements include enlarged sidewalks, clay-brick street pavers and on-street parking. 

Rich in history, the City of Lake Wales was originally intended to be a “City in a Garden.” The “Lake Wales Connected” plan pays homage to the visionaries and landscape architects led by Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. known for designing the landscape for Bok Tower Gardens, among other famous projects. 

Back in January 2019, City residents, City staff and business and property owners engaged in public meetings to define a future vision for the historic downtown district and Northwest Neighborhood.

The “Lake Wales Connected” plan pays homage to the 1920s visionaries and landscape architects led by Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., also known for designing the landscape for Bok Tower Gardens and many prominent Washington, D.C. landmarks.


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