Lake Wales Main Street set to hold groundbreaking ceremony, signaling start of revitalization
City staff plans to kick-off construction on the redesign of Park Avenue and Market Plaza in the downtown historic core. The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled to take place on January 12 between 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Market Plaza on Park Avenue.
The project is one of 69 deliverables included in the “Lake Wales Connected” plan, a multimillion-dollar project designed to revitalize the historic core of the city.
“This celebration is four years in the making,” said Karen Thompson, Executive Director of Lake Wales Main Street.
The redesign of Park Avenue is geared to create a hospitable environment for residents and visitors to easily commute to area establishments in a botanical-rich environment. Market Plaza will be equipped with outdoor seating areas and public gathering spaces for exhibits and large community gatherings.
“Our goal is to create a city in a garden. Cathedral live oak trees, rain gardens and hanging-flower baskets will line Park Avenue,” said Michael Manning, Assistant to the City Manager.
Other enhancements include enlarged sidewalks, clay-brick street pavers and on-street parking.
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.