An abandoned railyard in Lakeland, Fla., was transformed into “an ecological jewel, a cultural magnet, and a connected community asset,” based on findings from a public outreach program led by the architectural firm, Sasaki. The master plan revitalized 68 ha (168 acres) of unused land into Lakeland’s own “Central Park.”
Between 1880 and the early 1950s, the Bonnet Springs Park site was once the bustling Lakeland Railyard, a crucial freight hub for the East Coast. When the railyard closed in 1952, the land fell into disuse, and Lake Bonnet faded into obscurity. Sasaki’s plan included heritage gardens, a canopy walk, boating, botanical gardens, playgrounds, and an event lawn. New paths connect key areas with Sasaki-designed buildings like the Welcome Center, Nature Center, Event Center, and Florida Children’s Museum and Café.
Ecological strategy
The first part of the park’s construction tackled soil contamination with 189,723 m3 (6.7 million cf) of arsenic-laden soil from historical herbicide use. Sasaki’s creative design reshapes the land into hills, covering the contaminated soil cost-effectively and adding ambiance to the park. Collaborating with regulatory agencies and environmental consultants, they developed a data-driven remediation strategy, avoiding soil removal and participating in a cleanup tax credit program.
To address contamination and erosion in Lake Bonnet and natural springs, the stormwater system was redesigned. Runoff is redirected to a lagoon for treatment, then flows through a wet meadow for further purification. The water settles in a scenic pond before percolating through forested wetlands, benefiting Lake Bonnet. Approvals were secured from regulatory authorities, promising clean water recharge for Lake Bonnet and an improved habitat in the spring-fed corridor, benefiting the park and neighboring communities.
Nature Center
The Nature Center integrates with the landscape, using local materials like cypress facades and pine glulam beams. Mesh screens offer an indoor-outdoor feel, and cypress purlins contrast with white walls. Hidden peach tiles add color to the restrooms.
Florida Children’s Museum and Cafe
The Florida Children’s Museum and Cafe, also known as the “Bridge Building,” embraces the central lawn. The building’s design draws from neurodiversity research, with vibrant colors as gateways to exhibits. The building is designed for a net-zero carbon impact, featuring white stucco, colorful metal panels, and a southern yellow pine soffit.
Welcome Center
The Welcome Center, with deep overhangs and shade screens, uses locally sourced southern yellow pine on the exterior and soffit. It integrates with the landscape, blending rustic warmth with modern aesthetics. Inside, pine soffits extend the outdoor-indoor connection.
Event Center
The Event Center features a banquet hall in a serene botanic garden. The building’s wrap-around glass facade connects with nature while large overhangs and wood screens provide sun protection. Inspired by Florida Modern design, it uses clean lines and wood elements.
