A former arsenic-contaminated rail yard in Florida is being turned into a giant park - take a look
The proposal will create a public park near downtown Lakeland for the whole community to gather.
More than 80 acres contain traces of arsenic and petroleum hydrocarbons, according to Sasaki. As part of the project, the team will take land from the most contaminated sections and create hills on the property.
Source: Sasaki
The developers will move storm water into a number of wetland ponds. They will also install new waste management systems to decontaminate the water.
Sasaki will work on protecting mature oak trees and waterways in some parts of the new park, and the site will provide opportunities for visitors to learn about central Florida's ecology.
To help generate revenue for the park, the Explorations V Children's Museum will charge a fee for admission. Concerts and other events will also be held in the park.
The children's museum is currently located in downtown Lakeland but will relocate to the park as part of the redevelopment.
According to Sasaki, new walking and bike paths will help increase access to the park.
"Bonnet Springs Park, from a planning and design perspective, presents a rare opportunity to transform a significantly challenged urban plot of land in an effort to improve Central Florida’s quality of life for generations to come," a recent blog post on Sasaki's website said.
Popular Right Now
Popular Keywords
Advertisement