Se7en Wetlands Park Grand Opening is April 14th
LAKELAND – The City of Lakeland will celebrate the grand opening of Se7en Wetlands Park on Saturday, April 14th at 10 AM. The celebration will take place at the Gopher Tortoise Trailhead that can be entered through Loyce E. Harpe Park. Phase One of the project features 8.5 miles of trail with two main access points that have restroom accommodations.
The Gopher Tortoise gate can be accessed through Loyce Harp Park and features a 2.9-mile loop. The Wood Stork Gate features a 2.4 mile loop that can be entered through Lakeland Highlands Scrub, 551 acres of untouched habitat at the southern dead end of Lakeland Highlands Road. The park will have over 22 miles of walking/hiking trail when complete. Phase Two of construction is already underway.
The grand opening of Se7en Wetlands Park will feature an Audubon Society bird hike, a nature photography seminar and hay rides for those that want to experience the park without walking. Pam Page, Deputy Director of Parks said, “The festivities will begin at 10 AM. We will have vendors on hand and we will have some really cool giveaways for visitors while supplies last.” She added, “We are very excited to offer the community another recreation area where they can experience nature. Because of the wetlands, visitors can expect to see a variety of birds including a host of migratory species as well as alligators, otters, turtles, deer, snakes and wild hogs.”
Se7en Wetlands Park is part of a 1,600-acre area comprised of marshes, swamps, and lakes designed to help naturally clean already treated wastewater as it meanders through the retention areas. Once completely treated in the wetlands, the water is either released to the Alafia River or used by Tampa Electric’s Polk Power Station as a cooling agent. In addition to the treatment provided, the Wetland offers an outstanding and dynamic habitat for a diverse community of plant and animal species. Enter this living, breathing, functioning ecosystem through Se7en Wetlands Park and learn more about this remarkable place.
