Ah, the 1920s. The decade that brought Louis Armstrong’s jazz, Mickey Mouse’s steamboat, and Amelia Earheart’s flight. And now with a new art walk coming to the city, you can roar yourself right into these bygone days. Introducing the city’s first time machine. Well, kind of. ⌛

In partnership with the Polk County School Board, the Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency (LCRA) is constructing a mile-long multi-use path along West Lake Parker Drive that will feature artwork depicting significant events in Lakeland’s history from 1920-2000.

Rendering of West Lake Parker Drive multi-use path | Photo by Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency

Here’s the gist:

Location: The multi-use path will be located along West Lake Parker Drive for bicyclists and pedestrians alike.
Artists: Created by students from 10 Polk County Schools, some of these depictions will include Lakeland’s royal swans + SUN ‘n FUN.
Size: The (150) tiles are 12x12 in. each with larger panels showcasing bigger themes in history.
Timeline: The project is expected to begin during the ‘19 + ‘20 school year with the goal to have the artwork completed by May 2020.
Cost: The LCRA has budgeted $820,000 for the project.

And for all you bigger picture thinkers: The multi-use path is part of the city’s larger plans to increase bicycle and pedestrian facilities.

– LALtoday team (Jessica + Kaylee)