LakeWalesNews.net - Communication Builds Our Community

An "Open Design Studio" is drawing visitation and input from citizens interested in helping plan a bright future for Lake Wales.

Part of the "Connecting Lake Wales" effort sponsored by the Lake Wales MainStreet program, the studio workshop is filled with planners, architects, and designers actively working on concepts that will be shared with the public in a special presentation on Friday evening, April 5.

The Studio will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday at 218 East Park Avenue. Planners are seeking additional comments and suggestions from citizens, who are welcome to view the work in progress, as well as the maps and suggestions generated by over 100 of their fellow citizens at a Monday evening charrette. (See Story Here: Citizens Invited to Help Plan City's Future)

Robert Connors

Local land use expert and attorney, Jack Brandon, shares a conversation with planner Meredith Bergstrom

The planning, directed by the firm of Dover Kohl, is intended to help drive future efforts to reinvigorate the city's core areas. Scores of ideas have been brought forward by the public, addressing such issues as needed businesses, bicycle path connections, new housing suggestions, and ideas for parks and entertainment venues.

The effort is the result of a partnership between the MainStreet program and the City's Community Redevelopment Agency, which collects a "tax increment" when tax receipts rise within the boundaries. That money must be re-invested within the area to fund improvements in what is hoped to be an upward cycle of rising values and quality of life.

The results of this week's efforts, though still very much a work in progress, will be shared at the Lake Wales Women's Club on Friday beginning at 6 p.m. The public is invited to attend.