Ribbon Cutting Set For Hernando’s Landing Rotary Playground

LAKELAND, FL – Ahoy, mateys! The Rotary Clubs of Lakeland are calling out to young buccaneers to set sail on a new adventure – on dry land.

The Rotary Playground in Hernando’s Landing at Lake Parker Park will officially open with a ribbon cutting on Friday, July 28 at 10 a.m. Lake Parker Park is located at 910 E. Granada St.

The Rotary Clubs of Lakeland, including Lakeland Christina Rotary, Lakeland North Rotary, The Lakeland Rotary and The Rotary Club of Lakeland South, combined efforts to raise more than $300,000 for the project.

“This is an exciting addition to our park inventory,” said Bob Donahay, the director of Lakeland Parks and Recreation. “The Rotary Playground in Hernando’s Landing features two zip lines, a pirate ship and a designated play area created specifically for 2 to 5 year olds.”

The pirate ship, the focal point of the playground, features a ship’s bow, wood-grain details and a bold color scheme. Children can steer the ship’s wheel while others can use its built-in periscope.

“The playground was designed to promote imaginative play to help children think creatively,” said Pam Page, the deputy director of Lakeland Parks and Recreation. “On the surface, it’s a cool, fun place to play but imaginative play helps children develop social and problem-solving skills through cooperation and coordination.”

The playground’s name recognizes Hernando Desoto’s stop in what would become Lakeland on the shores of Lake Parker during his trip across Florida in 1539 which began in Tampa Bay. Lake Parker Park features kiosks with more information on Desoto’s journey.

For more information about Rotary Playground in Hernando’s Landing, call (863) 834-2233.

Images via the City of Lakeland Government website