Trailblazing on the Chain of Lakes

Posted by Bob Gernert on April 6, 2007 at 12:34 pm

Mayor Nathaniel Birdsong paints his trailblazing symbol noting folks can park their boats and walk the Chain of Lakes Trail as Community Services Director, T. Michael Stavres looks on.

City officials gathered on the site of the former railroad bed behind City Hall and ceremoniously kicked off the Chain of Lakes Trail project. The much anticipated recreational trail will extend from downtown Winter Haven nearly 4 miles to Lake Alfred.

City Commissioners each took turns with a paint brush to present their own “trail symbol” commemorating the event. From a symbolic “walking stick” from Commissioner Charles Cone to a “foot print” from Commissioner Yvonne Brooks the ceremony was a creative start for what will eventually be a $3 million public recreation amenity and among the most scenic in the state. The trail is projected to open by early 2008. State and local officials participated in the ceremonies.

Bond Clinic

See other entries filed in: Parks and Green Space

REMARKS   6 Total remarks on this post. Add your own remarks below

  • May 6th, 2007 at 9:38 pm
    Gary Wright

    This sounds like something I would like to walk with my two dogs.

    When will it be open?

  • May 7th, 2007 at 6:45 am
    Bob Gernert

    The Chain of Lakes Trail is scheduled to be completed in early 2008.

  • July 9th, 2007 at 12:39 pm
    Tracy

    I have noticed that the trail goes along Hwy. 17 toward Lake Alfred. There is an area of the trail behind a bikers bar and hidden among trees in a high crime area. I would not feel safe walking alone or with my children in this area. How can the city assure the publics saftey on the trail?

  • July 9th, 2007 at 1:01 pm
    Bob Gernert

    Most trails of this nature attract a significant amount of foot traffic and certain times of the day will most likely be busier than others. The more people, the less chance of mischief so whether walking with friends or when more people are on the trail, trouble should be less likely.

    Winter Haven is committed to making the Chain of Lakes Trail a recreational treasure. We feel certain that your safety and that of others on the trail will be a priority.

    That said, once the trail is officially opened and until you are familiar with all aspects of the route, walk with friends.

  • September 9th, 2007 at 10:12 am
    Geno

    Speaking on a different subject, although related, does the city of Winter Haven have any plans of deepening the canals between the lakes? Most of the canals are too shallow for safe navigation. I know several boat owners (self included) who have received hundreds of dollars of damage due to rocks and other things in the canal ways that normally wouldn’t be a factor when the lakes are up. I have personally spent time digging some of these problems out of the canals, but there are too many for one person to maintain. I don’t think anyone wants to see the drought situation keep going, but it is a real possibility with the weather patterns being the way they are. This is the second time in 7 years that the canals are basically unusable. Something has to be done so that the city can continue to keep its slogan, The Chain of Lakes Community.
    What would it cost to dredge the canals, one by one? How long would it take? What environmental impact is there? I use the lakes at least 2 times a week, and it is disheartening to see the water level struggle to raise, only to drain out again and again. With deeper canals, this would no longer be so concerning.

    Also, what is the plan for Lake Lulu? It has an awful bottom from all of the years of drainage from the streets. Is someone working on cleanup of this lake?

  • September 9th, 2007 at 10:53 am
    Bob Gernert

    The maintenance and depth of the canals is controlled by the Lake Region Lakes Management District (commonly called the Canal Commission). It is our understanding that due to the length of the seawalls in place, deepening the canals can only go so far before the canal wall is not held in place by the canal bottom. In many cases the canals are at their maximum depth. Please report objects in the canals to the the Lakes Management District offices at 863.293.1441. Direct specific questions to Roger Griffiths, executive director for the district.

    With regard to Lake Lulu lake bottom. We suggest you talk with Winter Haven’s Lakes Managment Director, Mike Britt. He is quite knowledgeable about all aspects of the Chain. His number is (863) 291-5881.

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