Lakeland Lays Groundwork for Community Center, Eyes Big Changes at Windward Slopes Park

Residents traveling along Beverle Rivera Drive this week may have noticed construction activity at Windward Slopes Park and wondered what changes were underway. While the City of Lakeland has proposed long-term upgrades for the park, the work currently being done is actually tied to the future Lakeland YMCA Community Center, which will be built across the street beginning in 2026. According to Mayor Josh Roman, crews are preparing a new retaining pond at Windward Slopes that will manage stormwater runoff from the community center site once construction begins.

Windward Slopes Park, Lakeland’s second most visible and heavily used park after IH Park, was the focus of a comprehensive Master Plan presented to the Parks and Recreation Board on November 18, 2025. The plan was shaped by public input gathered during an earlier session at City Hall, where residents reviewed design concepts, evaluated visual preferences, and provided feedback through written comments and informal voting. The 9-acre park—known for its ties to the former Lakeland Amusement Park—currently features a paved walking trail, tennis courts, playground, pavilion, ball wall, restrooms, and parking. With the new upcoming community center and a planned pickleball facility accross the street, officials say the park is well positioned for major enhancements.

The Windward Slopes master plan proposes upgraded playground equipment, natural play features, a new splash pad, additional tennis courts, and new park furnishings to strengthen the park’s identity. Cost estimates for these improvements include contingencies, with optional additions such as tennis court lights and a signalized crosswalk on Beverle Rivera Drive. The new additions to Windward Slopes have not yet been budgeted for or approved by the BOC, however, a master plan was required to pursue possible funding, mainly through grants. “We’re trying to qualify for additional grants, but they require a master plan of what we would like to see done,” Mayor Roman told Lakeland Currents.

He added that with the community center, new pickleball courts, and a potentially revitalized Windward Slopes, the area would experience a significant boost in recreation opportunities for Lakeland families in the future.

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