by Marty Proctor
Project Update: Lake David Park in Groveland does not look like much today. Yet Groveland is working toward the completion of the north portion of Lake David Park for April 1, 2020. The north portion of the park is on that schedule with the utilities, groundwork, and other invisible infrastructure in place.
The City even included underground water and electrical utilities for vendors and exhibitors around the park. Still today, the only obvious portion is the boardwalk flying over the northeastern corner of Lake David.
Yet to be completed is an amphitheater, benches, picnic tables, shade structures, thousands of pavers and a full landscaping plan. Most of the borders for the pavers and structural foundations are in place. South Lake Avenue remains closed but has been repaved using existing pavers from the City stockpile. The reused pavers are not dated or otherwise imprinted but clearly have a lot of years experience carrying traffic and pedestrians in Groveland.
The park at the intersection of Highway 50 and Lake Avenue is highly visible to traffic in and through Groveland. The combination of the amphitheater, boardwalk and upcoming splash pad will blend to make a diverse opportunity for the residents to get out and socialize. “Getting this project off the City checklist and complete for residents and the RAC (Recreation Advisory Committee) is a great step forward” stated Mike Walker Director Parks, Facilities, and Community Services. “The park will provide Groveland with a wonderful facelift for the park system and community.”
The wide range of City facilities can present rental and event opportunities for the citizens as well. “The Puryear building offers an indoor seated venue. The amphitheater provides an outdoor space for live music or stage events. The boardwalk over the lake will provide tremendous sunset and photo settings” added Mr. Walker. The park design follows the vision of the volunteer citizen RAC group. The City Council and Staff worked through the design details and approved the building of the park.
Construction on the south end of the park is also underway. A new splash pad and modern restrooms will be completed by July 1, 2020. Connections are in place for the efficient use of City water and sewer. Modifications from the original plan have relocated several of the amenities. The City With Natural Charm added buffers to ensure that the environment and water quality in Lake David are preserved.
The traffic will be rerouted away from the new amenities and the parking area will be redone. Handicap and boat trailer parking will be a part of the parking options. The Lake David Center building, the existing skate park, and playground will remain in use as they are today. The whole south area ties together the new and existing amenities into a safe, family-friendly, and communal area.
The City plans to return the July 4th celebration to Lake David Park for 2020.
Marty Proctor is a writer for the South Lake Tablet covering Groveland and the surrounding
area. His primary interests are the local impact of city and county government, local growth management, tracking area charitable groups and sharing factual information. Marty is a long-time resident on Lake Emma north of Groveland doing public information consulting, social media marketing and freelance writing as well as fishing, bowling, and caring for wife Julie and dachshund Georgia.
