Community leaders and city officials are collaborating on plans for a playground next to the Robert Willaford Railroad Museum and train depot in Historic Downtown.
The playground is planned to be built on the parking lot north of the depot. It will take about 25 parking spaces, but will leave more than enough parking spaces for visitors and merchants to park at while shopping and working. Although nothing is set in stone, the playground is planned to be train themed with multiple train cars for children to explore.
“The whole idea is that we want a community park in Plant City,” Brian West said.
West is involved in the planning. He would like to get Plant City civic clubs involved to help offset the cost of the park. Other fundraising efforts will target individuals and grants.
West is excited about the prospect of having a central park in Plant City. He travels to Lakeland to bring his three children to Common Ground Park. He would like to have a place in Plant City that is similar.
The park will also have a business impact.
“The whole idea for it is to draw people to downtown,” West said. “The impact the park will have on businesses will be positive.”
Downtown business owners are curious about the final plans for the playground and how the construction will be set up. They hope the planning organizations and city will be transparent as they proceed. Cynthia Diaz owns The Corner Store, a cafe directly across the Palmer Street from the parking lot. Her main concern is the construction schedule. Most of her customers park in the lot and construction could deter them from coming to The Corner Store for lunch, she said.
“I don’t think losing 25 parking spots is that big of a deal,” Diaz said. “But just give me a chance to brainstorm what to create next to keep bringing customers in (while construction is going on).”
City Manager Mike Herr said once plans are more concrete there will be a community meeting to update businesses and citizens on the process. Those plans could come as early as July.