As Plant City continues to grow, the Walden Lake Community Association is determined to keep the community as one of the more desirable locations to live in the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World. Part of the plan is to build family-friendly recreation areas on the polo field on Griffin Boulevard.
This year, the WLCA has budgeted $50,000 for the community’s polo field, a 26-acre lot that is located next to the WLCA community building. At the Monday, Sept. 21, meeting, the WCLA board voted to authorize the polo field committee to get three bids for work to be done on the field.
The work includes creating a baseball field, soccer field, exercise stations and an area for sand volleyball, as well as a walking path and parking lot.
“We felt it was important to get it done this year,” WLCA President Bob Hunter said, also noting that the improvements made to the polo field will be advantageous to children and will continue to give the community an edge.
The bids will be presented at the next WLCA meeting Monday, Oct. 19, and the first phase of the project will be completed by the end of December.
The idea of developing the polo field was first proposed by Hunter when he was an associate director in 2013.
Residents had asked him for additions, such as a baseball diamond and soccer fields. He even heard a suggestion for turning the polo field into an RV lot.
Residents created a Polo Field Use Committee in 2014, but no definite plans came of it because a civil engineer needed to evaluate water sources, elevation and other factors.
From about 2004 to 2014, the WLCA has spent more than $100,000 to mow the polo fields.
AIRPORT ROAD SQUATTERS
Also at the Sept. 21 meeting, the WLCA made a decision to clear out a squatters camp on Airport Road.
The property, which is between 4 and 5 acres, is owned by Walden Lake. The area is filled with hazardous materials, including needles and trash. About $4,600 will be spent to remove the materials from the area. It will require a hazmat team.
“People have been living there,” Hunter said. “The police department has asked us to move as quickly as possible.”
In this type of case, city officials evaluate the situation and contact the property owner. The property owner must allow police to come onto the site and evict the trespassers. Without the property owner’s consent, police and code enforcement employees are unable to take action.
This isn’t the first time that Walden Lake has had to remove a homeless camp. Less than a year ago, a similar camp was discovered and cleared out in the woods on Sydney Road. Homeless had been using the area as a camp for about a year.
Once the current camp is cleared, Hunter said that WLCA will look to sell the existing land.
“It serves no useful purpose to Walden Lake,” he said.
Contact Emily Topper at etpper@plantcityobserver.com.
IN OTHER NEWS
On Tuesday, Sept. 22, newly appointed Walden Lake Community Association director Lynn Buehler resigned because of health reasons. Buehler filled the open vacancy left by Vice President Dave Sollenberger, who is moving out of state. The Sept. 21 meeting was Buehler’s first as a board member.
The WLCA will be accepting resumes until Thursday, Oct. 15, to fill the open director position. The position will be a board appointment. Applications may be dropped off at the Walden Lake Community Center office, 3035 Griffin Blvd, or emailed to President Bob Hunter, bobhunter@wlcaboard.com.
The WLCA voted to change the hours of Walden Lake’s three employees to 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The day also includes one unpaid hour for lunch. The change affects Marlene Merrin, community administrator; Bette Guarino, administrative assistant; and Larry Truman, maintenance technician.
Previously, employees worked from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with an hour lunch, clocking seven hours daily.
DATES TO KNOW
Park Ribbon Cutting
WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 29
WHERE: Walden Lake Park
Kids and Canine Halloween Festival
WHEN: 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17
WHERE: Walden Lake Polo Field, located next to the WLCA community building at 3035 Griffin Blvd.
INFO: Face painting, pumpkin decorating, hayrides, bounce houses