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Channel Lakes Park nears completion: city details turf fields, pool timeline and operations plan
Summary
City staff told the commission the Channel Lakes Park redevelopment is rapidly progressing: turf fields are installed, pool liner is in place, parking is mixed paved/grass, the site will host Rusty/’Russmatt’ tournaments this month, and staff added part‑time maintenance hires and a full‑time manager to operate the complex.
City staff gave an extended update on Channel Lakes Park construction, telling the Winter Haven City Commission the site is quickly nearing operational status and will host tournaments in the coming weeks.
The city manager and parks staff said the athletic fields have been turfed, sidewalks and concrete work are underway, and the main pool's vinyl liner is installed with racing lines and wall targets being completed. Staff said the pool is scheduled to be operational before spring break and that a multi‑field tournament organized by Russmatt (the transcript reference) will arrive at the end of the month.
Julie Adams, director of Parks, Recreation and Culture, described the site's circulation and finishes: a mixed surface of paved and grass parking, a trail corridor around the fields that is planned to be paved (asphalt or concrete to be confirmed), retention and berm work around the detention pond, and a multipurpose turf area that can serve as event space or overflow parking. Adams said some landscaping and finishing steps will occur after the early tournaments; temporary restrooms and food truck hookups will be used for the immediate events.
Staff described spectator amenities: shaded team pavilions and shade sails over seating, low‑profile LED field lighting designed to minimize spill, and fenced control of field access to protect the turf. Adams said the interior retaining walls around some fields include vinyl protective padding to improve player safety.
On operations and staffing, Adams and other staff said the city has hired additional seasonal/part‑time personnel and added four part‑time positions specifically to support tournaments and increased use. Mike Schimmel, assistant superintendent of parks and grounds, was identified as part of the existing team responsible for operations; staff said there will be a designated full‑time manager assigned to the complex.
Commissioners asked about seating, shade, trail surfacing and lighting. Staff said final decisions about additional permanent lighting or shade features would depend on future demand, and that some permanent finishing (concrete for mulched areas, additional shade structures) will be scheduled after initial events. The manager said the overall property is roughly 65–70 acres.
Commissioners and staff emphasized the economic and recreational benefits of the facility. The manager described the site as an "absolute gem" and predicted it will be a strong economic driver once fully operational; commissioners noted how the cleared lakefront and new fields will present a distinctive nighttime view from the 17 overpass when lights are on.
Ending
Staff said they will arrange a ribbon cutting (potentially at the end of the month) and will provide additional photos and updates to the commission at upcoming agenda reviews. The commission did not take formal action on the update; the briefing was informational.
