Residents ask Polk County to pause Dodge Road Park plans, seek community meeting on buffering and public-records access

Several residents used the public comment period to press Polk County commissioners for more outreach and transparency on proposed park plans near Dixie Avenue (referred to in comments as Dodge Road Park).

Christopher Isen, who gave his address as 5735 Dixie Avenue in Lakeland and said he owns two properties abutting the parcel, told the board he believes phase 1 plans place a parking lot directly next to his house. "I've probably put close to $1,000,000 into it," Isen said, describing recent renovations and saying he is concerned that a parking lot and park use could invite vagrancy and reduce privacy for his family. He asked for a meeting where the county and neighbors can walk the site; he said he had spoken with "Mr. Callender," who indicated fencing was planned but requested a stronger separation such as a block wall.

James Abercrombie of 2737 Gibson and Galloway Road submitted a written statement and read portions into the record asking the board to halt park plans until more public research and records review are completed. Abercrombie said he attended a prior public meeting and that residents were previously opposed to the park, disputed staff's outreach and questioned why public records stretching back to 2007 were not readily available. "As a concerned citizen, I personally request that park plans are halted until proper research has been completed to investigate and ensure the citizens have no further recommendations for the property to better serve our community," Abercrombie said.

Commissioner Scott responded during general remarks that Hunt Fountain Park in North Lakeland is over-utilized and that county planning for another park had been a strategic, forward-looking decision given development in the area over the past 15 years. Scott acknowledged the tension between a landowner's backyard preference and county recreation planning and said staff will work to improve transparency and public information through project-viewer tools and QR codes.

County staff and commissioners acknowledged requests for more direct community engagement. One staff member indicated Commissioner Scott had reached out about meeting with Abercrombie and the resident; Abercrombie and staff discussed whether a meeting would be recorded and the implications for public-records access.

Ending: Residents asked for a recorded community meeting and stronger physical buffers between private properties and proposed park infrastructure; the board did not take formal action on park design at the meeting and staff indicated follow-up communications and possible meetings would occur.