{"id":206710,"date":"2023-10-10T16:00:01","date_gmt":"2023-10-10T20:00:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/?p=206710"},"modified":"2023-10-10T16:00:01","modified_gmt":"2023-10-10T20:00:01","slug":"transforming-florida-brownfield-site-into-central-park","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/transforming-florida-brownfield-site-into-central-park\/","title":{"rendered":"Transforming Florida brownfield site into \u2018Central Park\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wonderpluginslider-container\" id=\"wonderpluginslider-container-289\" style=\"max-width:950px;margin:0 auto;padding-left:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-top:84px;padding-bottom:0px;\"><div class=\"wonderpluginslider\" id=\"wonderpluginslider-289\" data-sliderid=\"289\" data-width=\"950\" data-height=\"850\" data-skin=\"topcarousel\" data-usejsforfullbrowserwidth=\"false\" data-fullbrowserwidth=\"false\" data-playmutedandinlinewhenautoplay=\"false\" data-addextraattributes=\"false\" data-autoplay=\"false\" data-randomplay=\"false\" data-loadimageondemand=\"false\" data-transitiononfirstslide=\"false\" data-autoplayvideo=\"false\" data-isresponsive=\"true\" data-fullwidth=\"false\" data-isfullscreen=\"false\" data-ratioresponsive=\"false\" data-showtext=\"true\" data-showtimer=\"true\" data-showbottomshadow=\"false\" data-navshowpreview=\"false\" data-textautohide=\"false\" data-pauseonmouseover=\"false\" data-lightboxresponsive=\"true\" data-lightboxshownavigation=\"false\" data-lightboxshowtitle=\"true\" data-lightboxshowdescription=\"false\" data-texteffectresponsive=\"true\" data-donotinit=\"false\" data-addinitscript=\"false\" data-lightboxfullscreenmode=\"false\" data-lightboxcloseonoverlay=\"true\" data-lightboxvideohidecontrols=\"false\" data-lightboxnogroup=\"false\" data-shownav=\"true\" data-navthumbresponsive=\"false\" data-navshowfeaturedarrow=\"true\" data-inityoutube=\"true\" data-initvimeo=\"true\" data-navshowplaypause=\"true\" data-navshowarrow=\"false\" data-navshowbuttons=\"false\" data-lightboxshowsocial=\"false\" data-lightboxshowfacebook=\"true\" data-lightboxshowtwitter=\"true\" data-lightboxshowpinterest=\"true\" data-lightboxsocialrotateeffect=\"true\" data-showsocial=\"false\" data-showfacebook=\"true\" data-showtwitter=\"true\" data-showpinterest=\"true\" data-socialrotateeffect=\"true\" data-disableinlinecss=\"false\" data-triggerresize=\"false\" data-lightboxautoslide=\"false\" data-lightboxshowtimer=\"true\" data-lightboxshowplaybutton=\"true\" data-lightboxalwaysshownavarrows=\"false\" data-lightboxshowtitleprefix=\"true\" data-titleusealt=\"false\" data-outputtext=\"false\" data-titletag=\"h1\" data-descriptiontag=\"h2\" data-scalemode=\"fit\" data-arrowstyle=\"mouseover\" data-transition=\"fade\" data-loop=\"0\" data-border=\"0\" data-slideinterval=\"8000\" data-arrowimage=\"arrows-48-48-4.png\" data-arrowwidth=\"48\" data-arrowheight=\"48\" data-arrowtop=\"50\" data-arrowmargin=\"0\" data-ga4account=\"\" data-googleanalyticsaccount=\"\" data-navplaypauseimage=\"navplaypause-48-48-0.png\" data-navarrowimage=\"navarrows-28-28-0.png\" data-navstyle=\"thumbnails\" data-navimage=\"bullet-24-24-5.png\" data-navwidth=\"109\" data-navheight=\"72\" data-navspacing=\"4\" data-navmarginx=\"16\" data-navmarginy=\"-84\" data-navposition=\"top\" data-navthumbnavigationstyle=\"arrowinside\" data-navthumbnavigationarrowimage=\"carouselarrows-32-32-3.png\" data-navthumbnavigationarrowimagewidth=\"32\" data-navthumbnavigationarrowimageheight=\"32\" data-playvideoimage=\"playvideo-64-64-0.png\" data-playvideoimagewidth=\"64\" data-playvideoimageheight=\"64\" data-lightboxthumbwidth=\"90\" data-lightboxthumbheight=\"60\" data-lightboxthumbtopmargin=\"12\" data-lightboxthumbbottommargin=\"4\" data-lightboxbarheight=\"64\" data-lightboxtitlebottomcss=\"color:#333; 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color:#333;\" data-descriptioncss=\"display:block; position:relative; font:14px Georgia,serif,Arial; color:#333; margin-top:8px;\" data-buttoncss=\"display:block; position:relative; margin-top:8px;\" data-titlecssresponsive=\"font-size:12px;\" data-descriptioncssresponsive=\"display:none !important;\" data-buttoncssresponsive=\"\" data-jsfolder=\"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/wonderplugin-slider\/engine\/\" style=\"display:none;\" ><ul class=\"amazingslider-slides\"  style=\"display:none;\"><li><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"amazingslider-img-elem amazingsliderimg\" src=\"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/bonnet-springs-park-lakeland-florida-aerialview.jpg\" alt=\"Aerial view of the park showing the capped hills and the main buildings on the park.\" title=\"\" data-description=\"Aerial view of the park showing the capped hills and the main buildings on the park. Photo by Matthew Arielly.\" \/><\/li><li><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"amazingslider-img-elem amazingsliderimg\" src=\"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/another-view-of-nature-center.jpg\" alt=\"The Nature Center building.\" title=\"\" data-description=\"The Nature Center building. Photo by Matthew Arielly.\" \/><\/li><li><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"amazingslider-img-elem amazingsliderimg\" src=\"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/nature-center-bonnet-springs-park-lakeland-florida.jpg\" alt=\"Another photo of the Nature Center.\" title=\"nature-center-bonnet-springs-park-lakeland-florida\" data-description=\"Another photo of the Nature Center. Photos by Jeremy Bittermann.\" \/><\/li><li><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"amazingslider-img-elem amazingsliderimg\" src=\"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/76090_00U_Doug_Top25_First_Pass_N4_website.jpg\" alt=\"Children\u2019s play area with the museum building in the background.\" title=\"\" data-description=\"Children\u2019s play area with the museum building in the background.\" \/><\/li><li><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"amazingslider-img-elem amazingsliderimg\" src=\"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/pedestrian-bridge-lakeland-florida-bonnet-springs-park.jpg\" alt=\"A pedestrian bridge winds through the park.\" title=\"\" data-description=\"A grove of live oak trees shade sections of the 0.4-km-(quarter-mile)-long canopy walkway that soars up to 6.1-plus m (20-plus ft) above the woodland floor.\" \/><\/li><li><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"amazingslider-img-elem amazingsliderimg\" src=\"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/another-pedestrian-wooden-bridge-lakeland-fl-bonnet-springs-park.jpg\" alt=\"The Bonnet Springs Valley was created by the natural eroding processes of the Bonnet Springs,a sand seep spring.\" title=\"\" data-description=\"The Bonnet Springs Valley was created by the natural eroding processes of the Bonnet Springs,a sand seep spring.\" \/><\/li><li><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"amazingslider-img-elem amazingsliderimg\" src=\"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/childrens-museum-n-cafe-bonnet-springs-park-lakeland-florida.jpg\" alt=\"The Florida Children\u2019s Museum and Cafe building.\" title=\"\" data-description=\"The Florida Children\u2019s Museum and Cafe building.\" \/><\/li><li><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"amazingslider-img-elem amazingsliderimg\" src=\"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/interior-lobby-area-childrens-museum.jpg\" alt=\"Interior lobby area of the museum building.\" title=\"\" data-description=\"Interior lobby area of the museum building.\" \/><\/li><li><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"amazingslider-img-elem amazingsliderimg\" src=\"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/event-center-mass-timber-structure.jpg\" alt=\"The Event Center with its exposed mass timber facade.\" title=\"\" data-description=\"The Event Center with its exposed mass timber facade.\" \/><\/li><li><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"amazingslider-img-elem amazingsliderimg\" src=\"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/antoher-viewevent-center-lakeland-florida-sasaki.jpg\" alt=\"Another photo of the Event Center.\" title=\"\" data-description=\"Another photo of the Event Center.\" \/><\/li><li><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"amazingslider-img-elem amazingsliderimg\" src=\"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Welcome-center-lakeland-florida-bonnet-springs-park.jpg\" alt=\"Welcome Center front facade.\" title=\"\" data-description=\"Welcome Center front facade.\" \/><\/li><\/ul><ul class=\"amazingslider-thumbnails\"  style=\"display:none;\"><li><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"amazingslider-thumbnail-elem amazingsliderthumbnailimg\" src=\"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/bonnet-springs-park-lakeland-florida-aerialview-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"Aerial view of the park showing the capped hills and the main buildings on the park.\" title=\"\" data-description=\"Aerial view of the park showing the capped hills and the main buildings on the park. Photo by Matthew Arielly.\" \/><\/li><li><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"amazingslider-thumbnail-elem amazingsliderthumbnailimg\" src=\"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/another-view-of-nature-center-300x201.jpg\" alt=\"The Nature Center building.\" title=\"\" data-description=\"The Nature Center building. Photo by Matthew Arielly.\" \/><\/li><li><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"amazingslider-thumbnail-elem amazingsliderthumbnailimg\" src=\"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/nature-center-bonnet-springs-park-lakeland-florida-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Another photo of the Nature Center.\" title=\"nature-center-bonnet-springs-park-lakeland-florida\" data-description=\"Another photo of the Nature Center. Photos by Jeremy Bittermann.\" \/><\/li><li><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"amazingslider-thumbnail-elem amazingsliderthumbnailimg\" src=\"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/76090_00U_Doug_Top25_First_Pass_N4_website-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Children\u2019s play area with the museum building in the background.\" title=\"\" data-description=\"Children\u2019s play area with the museum building in the background.\" \/><\/li><li><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"amazingslider-thumbnail-elem amazingsliderthumbnailimg\" src=\"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/pedestrian-bridge-lakeland-florida-bonnet-springs-park-300x198.jpg\" alt=\"A pedestrian bridge winds through the park.\" title=\"\" data-description=\"A grove of live oak trees shade sections of the 0.4-km-(quarter-mile)-long canopy walkway that soars up to 6.1-plus m (20-plus ft) above the woodland floor.\" \/><\/li><li><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"amazingslider-thumbnail-elem amazingsliderthumbnailimg\" src=\"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/another-pedestrian-wooden-bridge-lakeland-fl-bonnet-springs-park-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"The Bonnet Springs Valley was created by the natural eroding processes of the Bonnet Springs,a sand seep spring.\" title=\"\" data-description=\"The Bonnet Springs Valley was created by the natural eroding processes of the Bonnet Springs,a sand seep spring.\" \/><\/li><li><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"amazingslider-thumbnail-elem amazingsliderthumbnailimg\" src=\"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/childrens-museum-n-cafe-bonnet-springs-park-lakeland-florida-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"The Florida Children\u2019s Museum and Cafe building.\" title=\"\" data-description=\"The Florida Children\u2019s Museum and Cafe building.\" \/><\/li><li><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"amazingslider-thumbnail-elem amazingsliderthumbnailimg\" src=\"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/interior-lobby-area-childrens-museum-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Interior lobby area of the museum building.\" title=\"\" data-description=\"Interior lobby area of the museum building.\" \/><\/li><li><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"amazingslider-thumbnail-elem amazingsliderthumbnailimg\" src=\"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/event-center-mass-timber-structure-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"The Event Center with its exposed mass timber facade.\" title=\"\" data-description=\"The Event Center with its exposed mass timber facade.\" \/><\/li><li><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"amazingslider-thumbnail-elem amazingsliderthumbnailimg\" src=\"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/antoher-viewevent-center-lakeland-florida-sasaki-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Another photo of the Event Center.\" title=\"\" data-description=\"Another photo of the Event Center.\" \/><\/li><li><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"amazingslider-thumbnail-elem amazingsliderthumbnailimg\" src=\"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Welcome-center-lakeland-florida-bonnet-springs-park-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Welcome Center front facade.\" title=\"\" data-description=\"Welcome Center front facade.\" \/><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><div id=\"amazingslider_customtexteffect_289\" style=\"display:none;\" data-texteffect=\"{&quot;Underneath center&quot;:{&quot;textstyle&quot;:&quot;static&quot;,&quot;textpositionstatic&quot;:&quot;bottomoutside&quot;,&quot;textautohide&quot;:false,&quot;textpositionmarginstatic&quot;:0,&quot;textpositiondynamic&quot;:&quot;bottomleft&quot;,&quot;textpositionmarginleft&quot;:24,&quot;textpositionmarginright&quot;:24,&quot;textpositionmargintop&quot;:24,&quot;textpositionmarginbottom&quot;:24,&quot;texteffect&quot;:&quot;slide&quot;,&quot;texteffecteasing&quot;:&quot;easeOutCubic&quot;,&quot;texteffectduration&quot;:600,&quot;texteffectslidedirection&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;texteffectslidedistance&quot;:30,&quot;texteffectdelay&quot;:500,&quot;texteffectseparate&quot;:false,&quot;texteffect1&quot;:&quot;slide&quot;,&quot;texteffectslidedirection1&quot;:&quot;right&quot;,&quot;texteffectslidedistance1&quot;:120,&quot;texteffecteasing1&quot;:&quot;easeOutCubic&quot;,&quot;texteffectduration1&quot;:600,&quot;texteffectdelay1&quot;:1000,&quot;texteffect2&quot;:&quot;slide&quot;,&quot;texteffectslidedirection2&quot;:&quot;right&quot;,&quot;texteffectslidedistance2&quot;:120,&quot;texteffecteasing2&quot;:&quot;easeOutCubic&quot;,&quot;texteffectduration2&quot;:600,&quot;texteffectdelay2&quot;:1500,&quot;textcss&quot;:&quot;display:block; 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}\");<\/script>\n<p>An abandoned railyard in Lakeland, Fla., was transformed into \u201can ecological jewel, a cultural magnet, and a connected community asset,\u201d based on findings from a public outreach program led by the architectural firm, Sasaki. The master plan revitalized 68 ha (168 acres) of unused land into Lakeland\u2019s own \u201cCentral Park.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Between 1880 and the early 1950s, the Bonnet Springs Park site was once the bustling Lakeland Railyard, a crucial freight hub for the East Coast. When the railyard closed in 1952, the land fell into disuse, and Lake Bonnet faded into obscurity. Sasaki\u2019s plan included heritage gardens, a canopy walk, boating, botanical gardens, playgrounds, and an event lawn. New paths connect key areas with Sasaki-designed buildings like the Welcome Center, Nature Center, Event Center, and Florida Children\u2019s Museum and Caf\u00e9.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Ecological strategy<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The first part of the park\u2019s construction tackled soil contamination with 189,723 m<sup>3<\/sup> (6.7 million cf) of arsenic-laden soil from historical herbicide use. Sasaki\u2019s creative design reshapes the land into hills, covering the contaminated soil cost-effectively and adding ambiance to the park. Collaborating with regulatory agencies and environmental consultants, they developed a data-driven remediation strategy, avoiding soil removal and participating in a cleanup tax credit program.<\/p>\n<p>To address contamination and erosion in Lake Bonnet and natural springs, the stormwater system was redesigned. Runoff is redirected to a lagoon for treatment, then flows through a wet meadow for further purification. The water settles in a scenic pond before percolating through forested wetlands, benefiting Lake Bonnet. Approvals were secured from regulatory authorities, promising clean water recharge for Lake Bonnet and an improved habitat in the spring-fed corridor, benefiting the park and neighboring communities.<\/p>\n<p><em>Nature Center<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The Nature Center integrates with the landscape, using local materials like cypress facades and pine glulam beams. Mesh screens offer an indoor-outdoor feel, and cypress purlins contrast with white walls. Hidden peach tiles add color to the restrooms.<\/p>\n<p><em>Florida Children\u2019s Museum and Cafe<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The Florida Children&#8217;s Museum and Cafe, also known as the \u201cBridge Building,\u201d embraces the central lawn. The building\u2019s design draws from neurodiversity research, with vibrant colors as gateways to exhibits. The building is designed for a net-zero carbon impact, featuring white stucco, colorful metal panels, and a southern yellow pine soffit.<\/p>\n<p><em>Welcome Center<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The Welcome Center, with deep overhangs and shade screens, uses locally sourced southern yellow pine on the exterior and soffit. It integrates with the landscape, blending rustic warmth with modern aesthetics. Inside, pine soffits extend the outdoor-indoor connection.<\/p>\n<p><em>Event Center<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The Event Center features a banquet hall in a serene botanic garden. The building\u2019s wrap-around glass facade connects with nature while large overhangs and wood screens provide sun protection. Inspired by Florida Modern design, it uses clean lines and wood elements.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>An abandoned railyard in Lakeland, Fla., was transformed into \u201can ecological jewel, a cultural magnet, and a connected community asset,\u201d based on findings from a public outreach program led by the architectural firm, Sasaki. The master plan revitalized 68 ha (168 acres) of unused land into Lakeland\u2019s own \u201cCentral Park.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":29853,"featured_media":206723,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1029],"tags":[8917,7851,2064,3279,1942,2478,6722,3181,5631],"class_list":["post-206710","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-brownfield-site","tag-central-park","tag-cross-laminated-timber","tag-florida","tag-landscape-architecture","tag-mass-timber","tag-news","tag-remediation","tag-sasaki","entry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Transforming Florida brownfield site into \u2018Central Park\u2019 - The Construction Specifier<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"An 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