Chain of Lakes Park Upgrades: More Than Just Baseball — A Community Investment for All
Winter Haven, FL – The City of Winter Haven is revitalizing Chain of Lakes Park, creating a space that benefits residents — not just out-of-town athletes. While the project includes four new collegiate-level baseball fields to attract major tournaments and boost sports tourism, it’s also about enhancing the park for local families, outdoor enthusiasts, and everyday residents.
Why This Investment Matters to Local Residents
The upgraded fields aren’t just about baseball—they’re an economic engine for Winter Haven. By attracting over 30 annual baseball events, including the nationally recognized RussMatt Collegiate Invitational, the park will draw more than 25,000 visitors and generate an estimated $19 million in local economic impact. That means more business for local restaurants, hotels, shops, and service providers, ultimately benefiting the entire community.
“In many ways, Chain of Lakes Park is more than just an investment in sports—it’s an investment in our community,” said Julie Adams, Department Director of Parks, Recreation and Culture. “While this state-of-the-art facility will attract tournament teams on the weekends, it also provides year-round benefits for our residents.”
Amenities Designed with Residents in Mind
While tournaments bring visitors in on weekends, the park’s new amenities are designed for year-round community use. Even if you’re not a baseball fan, there’s something here for you:
- Lakeside Loop Trail – A scenic walking and biking trail with lakeside views, perfect for morning jogs, family strolls, or just enjoying nature.
- Expanded Paved Parking – Making it easier for everyone to enjoy the park, AdventHealth Fieldhouse & Conference Center, and Theatre Winter Haven events and programs year round.
- Eco-Friendly Wetlands – A natural stormwater system that protects the environment and adds to the park’s scenic beauty.
A Park That Works for Everyone — Not Just Sports Fans
The multipurpose design goes beyond baseball. Artificial turf fields allow for a variety of sports such as soccer and flag football, as well as community events throughout the year. New trails, shaded areas, and gathering spaces make the park a destination for families, outdoor lovers, fitness enthusiasts, and weekend explorers — whether there’s a tournament or not.
“We designed these upgrades to create a space that serves the entire community,” Adams explained. “This isn’t just a weekend sports complex—it’s a park where residents can walk, bike, picnic, or simply enjoy the outdoors every day of the week.”
Balancing Growth with Accessibility
To ensure that tournaments don’t disrupt daily park use, the City is implementing thoughtful scheduling, parking management, and open-access policies. The park will remain open to residents from sunrise to sunset.
“These enhancements create a gathering place for families, promote outdoor recreation, and enhance the overall quality of life in Winter Haven,” Julie added. “This project reflects our commitment to building a community where residents and visitors alike can come together, stay active, and enjoy all that this beautiful space has to offer.”
A Lasting Impact for Winter Haven
This isn’t just about today — it’s about investing in Winter Haven’s future. The $19 million in annual economic impact helps support the local economy and fund other community services, all while creating a sustainable, community-centered park. By reducing long-term maintenance costs through artificial turf and eco-conscious planning, the City is making smart financial choices that benefit both visitors and residents.
When the upgrades are complete in late Fall 2025, Chain of Lakes Park will be more than a sports facility — it’ll be a place where Winter Haven families gather, outdoor enthusiasts explore, and the community thrives.