Lake Conine Treatment Wetland Project

The Lake Conine Project is approximately 32 acres and the property and provides areas for natural habitat for wildlife. The first phase of the project consisted of construction of stormwater treatment and wetland cells on the site and was completed in 2022. This phase was a partnership between Polk County, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Southwest Florida Water Management District and the City of Winter Haven.

The second phase includes the construction of recreation elements. The Recreation Elements are designed around providing public access to the shoreline of Lake Conine and experiencing the wetlands. The recreation elements primarily consists of the following:

1. Trail systems including paved and stabilized trails
2. Pedestrian walkway bridges/boardwalks (as part of the trail system)
3. Parking Lot
4. Amenities such as a playground, restroom building, picnic areas, benches, trash cans
5. Fishing Pier
6. Kayak Launch
7. Perimeter Fencing
8. Landscaping & Trees
9. Educational Signage

The trail system will have varying distance loops, with the overall loop just under a mile. The trail system will also connect to Motor Pool Road and the Chain of Lakes Trail in a future project.

The contractor for the project is Whitehead Construction. The project is expected to take between 9-10 months to complete. The total costs of the Recreation Elements Phase is $3,787,594. The project is being funded through the City of Winter Haven, Polk County, Community Development Block Grant Funding, a Florida Recreation Development Assistance Grant, a contribution for the playground from Duke Energy and City funds. 25% of the total costs are being funded through the various grant dollars and contributions listed above.