Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland, Florida exemplifies how thoughtful design and construction of outdoor structures can foster community engagement and nature appreciation. This sprawling urban park, transformed from a once abandoned rail yard, is now a green oasis in the heart of the city, thanks in part to the contributions of Nature Bridges. We are proud to have played a role in making this park USA Today’s Best City Park of 2025 through construction of custom boardwalks and other wooden structures.

Nature Bridges’ Role at Bonnet Springs

Rodda Construction brought Nature Bridges into the project in 2018 to collaborate on a few details with the BSP Architects, Sasaki. Nature Bridges constructed key features within Bonnet Springs Park, notably the canopy walk and various boardwalks. The canopy walk is an elevated boardwalk that weaves through the park’s mature oaks, providing stunning views of the surrounding wetlands and lagoon. This boardwalk allows park visitors to directly connect with nature without disrupting the delicate ecosystem, and it was carefully designed to blend with the natural environment while ensuring durability and safety for visitors and protection for the habitat.

In addition to the canopy walk, Nature Bridges constructed other essential structures, including an expansive network of boardwalks through the park’s wetlands, a fishing pier and boathouse, the Kiwanis Cares for Kids Treehouse, and more. Top down construction was essential to this work because it reduces the need for heavy machinery on the ground, minimizing damage to the environment. This approach preserves the existing landscape and maintains the habitat for local wildlife.

Enhancing Park Safety and Accessibility

The structures constructed by Nature Bridges are not just functional – they’re built with safety and accessibility in mind. Non-slip surfaces and sturdy handrails make Bonnet Springs Park’s pedestrian walkways accessible year-round, even during Florida’s rainy season, and help to ensure a safe experience for all of the park’s visitors.

Fostering Community and Educational Opportunities

Bonnet Springs Park is designed to be a self-sustaining green space that also provides a variety of recreational and educational opportunities. Nature Bridges’ structures facilitate these activities by enabling easy access to many areas of the park, which helps provide a platform for environmental education. The park’s layout encourages community gatherings so that Lakeland’s residents can use it as a central hub of activity.