LAKELAND, Fla. — The new Bonnet Springs Park is opening Saturday with a two-day celebration.

The community gets to enjoy the new park, thanks to its biggest benefactor Carol Jenkins Barnett, daughter of the Publix grocery story founder George Jenkins.

What You Need To Know

  • Widower of Publix heiress sees Bonnet Springs Park completed in her honor

  • Two-day celebration planned for Bonnet Springs Park opening on Saturday

  • The privately held land boasts an event center, art installations and children’s museum

Once an abandoned rail yard just off downtown Lakeland, it’s now 168 acres of nature and amenities — a playground, butterfly garden and lagoon.

“Lakeland means a lot to us. It’s been good to us — it’s been where Publix is headquartered,” said Barney Barnett. “So we’ve always felt an obligation to give back to this community, and this was one way to do that — in a big way.”

But Jenkins Barnett won’t get to see the park completed — she passed away in December 2021 from complications due to early onset Alzheimer’s.

“I’m sad she won’t be here — but she’ll be here in spirit with us,” said Barnett.

The privately held land also boasts an event center, art installations and children’s museum. The project “building budget” is about $130 million.