Lake Wales Completes Revitalization of Market Plaza and Park Avenue

March 5, 2025

The City of Lake Wales is celebrating the completion of its Park Avenue and Market Plaza revitalization with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and Taste of Downtown event this Friday, March 7 at 5:30pm. As part of “The Lake Wales Connected” plan, the City engaged key Catalyst staff and design team members to develop streetscape plans for the Park Avenue and Market Plaza revitalization project, and Catalyst oversaw construction phase services. Located in the heart of downtown, the new design balances the auto-dominated street by converting it from one-way to two-way with parallel parking. This change provides for an enhanced pedestrian experience, with broad sidewalks and planters that accommodate street trees and colorful plantings. Additionally, the renovated street was designed without curbs, allowing for barrier-free pedestrian access and flexibility for outdoor dining and events.

The design also included the removal of turn lanes at SR 17 (Scenic Highway) and at 1st Street to make the crossing distance shorter for pedestrians. The design includes a segment of 1st Street, which will include a “shared space” concept in front of the historic downtown hotel, and accommodations for a cycle track to connect to the City’s planned multi-use trail system. Green infrastructure components of the design include the use of rain gardens and permeable pavers to aid in capturing stormwater and nutrients.

Learn more about the City’s event and upcoming streetscape projects here.