Winter Haven Celebrates South Lake Howard Nature Park Expansion with Ceremonial Frisbee Throw

October 14, 2026

The City of Winter Haven, Florida recently completed the South Lake Howard Nature Park expansion and threw a frisbee on the new disc golf course to celebrate in lieu of a ribbon cutting. The expanded park gives residents more ways to experience the Lake Howard waterfront with an expanded trail network, picnic areas, a playground, parking, disc golf, a kayak launch, fishing pier, and boardwalks. Catalyst provided master planning and construction documents for the project, and our team watched it in action.

In addition to recreation, the park’s expansion also focused on green infrastructure to address flooding and improve stormwater collection and treatment before runoff reaches Lake Howard. Stormwater from surrounding roadways and neighborhoods is filtered through natural systems designed to reduce pollutants and improve water quality while the expanded park creates additional habitat and public open space.

South Lake Howard Nature Park continues Winter Haven’s approach of pairing environmental infrastructure with spaces people can actively use and enjoy, turning necessary stormwater improvements into trails, recreation, water access, and opportunities to experience the natural landscape.

From design to construction: View the project’s progress here.

PROJECT INFORMATION

• Where is South Lake Howard Nature Park?

  South Lake Howard Nature Park is located along the south shore of Lake Howard in Winter Haven, Florida.

• What improvements were made at South Lake Howard Nature Park?

  The expansion includes an expanded trail network, picnic areas, a playground, parking, disc golf, a kayak launch, fishing pier, boardwalks, and other opportunities for outdoor recreation.

• How does South Lake Howard Nature Park improve stormwater management?

  The park incorporates green infrastructure that collects and treats stormwater from surrounding roadways and neighborhoods. Natural treatment systems help filter runoff and reduce pollutants before water reaches Lake Howard.

• What was Catalyst Design Group's role in South Lake Howard Nature Park?

  Catalyst Design Group provided master planning and construction documents for the expansion of the 28-acre park along Lake Howard's south shore. Catalyst has also supported the City on other parks, including Lake Conine Nature Park, Sertoma Baseball Complex, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park Improvements, Lake Maude Park, and Chain of Lakes Park. We are honored to support the City’s expansion of active and passive recreation and green infrastructure.