The phrase “Lake Wales Way” was used in the Lake Wales Envisioned Plan to describe the ideal way that Lake Wales will grow ... in a thoughtful, intentional way that maintains its original character.
The Lake Wales Way is one where each neighborhood is networked through interconnected streets, with parks, trails, and greenways … where each new addition adds value to the community and contributes to its legacy of strong neighborhoods.
The main features and goals envisioned are:
- A Strong Economy
- Identify Sites for Industry
- Provide a variety of housing to make the area attractive to employees
- Attract Infill
- Open Space and Conservation Lands (Big Green Network)
- Protect ~17,000 acres natural lands and connect to the Florida Wildlife Corridor.
- Connect historic scrub and sandhill habitats with the Kissimmee River Corridor
- Protect water resources and habitat in the headwaters of the Peace River
- Create a patchwork of smaller green spaces that will link with each other, and with walkable streets and trails, to connect people, wildlife, and habitat to the Big Green Network.
- Well-Designed Neighborhoods
- Encourage Traditional Neighborhood Developments (TND) that are mixed-use, have a variety of housing types, are of a walkable size, and encourage community interaction with porches and shade trees.
- Encourage Conservation Villages around sensitive lands.
- Connect the network of open spaces with greenways and trails.
In order to accomplish these goals, the City needs to partner with many entities to create a shared vision for the future of Lake Wales.
Lake Wales Way was established to help facilitate implementing the Lake Wales Envisioned Plan, providing design and construction services throughout the greater Central Florida region.