LETTER FROM

MANAGER'S

Our City of Lakeland, Tennessee, has gone through many changes over the years. Some people still remember Lakeland Amusement Park, the venture that saw the creation of 244acre Garner Lake as the largest manmade lake in Shelby County. Shortly after the amusement park ceased operating in 1976, Lakeland was incorporated as a city in 1977. Today, the City of Lakeland encompasses a wide variety of geographic features within its over 23 square miles, including over 169 miles of streams in addition to Garner Lake. Our 236 acres of dedicated parkland includes International Harvester (IH) Park at 65 acres, two-and-a-half miles of trails, and the newest, the 99-acre site of the city’s recreation athletic complex is well underway. For residents and potential residents, Lakeland offers shaded, canopied, curving roads, easy access to regional amenities in Shelby County, and the nicest homes in West Tennessee. In September, the Lakeland School System (LSS) was named one of only 16 Exemplary School Districts in Tennessee, and Lakeland Elementary School was named a 2022 Reward School, the highest distinction available to public schools in the state.

Along Lakeland’s Southern border are local venues for shopping, exercise, dining and vehicle care. At the I-40 and Canada Road interchange in the heart of the city, developers are working hard to bring to life The Lake District, the ambitious, multi-use development bringing shopping, dining, living and socializing together all in one place. And along Highway 70 just west of City Hall is the new Lakeland Commons development, with upscale flats over retail establishments, breathing new life to the historic traditions of Tennessee and small towns all across the Mid South. Whether you are here to work, live or play, the City of Lakeland staff is just a phone call or an email away, ready and willing to assist with anything you need. Call, email or use the Lakeland Connect app to get in touch. Lakeland is growing, while keeping its character and history intact. We’re excited to have neighbors new and old along for the journey, whether they live here, work here or simply come to visit – welcome home to Lakeland!

— Michael Walker, LAKELAND CITY MANAGER