Florida State Fence finishes Crystal Lake boardwalk safety fencing

Florida State Fence completed 1,200 linear feet of protective fencing for the Crystal Lake Boardwalk project at Crystal Lake Park in Lakeland, helping advance a nearly $650,000 Polk County rebuild. The fencing is meant to improve fall protection while keeping lake views open as the renewed boardwalk moves toward late-summer completion.

Why it matters: - The Crystal Lake Boardwalk project is set to restore a public lakefront connection for residents and visitors at Crystal Lake Park in Lakeland. - The new safety fencing is designed to reduce fall risk without blocking views of Crystal Lake. - The work helps keep the broader boardwalk rebuild on track for an anticipated late-summer completion.

What happened: - Florida State Fence completed the safety fencing portion of the Crystal Lake Boardwalk project at Crystal Lake Park in Lakeland. - The company installed about 1,200 linear feet of 42-inch-high chain-link fencing. - Roughly 600 feet of fencing runs along each side of the new boardwalk. - Jeremy Bolt, co-president of Florida State Fence, said the team was proud to contribute to a project that will help restore public access to Crystal Lake.

The details: - The boardwalk on the north side of Crystal Lake was built more than 25 years ago and had deteriorated over time. - The former structure had been closed to the public for several years. - In February, the Polk County Board of County Commissioners approved a construction contract with Stokes Marine Inc. for demolition of the old structure and construction of the replacement boardwalk. - The full project is a nearly $650,000 community investment. - Funding came through Polk County’s Parks and Natural Resources Community Investment Program. - Florida State Fence’s work was completed on schedule. - The new boardwalk and related safety features are part of the same rebuild. - Florida State Fence says the company serves Tampa Bay, Lakeland and surrounding Central Florida communities and offers vinyl, aluminum, wood, chain-link and temporary fencing. More information

Between the lines: - The project combines recreation and risk reduction, which is common in public waterfront upgrades where open sightlines matter. - Completing the fencing on time lowers the risk of delays in the final phase of the boardwalk project. - The county’s investment signals continued spending on neighborhood park infrastructure and access improvements.

What's next: - Polk County is expected to finish the broader Crystal Lake Boardwalk project in late summer. - The renewed boardwalk should reopen the lakefront connection for the Crystal Lake neighborhood and park visitors. - The remaining work will center on final construction and any finishing touches tied to the rebuilt amenity.