The sound of cheers and the patter of kids in colorful uniforms filled the new South Lake Regional Park, which opened to the public May 21 with a ceremony hosted by Groveland Mayor Keith Keogh, featuring speeches from Lake County Commissioner Sean Parks and Mike Walker, Groveland’s director of parks, facilities and community services.
Walker, who has been with the city since 2019, is also a former professional baseball pitcher who played for 14 years with the Cleveland Indians (now the Guardians), Detroit Tigers, Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds.
Groveland officials said the complex on Max Hooks Road, just south of State Road 50, is intended to be the largest multi-use park in Lake County, representing “a significant investment in the community’s recreational infrastructure, to keep up with Groveland’s rapid growth and the increasing demand for public gathering spaces and athletic fields.”
Mayor Keogh praised the park as a collaborative effort rooted in “intentionality” and the success that comes when city officials “lead with the heart” in his welcome address before Central Florida teams in the Cal Ripken All-Stars took the field.
“This moment did not arrive on its own. It was carried by partnership, by determination, and by a shared belief in what is possible when we stand together,” he said.
Commissioner Parks called the recreational hub an example of Lake County’s focus on families and said it marked a big improvement from the low-frills field he played on growing up.
“In Lake County, we still recognize the value of sports, teamwork and playing outdoors,” he said. “This is very much us, and it’s incredible.”
Keogh and Parks threw out ceremonial first pitches, and local singer/musician David Oliver Willis performed.
The 141-acre complex is expected to bring both recreational and economic benefits to the area by hosting local leagues, tournaments and community events.
Parents and coaches were largely enthusiastic about the facilities. Ben Benway, a volunteer with Umatilla’s youth team that competed in the opening-day all-stars tournament, said he liked the new complex but noted parking was insufficient, with cars lining both sides of the narrow entry road and no separate exit route available.
The Daily Commercial has reached out to the city of Groveland’s spokesperson regarding possible parking issues at the park.
Complaints aside, parents and kids were in high spirits on the complex’s opening day.
Mount Dora resident Jim Brown told the Daily Commercial he loved the facility and was excited that a more centrally located super-complex is now available for regional tournaments.
South Lake Regional Park amenities
This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: Groveland’s new South Lake Regional Park celebrates opening day
Reporting by Julie Garisto, Leesburg Daily Commercial / Daily Commercial
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