by Matt Wright
The brand new athletic annex located next to the Lakeland Prep campus is officially open. Saturday morning, August 8, 2021, city and school officials, along with the public, gathered to open the beautiful five field facility. The facility includes five “flat” fields, with lights, plus restroom facilities, a concession stand, and ample public parking.
Dr. Ted Horrell, Superintendent of Lakeland School System, welcomed the crowd at 9:00am Saturday morning and thanked everyone that was involved in bringing the dream to reality. That dream, as Dr. Horrell said, would not have been possible without local residents Warner and Evelyn Wiles. The couple donated part of their land off Old Brownsville Rd. so there was an access point leading into the new athletic annex. “Without that access, this project would not have been possible,” Dr. Horrell said. The couple said they’ve always loved Lakeland schools and that their grandchildren thrived at Lakeland schools. “One day my husband told me they (Lakeland School System) would like to have another access point to their property and he would like to donate 2 and a half of our acres to the schools. I said that would be great!” Mrs. Wiles told Lakeland Currents. That land donation is what made the road leading to the new facility possible.
Mrs. Wiles said she and her husband loves the community feel and even enjoys stepping outside their home so they can hear the PA announcer on fall football evenings. “We love Lakeland and we love being part of the community,” Mrs. Wiles said.
The annex, which was officially funded by the school system, includes a partnership with the City of Lakeland so parks and recreation can use the facility as well. Lakeland Prep anticipates using the facility for a variety of sports, including soccer teams and lacrosse teams. The 5 fields can be used for other needs as well such as band practice or field day events. The city will also start using the facility immediately for programs like youth tackle and flag football which is badly needed. Those teams currently practice behind city hall with limited space and no lights. The city also anticipates using the facility for other sports like soccer for both youth and adults.
“The athletic complex is going to be a game-changer for our school and city sports teams,” School Board Chairman Kevin Floyd said. He added, ”I’m extremely excited about the opportunities it’ll provide for our students and citizens.”
