What is there to do in Lakeland? (Memphis, Collierville: rent, home)

[Bowyer]

I just moved here and am wondering what types of recreational activities are out here? I have four young kids and we are always looking for places to go on the weekends--besides the mall! Where are the good parks? What can we do in the summer?

Also, I would like your input on Arlington Elemtary school.

A lot of people seem to like Lakeland, but what does the city have to offer--besides no city tax!

Thanks

[Pearlbob]

I haven't seen much in Lakeland. But, it's been a few years since I've had friends out there.

My suggestion is always Shelby Farms. It's not near Lakeland, but it is the largest urban park in the country, and it's great for an outing on a weekend. Ton of joggers, people walking dogs, the little lake where you can rent paddle boats, grills, some playground areas, picnic benches, bike routes, people board horses there, and there are buffalo. There is an indoor area with indoor bathrooms as well (high priority for me), and plenty of room to do frisbee, flag football, and they also have a frisbee golf course. I don't live near there either, but it would be an easy 15 minute drive, at most, for you to get to from Lakeland.

[tigergal]

Originally Posted by Bowyer

I just moved here and am wondering what types of recreational activities are out here? I have four young kids and we are always looking for places to go on the weekends--besides the mall! Where are the good parks? What can we do in the summer?

Also, I would like your input on Arlington Elemtary school.

A lot of people seem to like Lakeland, but what does the city have to offer--besides no city tax!

Thanks

Lakeland isn't a city so much as it is a bedroom community. Here's a link to the city's park listing. "+WebTitle+" You can drive a little further to Shelby Farms where there are lakes and the world's largest urban park.

As for summer, I'd suggest joining an althletic club with a pool. Otherwise, being outdoors in the summer in Memphis is not a particularly fun endeavor.

[Pearlbob]

haha, good point about summer Find some hobbies that are indoors in the A/C.

Honestly though, especially for kids, getting memberships to the zoo is a GREAT idea. And, the zoo does have some areas that are indoors and air conditioned for when it's sweltering outdoors. Also, the Pink Palace has rotating exhibits and IMAX movies, there is the botanical gardens, the art center, Children's Museum....several things that would be fun yet educational for kids...and are indoors.

[kcnative]

Do a search for Herb Parson's lake...it's not far from there and has some parks/fishing type stuff.

[TN-rox]

Lakeland has little to do, the only reason you hear about it is the mall which is now in shambles...

Not much in the way of recreation either. There is, however, a very nice state park over in Millington on the river (Mississippi that is). It is called Meeman- Shelby Forest State Park. It has great fishing in its two lakes and the river is beautiful. Great park and worth the drive from Lakeland!

[psi2007]

Originally Posted by Bowyer

I just moved here and am wondering what types of recreational activities are out here? I have four young kids and we are always looking for places to go on the weekends--besides the mall! Where are the good parks? What can we do in the summer?

Also, I would like your input on Arlington Elemtary school.

A lot of people seem to like Lakeland, but what does the city have to offer--besides no city tax!

Thanks

Nothing. The mall is your closest recreation to Lakeland. Good parks? In Memphis? Audubon might be good. Shelby Farms is too undeveloped but it does have lakes and grills and trails. There is that Catch'em Lake they made but none of these is good if its hot so aim for Spring and Fall. If you really want good parks you pretty much have to leave the Memphis area. In the summer go to Six Flags in Missouri. If you plan on living here for a long time I'd do some serious landscaping and build a pool in my backyard. Good luck.

[tomterr]

Memphis sport shooting association is very family oriented, offers competition shooting, in a safe, fun social atmosphere. It is very close to Lakeland .
I highly recommend it, check out the website for Scholastic shooting leagues.
Memphis Sport Shooting Association

[Bowyer]

Thanks for the replies. I have lived in Memphis and Collierville for the past 15 years or so. I moved to Lakeland recently and just wanted to get some ideas of what there is to do out here. I have never met anyone who lives here that didn't like it, I just wanted to know what, specifically, was so great about the city.

Tomterr--I can hear the shots from my house! I may investigate joining, considering I like to shoot and hunt. Good idea!

What's funny--when I said the 'mall' I meant Wolfchase! I Forgot about the outlet mall out here. My kids do like to ride the carousel at Wolfchase.

Any other Lakelander's?

[nbridgeman]

The City's webpage ( lakelandtn.gov ) has a lot of information including parks and recreation activities. The City's main park is IH managerial Park. IH as it is known by those who do live out here, is 65 acres with a 4 1/2 acre lake that is stocked once a year with about 600-800 lbs of catfish. The lake also has bass, bluegill, and brim. The park has three trails, and the most difficult (yellow trail) is just over 1 1/2 miles long.

Throughout many of the subdivisions, there are community parks such as Oakwood, Cool Springs, and Plantation Hills to name a few.

However, since Lakeland is a small CITY and has made it a goal to guide developement of the area, there is very little commercial recreation available. City taxes are not the main reason people move here. The main reason people move here is for the community's character which goes beyond it's rural natural characteristic. People love the community atmosphere out here. Remember home is what you make it!