The City of Lakeland is Polk County’s largest provider of recreational programs and activities, sponsoring over 400 separate programs at 45 parks, playgrounds and other recreation venues throughout the city. These programs and facilities are enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of area residents all year long.

Lakeland hosts Florida’s largest convention the Sun’n Fun EAA Fly-In which brings 300,000 visitors and contributes over $25 million to the economy each year, while involving nearly 3,000 volunteers and 20 service organizations.

Lakeland is the spring home of the Detroit Tigers who have been training in Lakeland since 1934. The organization has a year round presence and operates one of their minor league teams and developmental squads in Lakeland. The City of Lakeland is currently overseeing a $10 million renovation/expansion to Joker Marchant Stadium. This project guarantees that the Detroit Tigers will remain in Lakeland for at least another 15 years.