Chain Gang

A long wait is finally over for Winter Haven. The Chain of Lakes Complex, a city-owned parks and recreation facility, is on the verge of a significant expansion.

The project, worth at least $22 million, centers around a 100,000-square-foot indoor field house where the Orlando Magic's D League team, the Lakeland Magic, will practice. (The team, which debuts this year, plays home games at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland.)

Beyond the Magic, the Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing department is pursuing other clients that could make use of the facility. From martial arts to wrestling, and gymnastics to volleyball, the new courts will be available for several different sports. “There are so many opportunities at a facility like this,” says Marc Zimmerman, senior sales and event manager for the sports marketing department. “We've wanted this for a long time.”