12-05-2025
Lakeland's latest athletic complex honors the late John Rodda
Lakeland officials have chosen to honor a late philanthropic builder in the naming of Lake Crago's newest sports fields.
City officials planned to dedicate the John Rodda Sports Complex at Lake Crago Park on May 10, marking the completion of three multiuse, lighted sports fields and three picnic pavilions as the city's third construction phase at Lake Crago.
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The fields are being named after John Rodda, the late founder of Lakeland-based Rodda Construction Inc., who died in 2018. His construction firm was fundamental in the design and construction of several city spaces, including common Ground Park and Peterson Park.
Lakeland's newest athletic complex is named for John Rodda, the late founder of Rodda Construction Inc. who died in 2018. His construction firm was fundamental in the design and construction of several city spaces, including common Ground Park and Peterson Park.
"John [Rodda] did so much for this community and has a true passion for youth sports," said Bob Donahay, the city's director of parks, recreation and cultural arts. "Back in 2018, we knew we wanted to dedicate a facility in his honor, and it's fitting that we now celebrate the grand opening of the John Rodda Sports Complex — a lasting tribute to his spirit and generosity."
The new park includes three multiuse, lighted sports fields and three picnic pavilions as the city's third construction phase at Lake Crago.
Donahay said the fields have been in use by local youth sports programs for about a month at this point. The opening of the field will help provide much needed space, as Lakeland lacks enough field space to meet demands from existing youth programs.
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It's hard to drive through Polk without passing a park or building constructed by Rodda and his firm. Some of the structures he's had a hand include Lakeland's Highlands Grove and Bartow's Spessard L. Holland elementary schools and Citrus Ridge Civics Academy in Davenport.
The opening of the field will help provide much needed space, as Lakeland lacks enough field space to meet demands from existing youth programs.
He also built or renovated 30 of the 52 structures on the Florida Southern College campus in Lakeland.
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Lakeland's latest athletic complex honors the late John Rodda
