LAKELAND — The first phase of the largest park in Lakeland's system may "soft open" as soon as February.

The first of two phases of Seven Wetlands Park, stylized as "Se7en Wetlands," has been completed except for signage necessary to prevent hikers in its 8.5 miles of rustic trails from getting lost.

Once the signs are installed, the park will be open for operation, Deputy Parks Director Pam Page told commissioners Friday.

"That's to avoid the 'Seven Wetlands maze' idea," Mayor Bill Mutz joked.

The 1,640-acre park is named for its original purpose as a water treatment wetland, a function that will continue. It will be accessible from two Polk County parks near Mulberry: Lake Highland Scrub Preserve and Loyce Harpe Park.

As the park lies outside of Lakeland's corporate limits, and will be as much a county amenity as a Lakeland one, the city relied on state funding to build it.

The first phase, nearing completion, was paid for by $450,000 in state appropriation from 2016. The project includes two restrooms, one near each entrance, an open air pavilion and a boardwalk.

Page said a "blowout" grand opening will be hosted in cooperation with the county in the future. County officials had supported Lakeland's lobbying efforts for state funding and county workers will be maintaining portions of the park.

Local legislators also said the project got their support for its regional park quality.

The second phase was provided for by a $500,000 state appropriation and a $100,000 donation from Mosaic.

With it, the city will add another boardwalk and four picnic pavilions.

The City Commission is expected to vote to start the second phase of construction Tuesday with Lakeland's Rodda Construction as its construction manager.

Christopher Guinn can be reached at Christopher.Guinn@theledger.com or 863-802-7592. Follow him on Twitter @CGuinnNews.