When I became your Commissioner in 2012, it was clear that as we continue to build new neighborhoods, we needed to provide more recreational opportunities for our residents. I’m happy to announce that on September 1st, we will break ground on two regional parks; the East Airfield Park at the west end of Dowden Road and Laureate Park, near the new elementary school.
The East Airfield park will consist of 4 baseball/softball/little league fields with concession stands, an oversized playground, walking trail and a community garden. The park will be accessible from Dowden Road and be connected to the existing North Lake Park bike trail to provide safe and easy access for children and residents.
Laureate Park will feature 4 multi-purpose fields with concession stands, an oversized playground and picnic areas. The park is being built at the south end of our existing Laureate Park neighborhood and will also be easily accessible for bicycles and pedestrians. Adjacent to our City park will be a privately owned and operated water-park that is currently in the final stages of design.
The official groundbreaking for both regional parks is September 7th, 11am at the East Airfield site. Mayor Dyer along with representatives from the airport and area homeowner’s associations will be in attendance. Everyone is welcome to join the event. Construction of both parks is being funded by the Tavistock Group as part of their Development Agreement with the City of Orlando and should be open to the public next summer.
I hope you share my excitement as we work together to add more recreational opportunities to the Lake Nona lifestyle!
City of Orlando Commissioner Jim Gray can be reached by email at Jim.Gray@CityofOrlando.net or by calling 407/246-2001.
Dear Commissioner Gray … just saw your memo this morning in the Nonahood News, kudos for you and yours on new man-made parks … perhaps now you and others in political offices can devote some of your sway and gratitude for being elected to your positions by helping to preserve the LONG-AGO ESTABLISHED recreational area for Lake Nona residents, the Split Oak Forest and Mitigation Area. Managed(?) by the FWC, the majority of residents in the area are unaware that the park and forest exists … no signage, no promotion, no attention … except when developers want new roadways to connect to even more sprawling communities that don’t even have the schools, utilities, fire and police agencies to support them. Hope you turn out at the October 5th Expressway Authority Information Session at the Lake Nona High School Gym to learn more and offer your opinion on resolution.
Oh, and while any additional park planning that might be taking place; could someone please include a DOG PARK in the area; because one of the biggest users AND VIOLATORS of Split Oak that I’ve seen are people walking their dogs. DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED.
I agree- the Lake Nona community absolutely needs a dog park, It would be a great place to get to know our neighbors- furry and otherwise. Please consider building a dog park within either of these new parks.