In a town named Winter Park one would think that parks would be a huge deal. One would be correct! If you don’t count the small parks that almost every neighborhood has, Winter Park is literally a city of parks, claiming eleven, most are wheelchair accessible but all of them are unique and beautiful!!!
Central Park
Central Park is considered the crown jewel of the Parks in Winter Park. It flanks Park Avenue, anchoring the downtown. This eleven acre park offers respite to residents, and hosts numerous events throughout the year including two nationally known Sidewalk Art Festivals, one in the Spring and one in the Fall. Every month the park hosts musical concerts and an event called Popcorn Flicks in the Park at the pavilion, inviting attendees to bring their own chairs and refreshments. It is a favorite backdrop for photographs. A great spot for weddings is the rose garden with a stunning peacock fountain in the center.
Cady Way Park
This Park has a lot going for it. It houses the Cady Way Pool, a playground , rental softball fields and tennis courts. It also provides access to the Cady Way Trail, a favorite of walkers, runners and cyclists.
Dinky Dock Park
This beautiful lakeside park is on the shores of Lake Virginia offering swimming, boating, boat launching and a fishing pier. Paddle board lessions launch from here, plus it has a sandy beach for sunning, and a lovely boardwalk and pier for just enjoying the surroundings. If you fancy a lovely stroll along the shore of Lake Virginia, you can walk the Rollins College path along the lake. Rollins College is adjacent to this little park.
Kraft Azalea Garden
This gorgeous park encompases over 5 acres of pure beauty on Alabama Drive. This “secret garden” is on Lake Maitland and is a favorite place for weddings and bird watchers. The Exedra is the architecturalfocal point of the park, but when the azaleas are in bloom, it is hard to tell what is the most striking thing about this super sweet park.
Phelps Park
Phelps Park has something for all ages. It is a great playground, a popular site for childrens’ birthday parties, basketball courts, tennis courts and a pavilion that can be rented for special events. It is wheelchair accessible and has restrooms. The Playground has undergone a refresh after the three decades old one had outlived its usefulness.
Ward Park
Ward Park is Winter Park’s largest and is totally dedicated to competitive sports. There are baseball fields, soccer fields, a track and football stadium. It is in that stadium that the Winter Park High School Wildcats play.
Mead Botanical Garden
It is easy to get back to nature in Mead Garden! It encompasses 47.6 acres offering an amphitheater, butterfly garden, board walk, bike trail and yoga classes.
Lake Baldwin Park
If you are looking for a Winter Park dog park, Lake Baldwin Park is the city’s only only off-leash dog park. With 23 acres, there is plenty of roam for Rover to roam. And if your pooch likes to catch a little swim, that is allowed, as well!
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