Orlando’s Lake Eola Park to get $60 million renovation

A new plan will give Lake Eola Park a major facelift. One of the biggest changes will be the new marina where the swan boats launch.

ORLANDO, Fla. - A new plan will give Lake Eola Park a major facelift. One of the biggest changes will be the new marina where the swan boats launch.

‘A park for everyone’

What we know:

Lake Eola Park, Orlando’s iconic downtown green space, is set for a $60 million renovation.

One of the most notable upgrades includes relocating the swan boat marina to the southeast corner of the lake. Other planned improvements feature an expanded amphitheater seating area with a new canopy, new restrooms with integrated outdoor concession stands, and wider sidewalks.

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Lake Eola Park, Orlando’s iconic downtown green space, is set for a $60 million renovation. [Source: City of Orlando]

The project will also introduce a renovated water system designed to improve the lake’s cleanliness.

What we don't know:

While the city has a vision for the upgrades, the final design is not yet set in stone. Officials have opened the bidding process for companies interested in executing the renovation, and the final details will depend on the proposals submitted.

The exact timeline for construction and completion remains unclear as the selection process unfolds.

The backstory:

Lake Eola Park has undergone multiple renovations throughout its history, with the last major overhaul occurring in 1987.

John Perrone, the project manager for this latest effort, was also involved in that previous renovation. Over the years, the park has evolved with new playgrounds and other enhancements, all while maintaining its status as a central gathering place for Orlando residents and visitors.

What they're saying:

City officials emphasize the park’s role as a community space for all Orlando residents.

"We talk about the city being a city for everyone. This is also a park for everyone," said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer.

Project manager John Perrone worked on the last renovation and is now part of this new project.

"It's a long history, been through the renovations, new playgrounds. Just hearing all the stories people tell you when they find out you work for the parks department and did this kind of thing," he said.

Perrone said officials also wanted to widen the sidewalks and renovate the lake's water system to make it cleaner, including a weir, which is a small barrier or dam that controls the flow of water.

"If you can imagine a weir in the lake and the water goes into that and catcesh the water and plant material — that'll help clean the water before it actually all goes into the lake," he explained.

Lisa Early, Orlando’s Parks & Recreation director, highlighted the importance of the upcoming proposals in shaping the final vision.

"We have a proposal of what it might look like, but we’re expecting proposals back from companies that might want to do the design and renovation work, and so we’ll see what comes back to us and make final decisions over the coming months," she said.

Perrone said he was proud to continue this work for the park's visitors.

"They bring their children here, their children's children have come here, you know? They all have special moments, and to have that in the park and be a part of it is just phenomenal."

Timeline:

The bidding process for construction companies is currently open and will close on February 28. Once the proposals are reviewed, city officials will finalize design decisions and determine a construction schedule. The exact duration of the project has not yet been announced.

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