Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Commissioner Stuart Break Ground on New City Park at Packing District
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer (center), District 3 Commissioner Robert Stuart (center right), District 5 Commissioner Hill (right) and representatives from Dr. Phillips Charities broke ground on the Packing District's new City Park. Photo: City of Orlando.
ORLANDO, Fla. – Today, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and District 3 Commissioner Robert Stuart joined with Dr. Phillips Charities to break ground on a new 66-acre public park at the Packing District.
The park, located within the new Packing District development being built by Dr. Phillips Charities, will serve as the new home for the Orlando Tennis Centre and feature trails for biking and walking, dedicated open green space, a regional stormwater pond, preserved wetlands and a large outdoor pavilion with performance space.
“This new park furthers our commitment of investing in our neighborhoods to provide our residents with more amenities and enhanced infrastructure,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “We are grateful for the partnership with Dr. Phillips Charities on the development of The Packing District and the opportunity it provides us with to enhance the quality of life for our residents with additional recreational options and green space.”
The new Orlando Tennis Centre will have 11 clay and 6 hard courts for a total of 17, as well as an updated clubhouse and the latest technology. There will be a 101-space parking lot serving the park and tennis centre and a 10-foot wide path will run along Orange Blossom Trail, Princeton Avenue, Texas Avenue and New Hampshire Avenue providing access for pedestrians and bicyclists. The regional storm water pond in the park will provide a visual amenity for visitors and will help improve water quality throughout the area through the collection and treatment of stormwater runoff.
“I am grateful to Dr. Phillips Charities and Mayor Dyer for their leadership on a project where both the public and the environment can benefit,” added Commissioner Stuart. “Similar to when the City partnered with the Florida Department of Transportation on the renovation of the Dubsdread Golf Course in 2008, this park provides a chance to treat stormwater runoff in a unique way that also creates a green space for residents to enjoy. I’m excited for the amenities that both the park and The Packing District as a whole are bringing to our community.”
The new park is possible thanks to land donated by Dr. Phillips Charities to the City as part of their development of The Packing District. Collectively, the Packing District and the park project encompass 202-acres centered at the intersection of Princeton Street and Orange Blossom Trail. The redevelopment of the Packing District is transforming this industrial area into a vibrant district with a mix of housing options, commercial districts and abundance of green space and serves as a bridge between two existing neighborhoods in the city.
“Dr. Phillips has a long history of working with the City of Orlando and its leadership to improve Orlando. Mayor Dyer, Commissioner Stuart, Commissioner Hill and city staff have been instrumental in making this vision a reality. Great cities have great amenities and this park is one more example of Orlando’s continued journey,” said Dr. Phillips Charities President and CEO Ken Robinson. “The park will provide a healthy environment for our community in many ways including improved water quality, safe trails to enjoy a bike ride or jog, a place for families to grow, learn and explore together, or simply relax at the pavilion or water features.”
Construction of the park is expected to be complete by late summer/early fall 2021.
For more information about the Packing District, please visit Orlando.gov/packingdistrict.
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