Lake Eola Park is located in the heart of downtown Orlando FL. The park spans over 23 acres and offers a variety of activities and amenities for visitors to enjoy. Some of the highlights of the park include a playground, a fishing pier, a nature walk, and a large lake that is home to many ducks and swans. The park also hosts various events throughout the year, including the annual Orlando Farmers Market and the Amphitheater Concert Series.
The park was created in 1912 when the Lake Eola Heights subdivision was developed. The park was originally named Lake Eola Heights Park but was later renamed its current name. The park’s namesake, Eola, was an Osceola Indian princess who married a white settler in the area.
The Walt Disney Amphitheater was added to the park in 1989. The amphitheater is home to the Orlando Philharmonic and hosts a variety of concerts and events throughout the year. And it’s a beautiful venue that has hosted many famous musicians and performers over the years. It was built and designed by Michael Graves. He was born in the United States in 1934. After studying at Princeton University, he started his professional career as an architect. Some of his most famous works include the design of the Walt Disney Amphitheater and the construction of the Portland Building in Oregon. Graves was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1999 and passed away in March 2015.
The Amphitheater is named after Walt Disney, who was born in nearby Chicago IL. The amphitheater is open to the public free of charge and hosts a variety of performances throughout the year, including the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra’s “Pops in the Park” series.
The playground at the park was renovated in 2014. The new playground features interactive elements and play structures for children of all ages.
The swan boats at the park are a popular attraction. The boats were introduced in 1973 and can be rented for a guided tour around the lake.
The park is open daily from 6 am to midnight. Admission to the park is free, but there is a charge for the swan boat tours.
The playground is one of the highlights, and it’s important to know the following things before you let your kids play there:
1. There are different areas for different age groups, so make sure you take your kids to the right section.
2. The playground is surrounded by water, so be careful that your kids don’t fall in.
3. There are plenty of slides, swings, and other activities to keep your kids entertained for hours.
4. The park can get crowded on weekends and holidays, so try to go during off-peak hours if possible.
5. The park is open from sunrise to sunset, so make sure you plan your visit accordingly.
On the other hand, the Amphitheater is a popular spot for live performances in the park. Here are some things you need to know before you visit:
– The amphitheater seats up to 1,157 people and offers great views of the lake and downtown skyline.
– The amphitheater is home to the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and other popular performers.
– Parking can be difficult to find in the area, so arrive early or take advantage of the park’s free shuttle service.
And of course, if you’re looking for a fun way to explore the lake, renting a swan boat is a great option! Swan boats are pedal boats that seat up people, and they’re perfect for touring around the lake.
The cost to rent a swan boat is $15 for 30 minutes, and you can find the rental kiosks near the entrance of the park. Be sure to arrive early if you want to snag one of the popular boats, as they tend to fill up quickly on weekends and during the summer months.
The seating capacity of a swan boat is five people, and the weight limit is 1,400 pounds. So, if you’re looking to take a ride in a swan boat with a few of your friends, make sure you’re all within the weight limit!
Also, all lake tours are guided and the park does not accept any reservations for its use. Just be sure to arrive at the area 30 minutes early so you can buy some tickets for the next scheduled lake tour.
Lastly, the park is visited by many people every year. And while it is usually well-maintained, visitors are encouraged to report if they see something damaged so it can be fixed as soon as possible.
Whether you are looking to enjoy a day out in the park or attend one of the many events that are hosted there, Lake Eola Park in Orlando FL is definitely worth a visit. Looking for more places to visit? Check out Red Bug Lake Park in Casselberry.