Orange County Celebrates East Orange District Park Recreation Center Groundbreaking

Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs, Orange County District 4 Commissioner Jennifer Thompson, District 5 Commissioner Emily Bonilla and the Orange County Parks and Recreation Division celebrated the groundbreaking of the East Orange District Park Recreation Center on April 28 with numerous dignitaries and guests on hand.

Located at 22023 East Colonial Drive in Christmas, the 243-acre property is located approximately 4.5 miles west of the intersection of SR 50 and SR 520.

“I am delighted to see this project begin,” Mayor Teresa Jacobs said. “Part of the funding comes from Orange County’s $20 million of INVEST funds designated to our Parks and Recreation Division, combined with a grant from the State of Florida. Thanks to the creative work and strong support of so many partners, our young people and families in Christmas will be able to enjoy a variety of recreational opportunities here for years to come.”

A rendering of the East Orange District Park Recreation Center.

The State of Florida Department of Economic Opportunity appropriated $1 million that will be combined with $1 million of Orange County’s INVEST funds to help build the 5,000-square-feet recreation center; a $250,000 Legislative appropriation also was received for a concession building and restroom. The park will also have two soccer fields with lights and a parking area.

“Parks are a great place to appreciate the value of nature and undeveloped lands,” said Commissioner Bonilla. “They promote safe and healthy communities by bringing families of all generations to come closer together. I will strive to advocate for multi-use trails and accessibility for our senior citizens as a way to cater to our multi-generational community.”

The East Orange District Park is one of 100 parks, trails and facilities that the Orange County Parks and Recreation Division maintains. The new building will be one of 14 recreation and community centers, including two that are designated for senior recreation.

A map of the East Orange District Park Recreation Center.

“The new recreation center and soccer fields will be a great addition to our facilities on the East side of Orange County,” said Orange County Parks and Recreation Division Manager Matt Suedmeyer. “As the population continues to increase, the demand for recreational programs and field space has increased as well.”

Other improvements will be added in the future, Suedmeyer said. When funding becomes available, community meetings will be held to determine which additional amenities the public prefers.

For more information, visit www.OrangeCountyParks.net.

Featured Photo Caption: [L – R] Orange County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board member Jake White, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board member Bobby Beagles, Orange County District 4 Commissioner Jennifer Thompson, Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs, District 5 Commissioner Emily Bonilla and Parks and Recreation Advisory Board member Ariel Horner gather to celebrate the groundbreaking of the 5,000-square-foot East Orange District Park in Christmas.

East Orange District Park Groundbreaking 55 Photos