The Orange County Parks and Recreation Division’s Future Park Along Little Econ River virtual first meeting will be available from the Parks’ web page through July 7th. Residents are asked to review the presentation then take the survey regarding the amenity choices. The overall budget is $1 million.
The 30.2 acre site was acquired with a grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. It has historical significance and is environmentally sensitive. This site includes the first paved road in Orange County, the Cypress Bridge built in the mid-1700s and the Old Iron Bridge built in the mid-1800s.
The Little Econ River is located in the center of the site, and river levels vary greatly season to season, varying 12′ and is heavily wooded with existing pathways. There is a large variety of wildlife. The site is bordered by Rouse Road, Rockinghorse Road, and McCullough Road.
Per the FDEP grant, the park will include passive amenities instead of active amenities to preserve the natural and historical state of the property. According to the County, passive recreation types include: walking, jogging, hiking, and nature walks; wildlife viewing and bird watching; painting and photography; picnic areas and fishing.
Take the survey here.
The second online public meeting will be available August 23rd through September 8th, which is when the second online survey will close. The third public meeting will be scheduled later, if needed.