News for the active lifestyle in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis

Donnelly Park’s pickleball improvements to be unveiled in February 3

1/28/2025

As part of ongoing beautification efforts, Donnelly Park is undergoing enhancements to give it more of a "Central Park" feel. The addition of three pickleball courts provides more space for players and offers additional flexibility as a festival and event venue. The park already had three heavily-used pickleball courts which are now undergoing resurfacing.

A ribbon cutting for the new courts followed by the first play is scheduled for Monday, February 3.

A future phase is planned to address stormwater and erosion issues within the park. This phase will include hardscaping, landscaping, and improvements to the hillside, creating an open gathering space for the community and a venue for events utilizing the Donnelly deck. Improvements to the existing building will also be considered as part of this phase.

Engineering and design for these future improvements have been budgeted for the current fiscal year and will begin following the completion of the current project. These updates aim to support both recreational and community activities in the park, according to Misty Sommer, Mount Dora’s Public Information Officer.

In 2024, the southwest corner of the park had new terraced areas constructed and new landscaping along the steps that lead to the Donnelly Building at the intersection of Donnelly Street and Fifth Avenue.

Additional pickleball courts in the area can be found at the public Summerview Park and the private Country Club of Mount Dora.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app. Be sure to follow Mount Dora Buzz's Facebook and Instagram for more local info.

Update on the Wekiva Rail-to-Trail extension

1/1/2025

In what has been a long and winding start to a much anticipated project, CSX Railroad is now willing to sell the railroad property for a trail extension. The previous time it committed to sell the property it reneged, so hopefully this time is different.

Lake County, the City of Mount Dora, and the City of Tavares have again agreed to partner and proceed with negotiations to acquire the land. The Trust for Public Land (TPL), a California-based nonprofit organization which has significant experience with similar endeavors, has committed its support for this rails-to-trails project. If it comes to fruition, the trail would connect the two cities to each other, as well as other areas in Lake County.

The proposed Wekiva Rail-Trail Extension (Tav-Dora Trail) was planned to connect Mount Dora and Tavares along the railway corridor that currently connects the downtowns of the two cities.  If the project’s outcome was anything like the success of West Orange Trail’s effect on Winter Garden, residents could see improvement in both quality of life and property values, as well as a boon to the local economy.

In the spring of 2020, the two cities, Lake County, Florida Central Railroad Company and CSX Transportation (CSX) were all supportive of the trail concept. Florida Central Railroad owned the actual railroad tracks and CSX owns the property the tracks are on. In April 2020, both companies expressed their support of the project in letters to Lake County and the U.S. Department of Transportation.

CSX had not attempted to set forth all of the essential terms of a potential sale and purchase of the corridor, but the minimum price at that time would have been $15,000,000. The correspondence also stipulated that the letter of support wasn’t binding, but rather a basis for the parties to negotiate a definitive agreement in the future.

With all stakeholders on the same page, Lake County, Mount Dora, and Tavares spent considerable time and money to advance the project and seek a Federal BUILD grant to help fund the acquisition of the property from CSX.

Fast forward to November, 2022, and CSX abruptly announced it was no longer going to sell the rail corridor. “CSX is committed to serving our customers and positioning the company for future growth. As such, we are working to preserve our regulated corridors to support the company’s long-term business needs,” said the company’s spokesperson.

Now that CSX is back on board, negotiations can begin again in earnest once TPL does the due diligence, including surveys, an appraisal and an assessment.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app.  Be sure to follow  Mount Dora Buzz on Instagram for more local info.

Gilbert Park renovation is a big hit with young residents

1/1/2025

Tucked back from the serene shores of Lake Dora and Mount Dora’s small, yet iconic lighthouse, sits Gilbert Park, a magical destination for kids. Recently the expansive playground became even more impressive after a redesign of the north side of the play area was completed.

The old structure for the younger children was replaced with a large climbing apparatus with shaded slides, fun obstacles, and unlimited climbing opportunities. There are also numerous other new amenities to keep kids busy and challenged, including a climbing sphere, a modern teeter-totter, a merry-go-round, an interactive playhouse with a farmer’s market theme, and of course, swings. The park’s engaging and wheelchair-accessible play structures are designed separately for 2- to 5-year-olds and 5-to 12-year-olds.

The southern portion of the playground was redesigned in 2018 and reopened in 2019 with the installation of a modern, two-tier pirate ship that replaced the iconic wooden castle. A large rope climbing web and new swings created from large, rustic timbers were also added during that renovation

Originally established in the early 20th century, Gilbert Park has evolved into one of the City’s recreational gems that blends the state-of-the-art playground, shaded picnic pavilions, and grassy expanses.

For adventurers, Gilbert Park also provides access to Mount Dora’s walking trails. The nearby Palm Island Boardwalk offers an immersive experience through a natural wetland habitat, showcasing Florida’s diverse ecosystem.

Gilbert Park is located at the intersection of Tremain Street and Liberty Avenue and is open daily from dawn to dusk. Admission is free and children should be accompanied by an adult. Picnic pavilions must be rented in advance from Mount Dora’s Recreation Department. The City’s free parking shuttles can pick up and drop off passengers at the park on weekends.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app. Be sure to follow Mount Dora Buzz's Instagram and Facebook page for more local info.

Roadtrippin' to Black Bear Wilderness Area

1/1/2025

Just a 20-minute drive from Mount Dora and nestled on the western outskirts of Sanford, the Black Bear Wilderness Area offers nature enthusiasts a stunning escape into Old Florida’s untamed beauty. Spanning over 1,600 acres, this ecological gem features a diverse array of habitats, including marshes, wet prairies, hardwood swamps, and pine flatwoods, making it a haven for wildlife and day-trippers alike.

The crown jewel of the Black Bear Wilderness Area is its lengthy 7.1-mile loop trail, a challenging yet rewarding journey for hikers seeking an immersive experience in the heart of Central Florida’s dense wilderness. The trail meanders through a rich mosaic of landscapes, offering hikers a chance to spot an array of native wildlife, including white-tailed deer, wading birds, alligators, wild turkeys, otters, birds of prey, and, of course, black bears.

The moderately strenuous trails are well-maintained but require some preparation. Hikers should expect to navigate a lot of tree roots and uneven terrain, boardwalks crossing swampy areas, and potential encounters with muddy patches, so proper hiking footwear and ample water are crucial. True to Florida, the trails can get buggy, so insect repellent is a good idea. The wilderness area’s scenic rewards make every step worthwhile, with sweeping views of a bald cypress swamp and the St. Johns River floodplain, and abundant opportunities to connect with nature.

For those not up for the three to five-hour hike of the full loop trail, shorter out-and-back hikes can be tailored to individual preferences. Most of the hike to the river from the trailhead is on an elevated berm with water on both sides. There are several access points along the trail that allow visitors to explore at their own pace and comfort level.

The Black Bear Wilderness Area is open daily from sunrise to sunset, with a small parking area serving as the starting point for most excursions. Visitors should note that there is only a porta-potty at the parking lot and there are no drinking water facilities on-site, underscoring the importance of arriving well-prepared.

Managed by Seminole County’s Natural Lands Program, the wilderness area emphasizes conservation and responsible recreation. Visitors are urged to adhere to Leave No Trace principles, ensuring this slice of wild Florida remains unspoiled for generations to come.

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just seeking a little adventure, the Black Bear Wilderness Area offers a glimpse into Florida’s wild side, far removed from the hustle and bustle of nearby urban centers and theme parks. It’s a place where time slows down, and the natural world takes center stage. The entrance is located at 5298 Michigan Avenue in Sanford.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app. Be sure to follow Mount Dora Buzz's Instagram and Facebook page for more local info.

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Outdoor Life

Donnelly Park’s pickleball improvements to be unveiled in February 3

Update on the Wekiva Rail-to-Trail extension

Gilbert Park renovation is a big hit with young residents

Roadtrippin' to Black Bear Wilderness Area

outdoor life

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