Construction to begin on new Wooton Park playground

ABOVE: Schematic rendering of new Wooton Park playground design. (scroll down for alternate angle schematic)

It’s been over two years since the City of Tavares sought proposals for the redesign of Wooton Wonderland playground located inside Wooton Park.  Today the wooden playground closed  so construction of the new play area could begin.   The redesigned playground is expected to be completed in early 2023.   The other parts of Wooton Park, including its Splash Pad, will remain open. However, the popular children’s water feature will be refurbished as part of this project.  Those dates will be announced at a later date.  

Wooton Wonderland, a creative and rustic playground, has been an important part of downtown Tavares for decades.  Completed in 1992, the original Wooton Wonderland was a community effort spearheaded by the Tavares Junior Woman’s Club, the Kiwanis Club and community donations.  Over the years, it became one of the favorite playgrounds in the area.

On May 19, 2021, Tavares City Council approved the new schematic design of the playground and authorized the project. The City’s public works department engaged engineering and architectural firms to meet modern-day playground standards, including ADA accessibility and inclusiveness. On June 22, 2022, the construction bid process was concluded and the project was awarded to Marbek construction.

To complement the existing seaplane theme in Wooton Park, the new playground will feature a net airplane for climbing, as well as a control tower play structure with a slide and other elements (see renderings below).  The majestic live oak trees will remain and provide shade to the area. 

Wooton Park is located at the downtown Tavares waterfront at 100 E. Ruby Street in Tavares.

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ABOVE: Alternate angle schematic rendering of new Wooton Park playground design.

ABOVE: The new 'net airplane' and control tower play equipment for Wooton Park