A wooden bridge on Cady Way Trail has officially reopened as of Saturday, October 17 after being closed due to fire damage. The trail, a spot frequented by locals engaging in outdoor fitness and leisure activities, spans 7.2 miles linking Orlando and Winter Park. Activities such as walking, jogging, inline skating, and biking are permitted on the trail, which is also wheelchair accessible.
The recently repaired wooden bridge is located between Forsyth Road and Palmetto Avenue. Orange County Parks and Recreation department has shared photos via social media to document the reconstruction process. The rebuild totaled $159,407. The new portion of the bridge was designed and constructed to match existing construction and materials. Elements replaced included a concrete slab connecting the trail and bridge, approximately 40 feet of the wooden deck, timber hardware and more.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, Orange County parks and trails have seen a notable increase in traffic. In July, 12,500 more people visited Cady Way Trail compared to July of 2019. Faced with limited options for indoor activities, citizens cite ease of access, dog walking, exercise, and simply getting out of the house as reasons for enjoying trails in the community more often. With several parks and trails across Orange County, there are plenty of options for safe, scenic outdoor activities close to home in Winter Park and beyond.