The time between proposing and completing city projects can be lengthy with unforseen budget and design revisions protracting the schedule. The City of Winter Park is currently overseeing several ongoing improvements and additions that were approved last year, and earlier.
The most well-known and protracted timeline is the undergrounding of Electric Utility Department powerlines. The effort remains in progress with city representatives citing a lack of available materials and difficulties in the excavation process for prolonging the project, now slated for completion by 2030. The city reports that approximately 78% of the undergrounding effort is complete with work crews averaging 5.7 miles of undergrounding progress per year.
City staff have updated the32789 on a list of ongoing projects that remain priorities and are moving forward despite delays.
West Meadow additions
The plan for new amenities and a storage facility in Central Park West Meadow was debuted last summer and is awaiting construction. Approximately $750,000 from the 2024 CRA budget was earmarked for permanent restrooms, a landscaped plaza, and shaded seating to complement the farmer’s market and seasonal events. Additional restrooms and design revisions inspired by the Amtrak station required approval, but the project seemed to drop off the radar after the changes were requested by City Commission. City of Winter Park Communications Department Director Clarissa Howard told the32789 that a solicitation for project bids should be complete by end of summer. Once a contractor is approved, a construction schedule can be set.
Community Playground
Renovations are necessary to bring the 37-year-old playground at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park up to current safety standards. Resident input helped to guide the inclusion of a splash park, handicapped accessible elements, and the reuse of iconic spires that influenced its “Castle Park” moniker. Commissioners recently approved the construction contract and according to Howard, city staff have begun working with the contractor on a schedule that will begin after hurricane season, and possibly after the holidays. Parks & Recreation Director Jason Seeley previously told the32789 that once construction begins, the time from start to finish would be about four months, barring any weather-related issues.
Unity Corner
The community space by the intersection of Denning Drive and Morse Boulevard was designed with input from Hannibal Square Heritage Center and a committee of residents. The project broke ground in January and will consist of a 9-foot bronze statue of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. set inside a concentric pattern of stone benches and a memory wall featuring quotes from Dr. King and the names of the Black families who resided on the property before being displaced in the 1950’s through eminent domain. The area will offer additional space to host events that include the annual Unity Heritage Festival commemorating Dr. King’s birthday. The original plan was to have the space available for the 2025 Festival, but the schedule largely depends on the placement of the statue, which is currently in progress and expected by the fall. “Staff will work with the artist on how the larger-than-life statue will be transported and installed at the space,” Howard said. “Once we have a better handle on the installation process, we’ll have a firm date of completion.”
Seven Oaks Park
The $4.96 million greenspace by the intersection of Orange Avenue and Denning Drive incurred several delays soon after a renaming effort and groundbreaking event. The proposal to build a new Winter Park Playhouse on a neighboring parking lot did less to pause construction than design changes for additional public restrooms, lighting, and walkways. And the effects of inflation on labor, skilled trades, and construction materials added approximately 11% to the budget, which also required additional approvals. However, construction equipment and teams are onsite with land cleared and progress under way. “Pending weather and any unforeseen circumstances, it is still slated for completion in early 2025,” said Howard. Palmetto Avenue will remain closed between Cypress Avenue and Denning Drive and the adjacent sidewalk along Orange Avenue will remain inaccessible throughout the project.
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