Lake Eola: An Orlando Treasure

It seems like every major city in the United States has a park that defines it - a place where locals and visitors alike can go to unwind and relax. Orlando is no different. In the heart of the downtown area sits a centerpiece lake that often appears in many marketing photos and postcards.

According to the Orlando Parks and Recreation Web site, Lake Eola Park was first created in 1888, when several land donations gave it its start. Today, the park has a huge show fountain, a trail nearly a mile long surrounding the lake, a playground for the kids, and plenty of places to sit and relax.

The lake itself is typical of so many in the Central Florida area. It was formed as the result of a sinkhole that opened up centuries ago. Though it is a relatively small lake, it is as deep as 80 feet in parts north of the main fountain.

It is the spot of choice for many who work and live downtown and want to take a quiet lunch in a peaceful outdoors setting. Plenty of restaurants and food vendors lie just beyond the park's borders. A variety of ducks and swans also call the lake home. Children and their parents or grandparents have often made it a tradition of going down to the lake's edge and feeding the ducks and small fish bread. Quite a fowl crowd can gather for the handouts!

For those wanting a look at the park from the water, the swan paddle boats are also an option. Renting on the west side of the lake for $12 per half hour, the boats have been a popular addition to the park. In addition to the boats, there is the Walt Disney Amphitheatre on one side of the lake and a pagoda on the other side of the lake.

In addition to the everyday outings at the park, it is also a popular spot for weddings and other social gatherings. Certain areas of the park can be rented for just such occasions. The rentals are on an hourly basis and include the time to set up and tear down.

While Orlando has a reputation for being a fast paced, modern city with a number of thrilling attractions, Lake Eola Park hearkens back to the old days - the days before a mouse changed the city forever. I remember fondly back to my younger days, when my grandparents took me down to the lake for a leisurely stroll (with the aforementioned bread for the ducks and fish). Generations have enjoyed this Orlando treasure, and the city's impeccable maintenance of the park will ensure its enjoyment for generations into the future.