Episode 006 – Air Date July 8, 2021
Title: Exploring Orange County’s Parks and Recreation
In this episode of Emily Tells All, during National Parks and Recreation Month, Emily heads outdoors to check out the many exciting parks and recreation activities available year-round in Orange County.
Orlando Magic Recreation Center at Goldenrod Park
The Latest on the New Park in East Orange County
Exploring What Orange County’s Parks and Recreation Has to Offer
Orange County’s public parks and recreation facilities give everyone an opportunity to get outdoors, be active, and enjoy recreational activities year-round. Thanks to their continual upkeep and development, hundreds of locals and visitors have one more fun adventure to add to their weekend agenda.
We took a trip to a few of Orange County’s parks and rec facilities with the manager of the Orange County Parks and Recreation Division, Matt Suedmeyer. Take a journey with us as we explore the Orlando Magic Recreation Center at Goldenrod Park, Bithlo Community Center, and a new park being developed in East Orange County.
A New Addition Along the Little Econ River
“This property is 30 acres,” says Matt Suedmeyer, in reference to the new park being developed in East Orange County. It was a joint purchase in 2020 between the county and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. This new acquisition brings the county park total to 109.
Unlike other recreation-based parks in the area, this one will have no playgrounds or the like. It is a fully environmental, natural park in Orange County. The point of developing this property is to preserve its natural state and ecosystem. A beautiful river runs right through it- waiting for all to enjoy.
Visiting Bithlo Community Park
Bithlo Community Park is just one of 13 community centers (recreation centers) throughout Orange County. Each one puts a focus on youth to offer them after school or summer enjoyment, such as summer camp, sports, and family events. Adult sports and wellness programs – as well as senior programs – are also a focus, to provide something for everyone.
There are also rental rooms available for a per-hour nominal fee if you’d like to host your own program. Anyone can hop in a program or create their own, and some programs even have financial assistance if your budget is tight.
Bithlo is teeming with recreational opportunities for all ages. “We have a beautiful playground, pavilions, a skateboard facility, a splash pad,” Matt goes on. And the best part is that you can enjoy the majority of what this community center provides for free.
Orlando Magic Recreation Center at Goldenrod Park
Five Magic rec centers were built in Orange County in 2010 and have been thriving ever since.
“We have the one here at Goldenrod Recreation Center. We have one in Meadow Woods in South Orange County at the Meadow Woods Park. We have one at South Econ Park, and Silver Star Community Park in the Pine Hills, West Orlando area. And then out in East Winter Garden, we have the West Orange rec center. And then we have a sixth gymnasium at Barnett Park,” explains Matt.
Both adults and their children can enjoy a wide variety of amenities at the Goldenrod rec center. The largest Orlando Magic, Junior Magic basketball program is actually running at this location.
Among other activities are summer camp programs, adult badminton and pickleball, weight training via the fitness center, and a game room.
Overall, Orange Country has a very diverse park system. Locals and visitors can walk over 46 miles of paved multi-age pedestrian trails. Or if boating is your preferred outing, you can glide onto the water at any of the 11 boat ramps throughout the county. Whether you’re in the mood for a game of soccer, camping, or exploring wildlife, get out there and experience all that Orange County has to offer.
