Cypress Grove Park is an innovative project designed and constructed in Orange County, Florida, to meet the growing demand for recreation in an increasingly urban Orlando. This special park, located on what once was a thriving orange grove plantation, is as unique in concept as it is in design.

Orange County initially became interested in the estate because of its prime location (just south of downtown Orlando) and purchased the once proud plantation in 1988 for $3.2 million. County Landscape Architects then began the arduous undertaking of transforming the private residence into a functional public facility while preserving its Southern plantation-style theme. Landscape Architects mapped out a conceptual idea for the rejuvenation of the park and worked in concert with the planning/landscape architectural firm of Glatting, Jackson, Kercher, Anglin, Lopez, and Rinehart, to form phase I of the project. The plan called for better than two million dollars worth of landscaping and other site work to be done.

The centerpiece of this 80-acre property is the 1925, 4,000 sq. ft. lakeside estate house. As with many early 20th century homes, the two-story structure had been altered structurally over the years and was found to have no significant historical value. Consequently, renovation rather than restoration was chosen as the means for revitalizing the home.

Several landscape amenities were added to enhance the appearance and function of the estate house. Brick pathways, gazebos, and a brick trellis encircling the back portion of the estate house were built to define space and increase the free flow of patron traffic, as well as beautify the aesthetic nature of the plantation. Details such as lights, signs, and brick-edged sidewalks strengthen the theme in color and style, blending the new with the old.

Traditional Florida plantings were chosen to further enhance the Southern theme. Landscape features in the park include several species of plants reminiscent of the era in which the estate was founded, with a state-of-the-art radio-controlled irrigation system, designed for water conservation, to care for them. Colorful azaleas, fragrant magnolias, and majestic oaks invite patrons to experience the beauty of early 20th century Florida.

Many steps were taken to protect the historic site's natural qualities. A silt fence and a swale were constructed to prevent construction debris and stormwater from polluting Lake Jessamine. A wetlands line survey established a wetline area. Landscape Architects then restructured the shoreline by removing the exotic species so that the newly-planted native species would flourish.

The majority of the park is centered around a wide array of leisure opportunities outside the formal activities of the estate house. Upon completion of phase I in May, the park was home to three grassy multi-use fields, a basketball court, and a children's playground. The focus of phase II is on active recreation and will introduce eight tennis courts, four volleyball courts, one additional playground, two additional basketball courts, and a recreation center. Community feedback will drive the design and content of the recreation center. Phase III, which is the planting of a scaled-down orange grove, will conclude this already successful endeaver to preserve an important piece of Florida's heritage. LASN