Orlando moves forward with first phase of Lake Eola Master Plan

By Jim Carchidi

April 22, 2026

A multi-phase redesign of Lake Eola Park is moving toward its first milestone. City Council voted to begin negotiations with Wharton-Smith, Inc. for approximately $30 million in upgrades that include moving the swan boat dock, improving water quality, and a new walkway.

How it started

A master plan concept by GAI Consultants shows the vision for the Lake Eola redesign. Images courtesy of GAI Consultants

The plan began in 2021 after a series of resident surveys revealed issues with park entrances, the functionality of some event spaces, and concerns over crosswalk safety. GAI Consultants was enlisted to create conceptual designs for the following suggested enhancements:

• New sidewalks
• Waterfront seating
• Upgraded playgrounds
• A flexible event space and new swan boat dock by the southeast corner
• Additional lawn space at the northeast corner
• New restrooms at the east and west sides
• Enhanced back of house facilities and shaded seating at the amphitheater

Proposed enhancements to the Washington Street entrance to Lake Eola Park.

An element of the DTO Action Plan, previously reported by The Orlando Real, features a Lake Eola Gateway that will replace the City Center building with a park entrance at the corner of Rosalind Avenue and Central Boulevard. The Lake Eola Master Plan concept also suggests a plaza, fountain, and lighting features at the Washington Street entrance.

An initial cost estimate for the entire plan came to $60 million. However, not every suggested improvement will be part of the upcoming negotiations.

What was approved

Concepts show a relocated swan boat dock and a walkway installed behind the amphitheater, which will be part of the first phase of improvements.

The city issued a request for design-build proposals in January 2025 with the project advisory committee awarding Wharton-Smith a top ranking for its bid. City Council at its April 20 meeting voted to approve negotiations with the firm but prior to the vote, Mayor Buddy Dyer noted the effort would focus on the following enhancements:

• A portion of the proposed amphitheater upgrades that includes a walkway at the back of the facility.
• Moving the swan boat dock to the southeast corner of the park.
• Adding drainage swales to redirect and filter stormwater runoff, which may also involve updating portions of the seawall.

City of Orlando Public Information Manager Andrea Otero told The Orlando Real that funding for the first phase of improvements is estimated at $30 million, but construction costs will be finalized during the negotiations.

District 4 Commissioner Patty Sheehan applauded the addition of the swales, noting that stormwater drainage often includes trash that impacts swans and the park’s other wildlife. She also requested security enhancements for the walking path as it will be positioned away from streetlights and surrounding pathways. 

What's next

Negotiations will focus on refining project designs and reaching a final pricing agreement for the first phase of upgrades. Funding will come from the Community Redevelopment Agency and if an agreement is reached, it will be reviewed by the City Attorney’s Office and presented to City Council for a vote. If no agreement is reached, discussions can begin with the second highest ranked company to respond to the request for proposals.

Otero also said the community will be updated as progress continues. "We understand there’s strong community interest in this project," she said. "And while there are no additional public meetings scheduled at this moment, there will be more opportunities for updates as the design phase progresses."

Additional project information and updates will be posted on orlando.gov.

Sponsor: The Orlando Real is sponsored by the Pozek Group — the #1 real estate team in Orlando and the Official Real Estate Team of the Orlando Magic.

About the Author
Jim Carchidi is an Orlando journalist and photographer with previous work at the Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Business Journal. He covers development, arts, culture, and local stories for The Orlando Real.

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