ORLANDO, Fla. — It’s a popular place to enjoy nature, listen to music and just relax near the heart of Orlando, and now city leaders are considering plans to transform Leu Gardens into a more distinct destination.  

Before the plans are set, though, they are holding a community meeting Monday night at 6 p.m. at Leu Gardens to allow residents to ask questions and give their input on the proposed project.

What You Need To Know

Orlando city leaders are looking at plans to add a performance space and restaurant on the banks of Lake Rowena at Leu Gardens
Leu Gardens executive director Jennifer D’hollander said planning is still in the early stages, and the Orlando City Council would control the project’s budget
She said the funding might include a mix of city dollars and philanthropy

A public forum is planned for 6 p.m. Monday night at Leu Gardens to give residents a chance to ask questions and give input on the project

The butterfly garden at Leu Gardens is a popular spot, and during a recent trip, children on a field trip were buzzing about all the bees and monarchs alighting on the flowers there.

The rose garden is another colorful stop, and Oviedo resident Jeremy Lawrence, who was chaperoning the group for his daughter as the students took part in a scavenger hunt, said it was a great place for kids to spend some time outdoors.

“It’s great,” he said. “Flowers are in bloom. The kids are running around having a good time, and there’s a lot for them to do and see,” he said.

Leu Gardens executive director Jennifer D’hollander said almost 300,000 people visited last year. She said the city’s new master plan for Leu Gardens will hopefully help attract even more.

The idea, she said, is to preserve the natural landscape and connect people with more activities near the lake.

Renderings of the project show a lakeside amphitheater for concerts and shows, and a new restaurant overlooking the water.

We’re just a few days away from our Community Meeting on Oct. 27, where we will share more about the Harry P. Leu Gardens Master Plan. We’re excited to connect with our community to learn your ideas as the Gardens continue to grow.
RSVP: https://t.co/cAHZBdJIAV pic.twitter.com/j9KwGPrbM4

— Harry P. Leu Gardens (@LeuGardens) October 23, 2025

“We would love to have more food and beverage and retail opportunities for people,” D’hollander said.

She said creating a family friendly atmosphere is another top priority.

“We want more opportunities for kids to roll, climb, you know play with water,” D’hollander said.

The master plan also calls for a new children’s garden with tree house, a new welcome center and 300 additional parking spaces — which would increase the current 200 spaces to 500.

“That will pretty much ease congestion in the neighborhoods and getting in and out of the gardens,” D’hollander said.

But some residents who live close to Leu Gardens are concerned that the changes would bring more noise from concerts and events at the amphitheater, and more traffic in their neighborhoods, which they say could make the area more dangerous for children.

D’hollander said they are still in the early planning stages and improvements will be built in phases. She added that funding might include a mix of city dollars and philanthropy, and the Orlando City Council would control the project’s budget.

“That process will include a procurement process to kind of get all the materials and construction companies we need to construct the project,” she said.

D’hollander encouraged Orlando residents to get involved by attending Monday night’s meeting. 

“It’s where you’ll have a chance to see the preliminary plans, the conceptual designs, talk to our planners, and give your input,” she said. “It’s critically important that we get the voice of our community.”