What Lake Eola looked like in the 80s and how it became a popular hangout spot | WESH 2 turns 70
Updated: 12:19 PM EDT May 11, 2026
The fountain and swans of Lake Eola have become iconic symbols for the City of Orlando, but it took major renovations to keep the park as an iconic location in Central Florida.Back in 1989, Michelle Meredith shared the location’s history from its beginning as a piece of farmland to the reimagining as a family-friendly park for the people.The land was originally owned by Jacob Summerlin, one of Orlando’s founding fathers. He donated the land in 1883, and Orlando grew around the lake. In the 20s, horse races and live band performances made the lake a must-visit location. The lake also became well known for its swans at this time. In October 1957, the Orlando Centennial Fountain, or the Linton E. Allen Memorial Fountain, was built. The fountain, designed by Allen and civil engineer Mel Trieste, was first adopted for the city’s flag in 1980.In 2017, the city’s flag was redesigned to only feature the image of the fountain. In the 70s and 80s, Lake Eola was taken over by transients, who made their homes in the bushes, and prostitutes, which made the park an unsavory location for families to spend time.Renovations to the park, including the removal of bushes, light posts, new bathrooms and a permanent park crew, as well as decorative elements and the return of the swans, brought people back. Lake Eola’s simple beginning took it from the iconic location that never was to the defining symbol for Orlando.WESH 2 turns 70 Celebrate 70 years of WESH 2 as we look back through previous coverage and broadcast history.
ORLANDO, Fla. —
The fountain and swans of Lake Eola have become iconic symbols for the City of Orlando, but it took major renovations to keep the park as an iconic location in Central Florida.
Back in 1989, Michelle Meredith shared the location’s history from its beginning as a piece of farmland to the reimagining as a family-friendly park for the people.
The land was originally owned by Jacob Summerlin, one of Orlando’s founding fathers. He donated the land in 1883, and Orlando grew around the lake.
In the 20s, horse races and live band performances made the lake a must-visit location. The lake also became well known for its swans at this time.
In October 1957, the Orlando Centennial Fountain, or the Linton E. Allen Memorial Fountain, was built. The fountain, designed by Allen and civil engineer Mel Trieste, was first adopted for the city’s flag in 1980.
In 2017, the city’s flag was redesigned to only feature the image of the fountain.
In the 70s and 80s, Lake Eola was taken over by transients, who made their homes in the bushes, and prostitutes, which made the park an unsavory location for families to spend time.
Renovations to the park, including the removal of bushes, light posts, new bathrooms and a permanent park crew, as well as decorative elements and the return of the swans, brought people back.
Lake Eola’s simple beginning took it from the iconic location that never was to the defining symbol for Orlando.
WESH 2 turns 70
Celebrate 70 years of WESH 2 as we look back through previous coverage and broadcast history.