APOPKA, Fla. — A new park is coming to northwest Orange County after commissioners approved the multi-million dollar land purchase this week.
What You Need To Know
Orange County commissioners purchased a 26-acre property in the northwest part of the county
The total cost was $2.1 million, which was paid for with parks impact fees
The park will include sports facilities, a playground, and swimming pool
The park is another piece of new development heading to Apopka in upcoming years
The 26.1 acre property — located off Orange Blossom Trail and Sadler Road — was purchased for $2.1 million.
The park would include sports fields, a playground, and a swimming pool.
District 2 commissioner Christine Moore says the property was paid for with parks impact fees, which developers of new construction pay to fund parks needed to serve an area’s growth.
“It’s exciting that Orange County government expects growth and purchases land at a reasonable amount in anticipation of meeting the needs of our families,” said Moore.
Moore says the parks and recreation team has to follow formulas to ensure there are enough parks when the population grows.
“It was showing that we needed additional park space up in the northwest part of the county,” explained Moore. “And with the City of Apopka’s growth and Wyld Oaks, it will just be a benefit to all those new residents.”
According to a study on impact fees published last month, Apopka’s population increased by nearly 22,000 people since 2010.
The growth has some residents torn, such as Hicarfens Baptiste.
“Maybe it is a good thing for people who just want to get out there and play some sports and get active,” he said. “But Florida’s kind of getting overdeveloped a little bit with all these new constructions.”
Moore estimates the park won’t be finished for another ten years.