With a population of 262,507 people and 10,564 square feet of green spaces in Orlando, Orlando is the 28th city in the USA with the highest rate of green space per capita. Moreover, with the 2018 Green Works Orlando initiative, the city is striving to become one of the best places to live a better, greener life more connected to nature.
The World Health Organization recommends urban green spaces in the shape of parks, playgrounds, and even residential greenery to promote mental and physical health in all communities. Orlando offers locals and visitors over 100 parks in the Metro Orlando area. These public green spaces in Orlando can be visited to alleviate stress, do physical activity and strengthen the bond with your loved ones. So how does one make the most out of these public green spaces in Orlando? Furthermore, what are the best green attractions in the city and what are the benefits they offer? Read on to learn how to enjoy Orlando’s public green spaces.
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Parks You Need To Visit
With so many green attractions at hand, it is hard to decide where to start. Well, these are just two of the long list of parks offered by the city of Orlando. Getting started with them might take you on a fun and healthy green-space enjoyment spree. To begin with, those who love mixing the outdoors with cultural activities will love the Orlando Loch Heaven Park. It covers 45 acres, holds three lakes, The Mayor (a tree that is older than the US Constitution), several art museums, and even two theaters. It can be the perfect plan for a sunny afternoon ending with a night show.
Meanwhile, for those looking for a smaller park that offers aquatic recreation, Lake Underhill Park packs 9 acres of green fun. You can go fishing, bird-watching, or take advantage of the trail with fitness stations. Finally, you can use the hiking trail and connect it with Orlando Skate Park, Park of the Americas, and Festival Park among others.
Get Kids Interested In The Great Outdoors
For kids aged 8 to 14, Orange County offers a program under the name Jr. Naturalist. The aim is to teach kids about the outdoors through exploration, wildlife interaction, and environmental activities. These classes are held within the Orange County conservation properties so the youngest can learn about the local wildlife and commit to its protection in the coming years. Spaces are limited and vary from class to class. You can contact the Environmental Protection Division in Orlando to know more about their schedule. Fostering care and love for the outdoors and green spaces in the youngest is a core part of Orlando’s green policy.
Businesses Are Benefiting From Green Open Spaces Too
Although the city of Orlando directs all its green-space enjoyment efforts toward locals, some businesses are echoing the trend and setting up in those spaces. Moreover, they are not only utterly respectful of Orlando lawn maintenance and grounds care regulations but make a strong effort to keep everything neat and clean as well. For example, Orlando’s Farmers Market, located at Lake Eola Park and opening every Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm is one of the best initiatives to make the most of one of Orlando’s biggest open spaces. Indeed, you can shop for indoor and outdoor plants sourced within the city. Also, the seasonal fresh vegetables and fruits grown locally are a perfect way to eat healthily and support the community at the same time.
Speaking of food, the growing food truck scene also benefits from this trend. In 2021, the food truck industry made $4.1 billion and is expected to grow and make $6.63 billion a year in 2028. Orlando’s growing green spaces match this trend and make every night a perfect occasion to try new food under the stars feeling the soft breeze. If you’d like to sample good food at reasonable prices, check out the Celebration Food Truck Friday happening on the second Friday of each month between 5 and 9 pm. This foodie celebration takes place in Lakeside Park, so you have a picnic by the lake and enjoy your favorite food. But that’s not all; you can check the park’s calendar on their website and enjoy upcoming events like the farmer’s market, movie nights, bingo, and even marathons.
Green spaces in Orlando are not only good for mental and physical health, but they are also the perfect place to bond and clear the mind. Taking advantage of the many areas Orlando has to offer for its people can be the first step towards living a better, healthier, happier life. Follow the advice above and enjoy living in one of the greenest cities in the USA.
