ORLANDO, Fla. – One of Orlando’s busiest highways will soon double as a vibrant oasis for residents to gather.
In late February, the city of Orlando released a first look at The Canopy, a project to develop the vacant space under Interstate 4. West Church Street to West Washington Avenue is set to be transformed into a colorful hub inspired by Orlando’s green scenery where people can gather while fostering a feeling of safety in the city.
Across the 10 acres, residents can explore The Canopy’s video screens, greenery, art and pathways.
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While the city of Orlando said construction isn’t set to begin until 2025 and is predicted to take several years to complete, the ambitious project is already drumming up attention.
As you wait in anticipation of The Canopy’s opening day, take a look at these three similar underpass parks to make the time pass a little easier.
The Underline, Miami
SW 1st Avenue, Miami, FL 33130
Stretching from the Miami River to SW 13th Street, tucked beneath Miami’s Metrorail, is a space where people can bike, exercise, hang out, and explore nature. The Underline is set to open in three phases with the half-mile-long phase one already accessible to the public. Pedestrians can stop by to enjoy biking, walking, gaming and eating. As an added bonus, the park is dog-friendly for anyone looking to bring along a furry friend. As the project comes together, it will cover 10 miles of the Metro’s underpass with a running track, exercise equipment, a sound stage, a butterfly garden, and a flex basketball and soccer court. Phases will continue to pop up as they are completed through 2026. The urban park is conveniently placed in the heart of the city between multiple Publix Super Markets, restaurants and hotels.
Sabine Promenade, Houston
Sabine Street, Houston, TX 77007
While this park is a ways away from Central Florida, it is a scenic trail draped in lush greenery located across a half-mile stretch under Houston’s Interstate 45. Leaning into expanding the nature surrounding the area, this urban park has been open since 2006 for the community to explore. Whether you want to explore the land’s biking and walking trails or try out your canoeing or kayaking skills on the Buffalo Bayou River, Sabine Promenade has turned what The Cultural Landscape Foundation’s website called a formerly “desolate and neglected area” into a center for outdoor activities. According to the site, the park is home to 300,000 native riparian plants.
The Underground at Ink Block, Boston
90 Traveler St., Boston, MA 02118
What do you get when you mix a major highway with art, sports, entertainment and infrastructure? The Underground at Ink Block, Boston’s urban playground beneath Interstate 93 across from Bass River. Get lost in the mesmerizing murals that cover the underpass walls and sidewalks or feast on food trucks parked along the road. The colorful park lives up to its Ink Block name with endless art to explore. Pedestrians can also try out the park’s free pickleball court, picnic tables and pet-friendly spaces.
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