ORLANDO, Fla. – Lake Eola Park, a beloved centerpiece of downtown Orlando, is about to gain a new attraction thanks to the Orlando Land Trust (OLT).
In a gesture of gratitude to the community, OLT has announced plans to donate a butterfly garden as part of its commitment to preserving green spaces in the city.
The initiative comes on the heels of OLT’s successful “Grandmother’s Legacy of Love” campaign, which raised $125,000 last year to prevent development on a small parcel of land at Lake Eola. The trust, founded by Lynn Long, Eugenia Sefcik, and Ted Haddock, spearheaded the campaign to protect Orlando’s green spaces for future generations.
“This was the center of Orlando, this is like the oasis of Orlando, we have very little green space,” Long said. “The fountain is like the emblem of the city of Orlando.”
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The Orlando City Council will discuss funding for the campaign in a meeting on Monday, reviewing the possibility of spending $530,000 for the campaign efforts toward renovating Sperry Fountain and the construction of the butterfly garden.
A campaign to save green space
The “Grandmother’s Legacy of Love” campaign was part of a larger effort that raised a total of $3.25 million to secure the land and preserve its natural beauty. A key contribution of $1.625 million came from the city of Orlando’s Community Redevelopment Agency, which played a crucial role in helping OLT reach its goal.
A lasting gift for Orlando
The butterfly garden will provide a tranquil space for visitors while serving as a haven for pollinators. The sculpture, funded by the campaign, will symbolize the community’s dedication to conservation and the legacy of those who fought to protect Lake Eola.
Continuing the mission
The Orlando Land Trust plans to host a celebration to unveil the garden and sculpture in the coming months, inviting the community to experience the fruits of their collective effort. Their goal is begin construction in January.
As downtown Orlando continues to grow, the efforts of organizations like OLT ensure that green spaces such as Lake Eola remain a vibrant part of the city’s future.
For more information about the Orlando Land Trust and its preservation efforts, visit OrlandoLandTrust.org.
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