Waterleigh residents chime in on park amenities

Orange County’s Parks and Recreation Department held the first of two community meetings to allow residents in the Waterleigh neighborhood to give input on what amenities they want to see in their new community park.

The community on Atwater Bay Drive in Horizon West’s Village H is getting a five-acre park near land designated for a future elementary school west of the intersection of Atwater Bay and Lost Creek Drive. A landscape architect with Orange County presented the possibilities based on the topography and size of the land.

The meeting, held in the Waterleigh Clubhouse Sept. 21, was well attended, and residents offered a variety of ideas, including a community garden, sensory playground and a viewing spot for Walt Disney World fireworks.

A PowerPoint presentation showed potential park amenities, including a playground, picnic pavilion, paved walking paths, a large multipurpose field, fitness area, dog park, mini skate park, sand volleyball, and tennis and half-court basketball courts.

Orange County District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson said she is going to coordinate with Orange County Public Schools to hold a separate community meeting after residents shared concerns about the park’s proximity to the future elementary school and the increased traffic and parking needs.

An amenities survey will remain open until Oct. 10. Residents can access the survey at surveymonkey.com/r/WaterleighPark.

The second public meeting will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30, at Waterleigh Clubhouse, 16150 Pebble Bluff Loop, Winter Garden.

A master plan should be created in 2023, with the design phase continuing in 2024. Construction is expected to start in late 2024 and last about 15 months. The park is projected to open in early 2026.