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Turkey
Lake Park
3401 South Hiawassee Road
 Since
1978 Turkey Lake Park has been a favorite destination for many Orlando
residents as well as world wide travelers. The 173 acre park is located
on Hiawassee Road next to the Florida Turnpike in Southwest Orlando.
When it was purchased in 1971, the City was criticized for wanting to
develop a park so far from downtown. As a result, the original plans for
1,000 acres was reduced to a few hundred. Part of the area dropped off of
the original plans is now called "Metro West".
 Different from all other
City Parks, Turkey Lake Park has more of a natural resource and
historic base to it. Originally an operating citrus grove, it now has areas of mature
canopy trees, expansive open spaces and a natural waterfront.
Turkey Lake Park has
something for everyone. A swimming pool for those hot summer days. Large
pavilions for huge group picnics as well as smaller pavilions for family
gatherings. The well stocked lake is tempting to all anglers from novice
to experienced. Playgrounds
are there to challenge the most energetic kids as well as one of
the largest "All Children's Playground" in the area. A petting
zoo is on site as a remnant of the farm era of the property. The Ecology
Center has a display area, a boardwalk through a sand pine scrub
habitat, a five
senses garden and an air conditioned meeting room. The Camping Area is a
reasonably priced destination for people from all over the U.S. and the
world who visit Orlando and some of it's area attractions . Another area
has bunk houses and grills for those nature based group retreats or
chaperoned youth groups.
There is a small fee for
entering the park. Plenty of room is available for spontaneous picnic
gatherings on a first come, first serve basis however, you may want to
make reservations for pavilions for parties or large picnics.
If Turkey Lake Park sounds
like a place you'd like to visit, the Park Manager can be
reached at:
(407) 299-5581 or (407) 299-5594.
Improvements at Turkey Lake
Park are included in the Mayor's Park
Initiative program.
Park Elements
- Wildlife/Nature Trails
- Accessible Walks
- Three Playgrounds (one "All
Children's")
- Drinking Fountains
- Jogging Trails
- 20 Pavilions (small and large)
- Open Space
- Benches
- 125 Picnic Tables
- Ecology Center
- Petting Farm
- Fishing Pier
- Parking thruoughout the Park
- 18 hole Disk Golf Course
- Camping (full hook-ups available)
- Bunk Cabins
- Primitive Camping
- Hours: Nov. - Mar.( 9:30 a.m. until
5:00p.m.)
Apr. Oct. ( 9:30 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.)
- Hours: Fishing, biking and jogging
only (7:30 a.m. daily)
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