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' It': f'/. 7 fr. • A' .11:=Ii . s. ... ; r.d, ,• • iima 11;:a • 11;11 =I IIIIII 1•11 MINI MI MN 1111111 gall C:11 1=11 =11 • . l I • .y _�. ' Lake Apopka Basin Master Plan • �' ,h �i}h :. Greenways • Trails • Recreation • Ecotourism A Acknowledgements I ` Land Design Innovations and FOLA extend their gratitude to the following agencies for their Iinvolvement and cooperation during the preparation of this master plan: I The East Central Florida Regional Planning Council (ECFRPC) St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) Orange County Planning Department IOrange County Parks Department Lake County Department of Public Works ICity of Apopka Community Development Department - City of Ocoee Planning Department I City of Winter Garden Planning Department City of Winter Garden Recreation Department Town of Oakland Planning Department UTown of Montverde Planner City of Clermont Planning Department ICity of Clermont Recreation Department Orange Audubon Society Trail Friends, Inc. Green Mountain Scenic Byway (Montverde Scenic Highway) Committee GI Florida Office of Greenways and Trails Select maps featured in this document were prepared using information developed by the LECFRPC for the Lake Apopka Basin Planning Initiative, 2000. � Y._1.s A h .-:5= .-.'CL1�^_tcz..c.,. t. ..c-=7:_.�Zit•_+....s,•t:.-.►=- - s.. ---1.`.._ _.-.._.1ST 7.�Y+ 11=1.._. 's:11P-O:�i,-•t._-,►=zT'.w'�.�.'SliJU1FAY:Y S.6:a~!..JtiN3.�u.'i Land Design Innovations, Inc. Page i L 1 ____ r (.-, _ , ..„,„„,,.,c......„..... „. _ . _.. . _ _ _, . Lake Apopka Basin Master Plan �r , � ,.. Greenways • Trails • Recreation • Ecotourism ,. ,. ,. Table of Contents List of Maps fIntroduction 1 Map 1: Lake Apopka and Surrounding Municipalities 3 A. FOLA • 1 Map 2: Lake Apopka Trailheads and Ecotourism Sites 4 B. Lake Apopka ` . 1 Map 3: Trailhead 1 - Magnolia Park 6 IC. St. Johns River Water Management District 1 Map 4: Trailhead 2 - Ocoee Property/Mitigation Area 8 D. East Central Florida Regional Planning Council 2 Map 5: Trailhead 3 - Winter Garden Recreation Complex and Lulu Creek 11 E. The Statewide Greenways and Trails Plan 2 Map 6: Trailhead 4- Oakland Nature Preserve 13 The Lake Apopka Master Plan 3 Map 7: Trailhead 5-Town of Montverde 15 r A. Eco-tourism Opportunities and Trailheads 4 Map 8: Trailhead 6 - Lake County Lakefront Preserve 17 Trailhead 1 -Magnolia Park (Apopka) 5 Map 9: Trailhead 7 Clay Island Park 19 Trailhead 2- Ocoee Property/Mitigation Area 7 Map 10: Trailhead 8 - Shorebird Management Area/Nature Center 21 Trailhead 3-Winter Garden Recreation Complex 10 Map 11: Trailhead 9 - Lake Minneola Urban Waterfront Park 24 Trailhead 4 Oakland Nature Preserve 12 Map 12: Greenways and Trails Master Plan 25 Trailhead 5- Montverde 14 Map 13: Segment A Magnolia to Ocoee 26 Trailhead 6- Lake County Lakefront Preserve 16 Map 14: Segment B - Ocoee to Winter Garden 27 Trailhead 7 Clay Island Park (Lake County) 18 Map 15: Segment C - Winter Garden to Oakland 28 Trailhead 8 Shorebird Management Area/Nature Center 20 Map 16: Segment D Oakland to Montverde 29 Trailhead 9- Lake Minneola Urban Waterfront Park 22 Map 17: Segment E Oakland to Lake County Preserve 30 B. Greenways and Trails 25 Map 18: Segment F- Lake County Lakefront Preserve to Clay Island Park 31 Segment A Magnolia Park to Ocoee Property 26 Map 19: Segment G - Clay Island Park to Shorebird Management Area 32 Segment B Ocoee to Winter Garden 27 Map 20: Segment H - Shorebird Management Area to Magnolia Park 33 Segment C - Winter Garden to Oakland Nature Preserve 28 Map 21: Segment I Lake Apopka Loop to Clermont 34 Segment 0- Oakland Nature Preserve to Montverde 29 L Segment E-Montverde to Lake County Lakefront Preserve 30 Segment F- Lake County Lakefront Preserve to Clay Island Park 31 List of Figures Segment G - Clay Island Park to Shorebird Management Area 32 Segment H - Shorebird Management Area to Magnolia Park 33 Figure 1: Magnolia Park Site Plan 6 IL Segment I Lake Apopka Loop to Clermont 34 Figure 2: Ocoee Property Feasibility Study 9 Implementation 35 Figure 3: Aerial Photograph of Winter Garden Recreation Complex 11 A. Design 35 Figure 4: Winter Garden Recreation Complex, Wastewater Treatment Plant and Lulu Creek Photographs12 B. Acquisition 35 Figure 5: Oakland Nature Preserve Master Plan 13 C. Ownership &Maintenance 35 Figure 6: Montverde Pictures 15 1, D. Grants&Funding 36 Figure 7: Nature Preserve Pictures 17 Promotion 38 Figure 8: Clay Island Pictures 19 L. A. Designation 38 Figure 9: Shorebird Management Area/Nature Center Photographs 22 B. Brochures 38 Figure 10: Lake Minneola Urban Waterfront Park Pictures 24 C. Other Points of Interest 38 Figure 11: Grant Sources 37 Figure 12: Inventory of Trailhead Properties 39 L .�' 1r.=•c..e S.F. .wr.:103er�.�Cl�..^: Ie dF1..4C::SiZtJr:O: .i.:�F�`�:+kz"s=��:b is-.jam -Z�.- - sY.r.:'_..��:'a.~.-t_- - :j:�T2,1,..'lJ1ax" tYMrAV-..J.►M��'\J6i.crg-41Lia ."'",......., L Page ii Land Design Innovations,Inc. I r 76 - f� Lake Apopka Basin Master Plan i .. -r� Greenways • Trails • Recreation • Ecotourism F Map Legend I I .Q Proposed Trailhead Future Scenic Highway (455 and 50) ® Outposts/StationslTrailheads Major Roads 1 A Existing Access Point Local Roads Railroad �,, Proposed Access Point Parcels ❑ Boat Ramps i- CO Park l 0 Existing View Sheds Public Ic Proposed View Sheds Mitigation Area 0 Proposed Trail Tunnel Municipalities L N Existing Trail Water ''`\,' Proposed Trail I_ NOTE: This map legend applies to all maps found throughout the Master Plan,unless noted otherwise. See page ii for a list of maps. 1 L L . --Im^i1C.^: tJl�h'.re.-:s.".=-.+..�zr.iT +.,rc A�`�".i�'5,-.5 rb_• .'�.-. tiT=Y:•is-.O• -s.. -Tt'�- •- 05�=s: $:+iC-"�_-nT`�l....fr.,AL...." -?.."' IfiKvele .. i4K-NRA- rir L7. 4 LLand Design Innovations, Inc. Page iii I r ` 1 -äke Apopka Basin Master Plan __��� _ {• Greenways • Trails • Recreation • Ecotourism r , --� .. a... _ �.. a INTRODUCTION • A. FOLA In October 2000, FOLA and Orange County Lake Eustis, then to Lake Griffin and fi- laden with phosphorus; treated wastewa- I hired a consultant to prepare Development natty northward into the Ocklawaha River, ter discharges from shoreline communi- Design Guidelines to minimize the impacts which flows into the St. Johns River. There ties; and discharges from citrus processing of point and non-point pollution run-off, are two counties, Orange and Lake, and plants. In addition, the bass population F The Friends of Lake Apopka (FOLA) was formed in 1991 as a citizen advocacy group provide public access, improve property six municipalities within the Lake Apopka significantly declined as gizzard shad be values, protect lake shorelines within the basin, including Apopka, Ocoee, Winter came the predominant fish species in the dedicated to the continued restoration of Basin and protect the environment. The Garden, Oakland and Montverde (see Map lake. As a result, Lake Apopka lost its I Lake Apopka. The group is made up of guidelines were designed to apply to the 1). teachers, lawyers, farmers, students, entire Basin. Lake County also recently housewives, bankers and small business Lake Apopka was once the 2nd largest lake C. St. Johns River Water people supported by the West Orange adopted those guidelines. in the State of Florida and is now the 4th Chamber of Commerce and many local pri- In 2001, FOLA commissioned Land Design largest. There were 29 fish camps located Management District vate and public entities throughout Cen- Innovations to prepare this conceptual along the west shoreline. Through the tral Florida. masterplan for greenways, trails, recrea- thirties and earlyforties, it was known g Y In 1985, the Florida legislature directed I In 1999, the Friends of Lake Apopka tion and ecotourism opportunities in the worldwide for sport fishing. Anglers tray- the St. John's River Water Management launched the Lake Apopka Basin Planning Lake Apopka Basin. eled from throughout the United States to District (SJRWMD) to restore Lake Apopka Initiative to promote regional cooperation. fish for trophy-sized bass in Lake Apopka. to a Class III water body, fit for wildlife In February 2000, the Lake Apopka Basin In 1941, the Zellwood Drainage and Water and recreation. In 1996, the legislature di- Steering Committee was created to for- B. Lake Apopka Control District constructed a levee along rected that the "muck" farms along the malize the initiative's work and to work on the north side of the lake and ultimately lake's northern shore be purchased and re- ! regional scale initiatives. Each of the ba- sin's jurisdictions appointed elected offi drained approximately 18,000 to 20,000 stored. The Legislature and USDA Wetlands cials to serve on the committee. Lake Apopka, located in northwest Orange acres for agricultural purposes, reducing Reserve Program have provided the $103 County and southeast Lake County, is the the lake to its current size. million in funding for the acquisitions that I The Steering Committee's work has fo- cusedfourth largest lake in the State of Florida. were completed in August 1998. With the on examining those natural re- g In the 1950s, the popularity of Lake 14,000 acres of former muck farms now sources and features in the basin that are Lake Apopka is the headwaters of the Har- Apopka as a recreational destination was out of production, the application of pesti ris Chain of Lakes and the Ocklawaha impacted by declining water quality. Sev- cides and fertilizers has stopped. at those 1 important to sustaining the lake's ecologi- calRiver. Fed by a natural spring, rainfall and eral factors contributed to this concern, integrity. The committee also has ex- stormwater runoff, the water from Lake sites. Ending the runoff of fertlizers was including: the loss of 20,000 acres of wet- necessary to clean up Lake Apopka and the amined opportunities to capitalize on the Apopka flows through the Apopka- lands along the lake's north shore to farm- I social and economic benefits of these re Beauclair Canal and into lakes Beauclair associated impacts to the downstream sources. ing operations; agricultural discharges Harris Chain of Lakes. and Dora. From Lake Dora, water flows to :-►3'eY--r=_- S,- ..+�. ++':,:-_-,-.�tirr _rc-�1 r. �-:-.w:U-.-�-,-s---,.=-.7...--�-_�.>.: •- ,r..:d • 47'�-• - Y�~.r':' .1 --s-.. . .-- :-s"--WM- ' . .. G. _.. _�.':N.--- - —.-r.- - ...�-SS.".- -':a.-.�= ww1L.a.;,fi LLand Design Innovations, Inc. Page 1 ` i:7 Lake Apopka Basin Master Plan r F 4 : : Greenways • Trails • Recreation • Ecotourism —...t..... ,...„,-- According to the SJRWMD, Lake Apopka is • Viewsheds eas and open spaces, connect native land- ] showing signs of rebounding. Since 1995, a stapes and ecosystems and offer recrea- tional percent decline in phosphorus in the • Public Access tional opportunities across the State. lake water and a 31 percent increase in • Natural Setting This system will connect residents and visi- t water clarity have been observed. Also, The report identified needs, opportunities, tors to the State's natural heritage, en I since 1995, scientists have seen spontane and areas where the basin jurisdictions hance their sense of place, and enrich ous growth of beneficial native vegetation should direct their collective energy and their quality of life. on the lake bottom that has been nearly resources. absent from the lake in recent decades. This master plan is intended to identify More dramatic improvements are antici- Given the involvement of the ECFRPC on opportunities for connecting the Lake pated at Lake Apopka in the coming years. past Lake Apopka studies, Council staff has Apopka loop to the statewide system of been instrumental in providing most of the greenways and trails. inventory and some of the ideas used in The suggested trail locations in the Lake D. East Central Florida the preparation of this master plan. Apopka Basin Master Plan are very concep 1 Regional PlanningCouncil tual. The next phase of the project will g E. The Statewide Greenways involve more site-specific trail location and Trails Plan planning. A considerable effort will be The East Central Florida Regional Planning needed to coordinate between the many Council (ECFRPC) has provided technical jurisdictions, private property owners and and administrative support to the Lake Connecting Florida's Communities with groups involved in the effort. I Apopka Basin Steering Committee. In No- Greenways and Trails: The Five-Year Im- vember 2000, the ECFRPC prepared a re- plementation Plan for the Florida Green- port entitled "Lake Apopka, A Basin-Wide ways and Trails System (the Plan) was de- I Planning Initiative". In that report, the veloped by the State of Florida, through ECFRPC identified five areas that were the work and consensus of a broad range considered strategically important to the of groups. The Florida Department of En- t basin in that each was a key piece for vironmental Protection, Office of Green- achieving an ecologically and economically ways and Trails, is in charge of overseeing sustainable future. The areas examined implementation of the Plan, which was I included:• adopted by the Legislature in 1999. The Shoreline Protection Plan promotes a system that will help en- sure a more sustainable future for Florida. II � • Greenways and Trails The plan was designed to link natural ar- II '—►Y..'_^.::...t ,.. .�-:,-,.„---�Y�`_+_..i.Jl�- . .rt^:�-"L V --i._� - -_•i.=—..:.-w.'=1 k,...,_r .I:JrJ- -..I71isr:_::irrz e.='1:�P`b':.i.C='s:_�L?tO.......i+i4F:.1�. - wiM:mot-\_L:r�+'L4K:ak -- wOMS-i;r. LLand Design Innovations,Inc. Page 2 1 r{ t: : , .r Ø :Lake Apopka Basin Master Plan r �,,�_� , y.. ��; Greenways • Trails • Recreation • Ecotourism THE LAKE APOPKA MASTER PLAN • Map 1 : Lake Apopka and Surrounding Municipalities The purpose of this plan is to create a frame- Audubon Society Programs. F work for implementing a system of bikeways, trails, greenways, recreation and ecotourism • Historical Resources - Montverde Academy, opportunities around Lake Apopka. The trail Winter Garden Historical Museum, ar system, in conjunction with key recreation and chaeological artifacts, pump house, farm- • ecotourism sites, will attract people to the ers lodge. lake, raise their awareness of Lake Apopka as • Lodging - Rustic bed Et breakfast inns and an important natural resource, and educate spas. '.,_, the public on the importance of preserving Florida's natural resources. Proposed trail seg- The proposed Lake Apopka loop will run along Ap pka ments, trailheads and ecotourism sites are portions of the West Orange Trail (19 miles), identified on Map 12, page 25. and will eventually connect to the South Lake/ E . Lake Minneola Scenic Trail (21 miles when In the future, it is anticipated that people complete), and the Gen. James A. Van Fleet - from all over Central Florida and other parts of Trail (29 miles), increasing the accessibility to j the State will be attracted to the following the Lake Apopka area and furthering the pur- 1 5-' types of recreational facilities and activities pose of the Statewide Greenways and Trails t LAKE APOPKA around Lake Apopka: Plan. E� • Activity-Based Recreation Facilities - Fa- cilities designed for specific recreational F purposes, such as human-made pools for Ocoee I swimming, courts (tennis, basketball, etc.) L _... L\ { and fields (football, soccer, etc.). • Resource-Based Recreation Facilities- Fa- Clermont <, Oakland Winter den cilities dependent on natural resources L . ) i such as primitive camping, hiking, walking, bicycling, horseback riding, canoeing, etc. t • Lake Access - Viewing, fishing and boating. 14, tZ. • Environmental Education/Interpretation - Bird watching, butterfly gardens, Xeriscape gardens, nature/interactive tours, field Ly _Basin boundary trips, day camps; Oakland Nature Preserve, .--.— -::-tf-!. ..►. .rc:t`:.C�:�.ao7T..ti..� �tiA.. YS'..:'.��1Y". =-t:-ter=-►t"-�=s...W...... e�.'.�... 07 ""1: ' ! - rl�C'w•.- .Jr-2..=.- :.�.= :-1.-_-s:.-.�-1.7_6,..:L- -.—- :N.:ti-- waM_-a -�,a.-car- . _S-r...-- �.,,:,4.;►.-.` LLand Design Innovations, Inc. Page 3 I I `` Lake Apopka o ka Basin Master Plan _.„-------,)0.5 ,. ,;`Greenways • Trails • Recreation • Ecotourism Map 2: Lake Apopka Trailheads and Eco-tourism Sites A. Eco-tourism Opportunities Magnolia Park I - and and T ra i I h e a d s 2. Ocoee Property (Coca-Cola property) • 3. Winter Garden Recreation Complex .- - - .- - . ` 4. Oakland Nature Preserve �.r Florida's economy relies on tourism. Eco- r t tourism — nature-based vacation destinations 5. Downtown Montverde r . - and activities — is a growing segment of this �ialiAlk\ :,� rr— economy. Greenways and trails are logical 6. Lake County Lakeshore Park (proposed) L ~%YT tL roAtOu�x G �6: destinations for those travelers seeking to in- 7. Clay Island Park (proposed) corporate a nature experience into their vaca- 8 Shorebird Management Area/Nature Center jII 0 tions. (proposed) The first step in preparing this master plan was 9. Lake Minneola Urban Waterfront Park 7 H to identify key locations that had the potential (proposed) r IF to become eco-tourism locations— sites that 1 were appropriate for active or passive recrea- The following Chapter explores the current 1 tion or other activities that would attract visi- conditions of these sites, and identifies the po- �� E A tors to the Lake Apopka area and provide ac- tential for recreation and eco-tourism activi- © cess (visual or physical) to the lake. These ties to be developed on the nine sites. ( D B sites will enhance the quality of the recrea- tional experience of trail users. Proposed 3 r� trailheads will be actively promoted to encour- O I - age maximum use throughout the system with 0 (; due consideration for environmental and ar- - - - chaeological sensitivity. L . z ., ...„ ) LDI identified 5 existing ecotourism sites along the shores of Lake Apopka, where points of re- gional interest (recreational/eco-tourism sites) L f-'`-- r'' , i - can be developed or enhanced to attract visi- ,•;.rn tors to the lake. Three additional sites have 1 l • ti,'`,_-,_, also been proposed. A ninth site, located in L _ Clermont, has been identified as a key site in Basin boundary West Orange Trail the system as it would represent the gateway to the Lake Apopka loop. The existing and Proposed Greenways&Trails ---- WOT Extension proposed trailheads/eco-tourism sites are as LLake Minneola Scenic Trail 0 Trailheads/Eco-Tourism Sites follows (see Map 2): �s - la�T..Y.-tA�`i..-...�5.^'SG.-R71¢'�`tiC.dt a37. ." .�5.--• z.•a. -t: '�-_.s�—s:1V-.:e ." .1�- �t-i --. .�7 : .:dr"-3 I.TC2-V-^ice--i_ .4'-1J4.�i4:PiLde.F:a-1.....- 'J 4�.41.n221Le11L-�1^--'/ a2 LLand Design Innovations, Inc. Page 4 i I ` K- Lake Apopka Basin Master Plan �� = = Greenways • Trails • Recreation • Ecotourism I —� __.- _ ."iK.'1t 1:Y d:%. ."iv,.:QAr::`d.t`.!::S:J'.Y�r.'.w:V:•is'.w;: .:7�i.. 7Qlfa'..T.L-t,.w!J:•L•-.-.w!d'.N.t'::KWi:�w w41:•4'�.1;-2%.44-a� NYC a:.S •,fv.2Y R7l�.l**OJ l:76lVK,'t!ms,IS.Ty sL7.n_wrxruxarsi.�-./MY,11:7 Trailhead 1 —Magnolia Park 2. Connect Magnolia Park to the West Orange i Trail (WOT) to the southeast, and to the • (Apopka) Ocoee property described in the next sec- • N• m,X.wA.4ar,E:C�aJA".drr.•r,'.tK.'.Y tViW:,,:wYr.l.AYlr.cr.l.1trestt; tion (Trailhead 2). Ingram Road and '�r " McCormick road are potential connections. ! Those connections need to be explored ft- ..• 'I Existing Conditions during the design phase. Orange County I I . , ..., !4 owns several acres of land north of the In • . Magnolia Park is a 56-acre Orange County park gram/McCormick intersection. If the • - located at 2929 Binion Road (see Map 3). The iv) pr.• � . ' park, which is split by Binion Road, offers County builds an extension of the WOT - through those properties, the trail could I .d x. • rental pavilions, picnic areas, a boat ramp, • i i potentially connect to Magnolia Park. !IL �• 0�4'• camping area for tents and RVs, sand volley' f ' ` ball, and playgrounds. The camping area is to There are only a few private properties be• �' '• • .�" tween the County lands and the park, and • .-• it y21' r , ' _ cated on the east side of Binion Road. they are currently under single ownership. ( ' a t fie: There are several public properties in close 3. Connect the east and west sections of the �• 04 •y proximity to Magnolia Park. The City of Apopka park with a prominent pedestrian crossing/ `i • 4l�►' , has some land to the north of Magnolia Park path. I where the City plans to build a Civic Center. ,, % Also in proximity to Magnolia Park is the "Mid- 4. Add panoramic telescopes to the west park - f; 1 ' Florida Research and Education Cen- with conceptual maps locating jurisdictions - _ r - 1 l i'r ter" (MREC), which is part of the University of along the lake. _..,...,. Florida. II - '- = , .. ... • A 5. Provide markers with interesting facts L .. Recommendations: about Lake Apopka. F r, 3 This trailhead already offers both active and 6. Offer educational programs (school trips, -- passive recreational opportunities. Improve- ... camps, workshops) •_....• . ,. - _ 7rs ..- .• p�` ments recommended for Magnolia Park in- 7. Explore additional public access to the I ,.. -.,C — dude: lake. - - ' 1. Study the possibility of expansion. Prop- 8. Develop an interactive native vegetation View of Lake Apopka from Magnolia Park erty to the north along the lake appear to program to teach children about native Lbe environmentally sensitive and could be plants, or an art trail - each marker ex- protected with a park designation. Expan- plaining plants or art exhibits. sion should also be considered to the south L and east of the park boundaries. .-.�-�. --_: <S.�`� .c-_::'•_-.:-",►31t: _s,x�1 .cam::C---.:. -.-3.,,..:.�:-3"..,:-,,.-_ ..' .:_:1T - - ' -.7itY7r. .•JY''i..=- -4.,--: --s:--• -_l^...�.r:..iv.r:s�..--- �.x_•k--..L-r;";_....r:s-..---...rv_.Z:r. ILand Design Innovations, Inc. Page 5 I .., _ mr......)44, _ _ • .. z n t" - - - - J °`. e-Apopka -Basin Master. Plan. r • Traits • Recreation • Ecotourism . x'�s. � t fi `;railways �a.r�.� L �- --� r Map 3: Trailhead 1 - Magnolia Park - . . (1,11. • I . .. .T. • e` i '. =% k '•I :kit::„,tIP it; • r• f .ter .�- �` , . it O rrrip-o:• =N 6TATc Q ki 1 /!+-• ? I k>� M • 451� " 1 Y,i4_• .. _,.... --.. A/ ETA'iC LT JOINS+r.) ° w - - lump_ J r• ',x', ,„, =t - .-}. - VIA TrillLMt OS.-wf:. i �' - _.="'�- � - - ~ Rk , �,y�arc� a O. L f s}-i{ice +. k' I ROMP ►Ag STATE,TNEALrN� , 3iPi-:.oF• / Soo tr .a.S ar {. 1, 1. - 04 U� / oARr �! r r ! . g :JLR MR, win [:ILLI...e Y ml0o1R l- ALMAAAAJAP.- CAR Ma r�txtt i • . !' ' • . 4 - ?. I. 6;nAr.9::ly LIF ► g ,N.••�. A+. - -.- s 41 t.. ` ` gnolia •.� y 'F F I LAKE •-z.�,� ounce o • INmA1pLA w APOPKA Park '"`""'�' FOUR GO' l' •-' i i IL c,,,,,,,„.„ Sign Location mroo,R w VW....eti- _.l.A=wo ..` • may`—,,,—^ _�•. - CO„q', L Figure 1 : Magnolia Park Site Plan L . See Map Legend on Page iii. L ....+._....=— .R.-- -..P. ....P.-:.....:1-='- w....-Y.: _t,P.r•+. .tom�:'., _ -1:-.rS- tea.-^- :"9017..2 '.:i 7 'T:„ - -i..---s:.- '— -:.sc='s.._-•=---.w-,..•a..:.�: .-•.,c_a".•?••-- ...ar_.-;:...111.:�:1."F_a---- .w•.aPI.S.a:.•� Land Design Innovations.Inc. Page 6 - . -s Lake Apopka Basin Master Plan ��� Greenways • Trails • Recreation • Ecotourism „v.'ti!1l:!A'..• ".Y.:\A '.L -.•.:_til".Y.emeN'.Yt.�ARR.. .. 7": 7ibT. .. '..14._t'.wtil'�t'w" �Nrs's. .:KK '.:J . .Mit'..1.�ti A7 �M r"J S ki r•. 6•.i `,�� A' : . l. C;A"_'Y'.'r~AlORTE 1i.{orOSJeslRrAl d ilflw RlSYiv 414 to the north of this site: Avanti, adjacent to ... . . . .-.... :::,:%7..,,,,,, . Trailhead 2—Ocoee Property/ the subject property to the north, was ap- Mitigation Area proved as a private development with no pub- lic pedestrian connections to the north or ,,r.�,A�,,�.,;-,A .,., ,,. T, ,..,w;,,v,�,,,Y�,,,..,. ,.,. south. It does, however, provide forapproxi- mately .���,.► or-'� .� 5,000 feet of trail for use by the subdi- �Oh � � � + Existing Conditions: vision residents. The other subdivision, Forest -- Monarch • . .. owe �• Brook, is currently undergoing City review. ,�• 4�, The City of Ocoee owns an approximately 350 Although the connection to Magnolia Park will r` `' Y;,�•�� ♦ MOP • ' acre tract (known as the Coca-Cola Property) • • • not be feasible along the Lakeshore, the po. �' ' Zo-.f •; �W•i ' between the Western Beltway (429) and Lake tial to connect by going around the subdivi- '; ? ��'' •� Apopka (see Map 4). The City is currently in lions is still feasible. h the process of preparing a master plan for the \.) ,• / property to include a mix of commercial, resi- Recommendations: r dential, civic and recreation uses. Preliminary I • I. plans show approximately 107+/ acres of wet The Coca-Cola Property and the site to the '{ '.�1; �/ lands to remain as conservation, and the po- south offer great educational and recreational �''• � +��^t` `�i. �i opportunities. Proposed improvements to this IIIIIIIIII .0 - v .� , � I tential for approximately 40 acres of parks and P p rzh , trailhead include: `=7 : . �•, •w •I r� recreation. The West Orange Trail currently �►i . l'• el ....'��i traverses the property. 1. Set aside a 2 to 5 acre native plant/ '`.: The City of Ocoee and the St. Johns River Wa wildlife area to include a regional Butter I ' r 4:. - ter Management District is in the process of fly Garden (see examples on page 8). • �� �,`, actively pursuing the purchase of selected 2. Provide a trail between the West Orange =`• =" ;. =.7.° properties immediately to the south of this site trail and Lake Apopka. The City of Ocoee • .*f •._ _ (Crown Point). Those properties (out of a land �, should consider a Resolution to officially I i_ tiw pool of approximately 200 acres) are re- express a commitment to work with Or • stricted to conservation uses to mitigate the ange County to extend the West Orange 'r^ - construction of the Western Expressway. Trail to the proposed park areas, the But- t � itit Photo by . g ' There is a pristine wetland system on the site, terfly Garden and, most importantly, to ~ _ _,. ' which functions as an outfall for the Northwest the Lake. "' Drainage Ditch serving Ocoee and Winter Gar- den. The site, which is comprised of several 3. Provide a boardwalk, lake access in the Li vacant parcels, provides habitat for numerous form of pedestrian dock or boat ramp, and plants and animal species. Nearby properties panoramic telescopes. have been known to provide habitat for Gopher 4. The City, in conjunction with the SJRWMD, L tortoise, fox and birds of prey. should consider developing nature trails There are two subdivisions currently proposed within the Mitigation Area. L '.'--.- --<.}.��. .. _.:,..�„:^_-_<,._-..... :S-:.,„:==y:•....:-�:_...=-a-•�:-. :. .:..,�` _r.•_.2 ..S.":: � `.... Jr--r. . --P.;v:1•-. :---u%len,-�:�:+i...c:aw-- ...ar_•-4=-..411..:�a+L4•c_a�-' �.ar_:s,: Land Design Innovations,Inc. Page 7 rr-6— --.--7. � Lake Apopka Basin Master Plan .--io .,,, L . , r .. ,. _00 . . _.. Greenways • Trails • Recreation • Ecotourism r Map 4: Trailhead 2—Ocoee Property/Mitigation Area Examples of Butterfly Gardens stages of life and enter their habitat." Butterfly World opened its doors to the public Of the 760 butterfly species that occur in in March 1988, making it the first and largest North America, about 170 can be found in nor- , butterfly house in the United States. The $1.2 ida. These include the skippers of which Flor- million facility was built on 2.8 acres of leased ida is home to 70 species. The Lake Apopka county land at no cost to taxpayers. It provides area hosts two-thirds of native Florida butter- visitors with a beautifully-landscaped, unique flies. Butterfly species that are not naturally scientific and educational showplace that has present in the Central Florida region should become one of the landmark attractions of not be imported. Although many exotic butter- South Florida. flies are beautiful, they should not be allowed i. to escape into the wild because they may not As many as 80 butterfly species from South and survive. Exotic butterflies may also cause prob- Central America, the Philippines, Malaysia, LAKE APOPKA lems for the native butterflies and other plant Taiwan, and other Asian nations are typically and animal species, just as non-native plants found within the aviaries. Some of the favor- , can become invasive exotics that damage na- tiveites include the Owl butterfly, and the brilliant ecosystems. Butterfly gardening should Blue Morpho. 4' not try to improve nature but complement it as • The Panhandle Butterfly House at The Na the best horticultural practices have always lure b'lalk, Navarre. Florida ° done (information from Orange County Audu- There's something timeless about watching a bon Society and Butterfly Gardening Website at butterfly in flight. It takes you back to your www.butterflywebsite.com). childhood if you're an adult and captivates you OCOEE PROPERTY r ITI� There are several Butterfly Gardens in Florida. if you're a child. The effortless, graceful flightS�c,,.s+ Two of the largest are the Butterfly World in of literally hundreds of these creatures can be le- Coconut Creek and the Panhandle Butterfly seen right here on the Emerald Coast, at the IL _____ MITi;?TI0r4 AREA : k House in Navarre. The following information Panhandle Butterfly House. It is one of the was obtained from their individual websites. handful of butterfly houses in the entire coun- • Butterfly World at Tradewinds Park, Coco try dedicated to native species, so what you nut Creek. Florida see here you might very well see in your back I_ "IMAGINE ... walking through a lush tropical yard when you go home. Come and explore the beautiful Nature Walk, and while you're rain forest, exotic butterflies fly overhead and all around you, stopping to feed on the there, stop in and see the butterflies in all nectar blossoms covering the path in this, their glory." their natural paradise. Does this sound like a Navarre is located in the Northwest panhandle DREAM? Well, proof that dreams come true of Florida, southern tip of Santa Rosa County. -_ exists at Butterfly World, where you can walk The Nature Walk, a one mile waterfront board- See Map Legend on Page iii. among thousands of LIVE butterflies in all walk in Navarre, meanders along the Santa %X 1T�= sA�%A."w'4"":..:._�:.Tr�Y:- .t a.'^.w .r6-:•!:•!i��T.::__-_. - .=-.f':'- -' :.-,.'• -'_.jT 'ti. 7f......j ram:--s:_�►-mtiT:-..=-'�:- =—T-.t".-4' +i-'.- —_- �7Vz-1=...4+�ZMi_�--,.—_- �...M_.i:�: Land Design Innovations,Inc. Page 8 ...-_--,-Lake Apopka Basin Master Plan ;. Greenways • Trails • Recreation • Ecotourism l -� _ -- - Rosa Sound offering a spring-fed fish pond, r �,-/,- i. • playground equipment, picnic and recreation area. An extension of the Nature Walk, the *� Panhandle Butterfly House, houses 200 spe- �' • . •} -- cies of native butterflies and 1,200 native ,�,� r'� _,•_ plants for a 'hands-on' experience for the en- � 'I - ' _ tire family. All stages of the butterfly's devel- t r � '� -%r ^� - r . - - .1 - - opment can be observed in their natural habi- '\ �.".-.',_. '' t' tat- This seasonal wonderland provides chil- IF ' • -- -- -- - -- . ' "" '""" " " ' ' dren of all ages the opportunity to view butter ' ,.„1,,,, y � flies as never before. L. _ G+ • .- • • • •., i L .---. Art . I tea—"fir. ! •. ►' .:..' -'�` _ 1 / „ `, 4 ... - 1:1/ — �1-i-�j.l " I" :jam •' .f - $Si Lr- -t s, . iiz r fJ� „ i .._..'.. r _______. .,. _ . .„,..... I NOTE: these maps show past - •.k'I� ' • a f — � — ���r planning studies. These do not r - _ _ `''--: - __ -,.; % �.5)'hi. show the current plan. , '+'r-tea t; — °' .,. ` ..... f �- ..........._,. ) 4,., ... _..... i .,. ..,, ._:, , ., ,._k,„..,• ._ ... ,..._,,..,,n„,.....„.„.__.. _, , ._.... . .... ;4, i.. •, 't e__1 .. •f I ` . .1 1 • a` 1_, Figure 2: Ocoee Property Feasibility Study 1 .... . _ . • (AI_ .: L ,, .--�Y:= _s dL�... ...-: +-.a-:-ti_t.x i—. .c-:4.1.��_10--:i�:-_ -.- :ice_-.-.==-i..- -''. r..:it '''S�ii F':•_.iry.e,:s=--1«�-47'-.•a. •�:.,.f.-- --.t".Al..;.:�44c j3+•�-- �.Y:•-4= .a.-r:�4+i:ati-- .s4 LLand Design Innovations, Inc. Page 9 r c ... �� , Lake Apopka Basin Master Plan ��� t Greenways • Trails • Recreation • Ecotourism --k--...... -1' �--- -T 7 ."iY.'1fiS'1.�:•+'di..Y.'tif f�...�':•:<::J:Y't'.wN:tre:tJ:I . f .. l�fc. /4:-t'.wtil:Y--'t'w:V'.,'..•::1i41:1v'.�W:4\.l:i1LKA1:'w�4d VI.C�OJ A'SA�.LC•OY A'3t1'.li}SI.�CiVita. .ItlCY.Y:C•1S1'11►1►f3Y`.Cf�lIYlY K1. - , 3 . t,��.�:e-• .s �� `• ems... ittwl, ......... n T, „ �. Y` ' �`y>Ys < <: Trailhead 3—Winter Garden Rec ' '� ry : .. ,ti -... a '' .. , �, - ��d.. w ,."f•g reation Complex `1 f. �' 4 -- r"� �` R,.IV LY A•.l.:L.vc,A:gsv,•ctv,"Aii..I 4 ig.pe,,.1.a•4N'Ai401.-.,,44..ii 1�-441. , AO--. , ...... r .1._..,..1„,• Existing Conditions: • , ;r;. `. -- ,.,... ..... ..._, « =� • — }: The City of Winter Garden owns a series of -, �t, 1111 properties along Lake Apopka (see Map 5). 1 , These properties house the City's Wastewater treatment plant, the City's Recreation Depart- ment, Tanner Hall Auditorium, a neighborhood .;... .:..ST•,, park, a boat ramp, and a mobile home park. ,r`^`_ - The City also owns a linear tract along Lulu •^ .: Creek. This tract offers the potential for cre- -_ - -- • • ating a linear park to connect the West Orange ' ' �-' Trail with the City Recreation complex on the ' a. lake. ' ~ Recommendations: *:am -.1 f iiiiiipiii Alai is - 1. Develop a trail/linear wetland park along • -•.e- • .1 ' - ' r• Lulu Creek to bring the pedestrian/bicycle T "__ —I traffic from the West Orange Trail to the ``" . I , ,._. _,_ Lakeshore. According to Winter Garden staff, the City has approached the County I :;� with the idea of a linear park. The next step would be obtaining support from the �,. SJRWMD. 2. Create a trail connecting the linear park "— S I with the recreation department site on -«: '? Surprise Drive. This segment could be - -• ;�+;�"+: ;` done either through the mobile home park S . ....`��' or along existing roads in the area. . •- - . . S..-_ �Y�___..0 x��. .4-:e::.1'�►- .--- -,.�-• ��.n. may_.^ -'t:. �T•:3- :-�.... :_:LT ^!+ _ ._:�• �t._���- --i:-��-aT•.•4:.-�:�:,.�.4•S:S:!r • �X_'�....L:�:+i•..i:SV L .-y _-wire13,4:e4 Land Design Innovations,Inc. Page 10 r , ,„ ____ s__.,,, , ,.,..„...,,,....„4,_,„,,,....„ „. . .. „....„:-.&,-41'..,";•:-* 44 i-•:,'":- '.• ,-:-,-',"',-,;:,---:•-•.'". '.= ' :i.''''..v.OF,,, 4. • - -•' •--%''' *Ti; ":11/4,.. ; :,.''.I - - e, A a -------.- .-- - ',=• '--- • - - - ' • • popk Basin Master Plan . :-:::,,-,:p • -:• ::44". • -,--:- -".=:''•"- _ ...,,,,. .:. - - ' , ----:- .----/5 ,-•-i.: .,..:' - •A„,,..,_vx,:,:,- - ... ---: ' '• - - .,017-. --:-_--e-I-, -,Gree nways- • Traits • Recreation • Ecotourism r --Z-N. 6.4 1 _.,...."!r-••."-- ..'--.%-'. k...... ,...,-... ' 5-,1Pf.1; -..r , .4"4-•'"r.--- '....i 1:: ilt.'f 4,•'''--i-':' ' • . -.' - X •:i, r•-::.+.-- +i&i;:"..A/6,•-ti.; .•...t 7j.".-: ' - - _ Map 5: Trailhead 3—:Winter Garden Recreation Complex and Lulu Creek Figure 3: Aerial Photograph of Winter Garden Recreation Complex , IC . - 1 i . r Mobile Home Park .` ,-4,.-..::_,.. : :,- ••••• • , ,. ,_ (City-owned) Wastewater LAKE APOPKA ,, , Treatment Plant .-. , . . Dock Recreation . * ,- • 4 A . _1034-''''c-,-q-- - °- '-• -- • c.-.It Y ...• Department -,--- 1., i F-4 gr .,-• , • A ' ' ''''rC''' ..‘,) ..,g •k,. _.' 1. 4 -. °-.---: ,'' ,c, -: - ... '-; •4 \, ,.:,,s. -100:1': - : ..--: .......1i, ' . v.-..t . -.4.4fir.,:.-:k r•:-'."--* .'-' --.- I %eta, .+.1"‘‹e . -1k* - Newton Park ,./•7'k:"-; :. -- ...-4.--- • . -lel-..._,Ar:' :. ' -* --;41- ' ..;;R" - , ' -:_ •r----- ..,,,-; _--:-.',.._ 14-1,,4* - ,.,.-..,_styr .Z.- .. ; - .7 - .• , •, • ‘ _...., .,...:;.: :1 .-,:., -....!., -.0.....4 - -i• ,i,. _... .,.... , . I _. • '.' 1 'I 4. • i.si:,' -J''''?%. ,'li.—.),. ...(': . ' \ "s •-...-,-,1;:"-#:;11 , 4, - ,•• ,. se Ar- i r • lbecIP‘. ../: A •,- 7,:e - 1,, ,.. ._..4. _ *.iti,o_,,.-ic:.- - '• .e,. 1 • • . , ,... ' --.. 411,".'. '• ..r. ,.• -• •+":'' . 4.\ „.1.- X- \ , . , I 4 F..- -.. .,. , .. .). .43=‘, %,_.,-,. . 1.;;,..E . *IV',, ! • 4. ' '• 't .. F ,1 • -0 \-. L-,• . --, - Boat ;. 'i:- / - ‘...4\ , .-:-..' .V ' • " ' . Ramp "51N:.`.. r''' lit .,--:. . •r•' rk,.....0., - . r..• .•`i r , -/--, . -: 9=•,. :., , 44,--kgra...ViA."4, jig-... "•6-.- ..e*t;i2;, . git Lulu Creek . , . . . . . - ‘ John Tanner I -, „i, .1 1. • -- 11,-4'A-.1. IT - - , Auditorium - ,..s, , .-. .-.. , -..!:-. L • . . i . . __. ._ LSee Map Legend on Page iii. -. 4...-----. -..---— -_ --...e al. ...Ilk .0.C.,-: . ..X.T. ...r.....-1.:M-101---.....7:7-./C.--7.01... „..r..._..,i.... ...St.: :- . ="c2127Pr...... ....1#7,1•G=..er -..2-.Z.,....0..../4"::,::',"..4.....4...:.::-.1-...e.r...-3".......-. ....-pou-1.---...e..:--;".•-•.s:z.. ....--..-.04,ilits,,a..;....-x LLand Design Innovations,Inc. Page 11 1 r _____ c . ., .,..,.: -. Lake Apopka Basin Master Plan r _ ' Greenways • Trails • Recreation • Ecotourism '•.�1.-�.f 1^."4,.'•.`_...[,:Zf 1.1.�-:•:5�1•.z.",:w:hl:�c'AV: .. {7? 'T��,,7..,-t:V.u`.- -,oh..A.c..n...c �..wN:A\.4.4crt it•r_w 4d to woo a�s�.wwPaxdneeza,,�i.l$V,1'+,verznermanr.Autnr au "The mission of the Oakland Nature Preserve . �., , . ,_�.{,�. ,.. w _.r - is Educating, Conserving and Restoring." 'f.: / . . • •?•r: - al . 'x.,m � • �6 'r'. Trailhead 4—Oakland Nature .� 4 -' ?_:-�. > t �-. 0. r �.fr-� ,• - Recommendations: - •. '"'= �;�. ` �' c '�• w:�;�,•.s `,: Preserve ,A 1_. a aso 1. Implement the planned improvements for "� r', • rr�c; T• f the Oakland Nature Preserve ' �'' '� r+4�yr .y`�f.• •• • -Y�_ • '�' 'a=- _` :� -/` t +s.„✓� �j�!t. '�^ ''' , riR,RtPlli;+ril,\IAJ�'.6`.1'.ti(W'C't�i�J II �r,j�+t:P.i.,+t.tiYP:l�lttY1[i�C.SriYAu, ,; - . x r. • , -1• „ • . . 2. Establish daily educational programs for "• `:!-•••h'�'• '~- = 'rr '�k. • 'i 3•r, � r1 h; ; ' •..�+ -" • , . �'e ,I= Existing Ft Proposed Conditions: Orange County Public Schools and week y w !y=^ +►. ; :.�• ' `��„� V ' -.' Y%,',-:•.r _.,�ti,` end trail users. =. ii •• : ! • - ,- , ,;�„-'•so.• .,; The Oakland Nature Preserve, located west of � = ':�` "' �� �' -%� It; •,sti- s '•�'t' . , the Town of Oakland, comprises 128 acres (see ....,-.,,,......,.-•, jam. • `i � �' '� -AV r�y�� ':;::. .' .r. ;tyk�i ;..•y``, map 6). The preserve is located on the north - Y'" "'.�=''�` 1 ; ',�, i•t :f ,"�1 �• � ');�' side •of the West Orange Trail along the shore ,fi r� - �*.�^�a1. �' r'` .• r ' p <- ► , K t• of Lake Apopka. ; y� 4-' • t, . .. ,' ,Yr i ir��--�IN �� 4•'� ,r;"•'`' • t-t: The preserve has biological, geological, and r= _31.4 $ � ` v - r �►. ,1 - -• ^fir • `�ueigk" ,:'. -'':' "4. _' �#.';`i/i.`=' K �ii:',�y ', topographical variety and, when complete, it - '! _ `� -. .._ a`-•``„: - ' '• ' e`',' ' �.- � ' "� f • __..• + will be a productive, living laboratory repre -, - r ' t• F`''�'. ' "��' .�'- �' �• �l,T + - "�i .ir �+�;'+. ;:'t ` sentative of the diversity of nature in Central i f. : ' `� j L� f. r ?.:-53 -4 •� .{1 �i . si. ''44:, '. M1� -I - �%��e S` Florida, which is quickly vanishing. The for ,+,___ t 1. tr i ''t ..r J,. 1y• .,.rt. •�t.. ,;. t - • -; Y< 1 s,,�'! .� K + ested wetlands of the preserve have dense '• N - - • . . •..--.-,itiN . ;' , t' �`� ; canopies of Green Ash and Red Maple with � '' I ' _ i ground covers of lush Royal, Swamp, and Cin- `'y ' 'r ' ' .�:•: ^- �,-- mow,`L• r-r •�L., ,. }` y ; <� namon Ferns. The uplands have Hackberry -�. ,..- n '� _ - =•�:it•y-r - ;. ro•s�Nt,t,.•. _ • -_ . Elderberry, Wild Cherry, Laurel and Live Oaks, ," = _A• _ � l ""•~.- L� , and will include Turkey Oaks and Long Leaf -.• • h: — '''� Pines in the restored areas. _ - » r _ r_�_.�; - - At present, the Preserve offers an interpretive L ; • walk and a 60 seat amphitheater used for edu- cational cational purposes. When completed, the Pre - """""�.•'' .. "`=" �s - = - - •• serve will also include boardwalks, including a " proposed 3,000 foot long boardwalk, a two- xe- v r .,; L .' story observation tower, pavilions, a pedes- trian -.�. trian dock to provide lake access, an environ- mental education center and hiking and nature trails. 1- Figure 4—Oakland Nature Preserve iY�- '=�� ..-=•..._ --,-•.�Y--_s-.--'. • .i^.•..._=—>-... .t:.. --—":....=-t:. .T. fir- =f -.a: -i`.�=-..r:.�' -V-.•r--t:_�►�>>-.�- ..4. _-... -IN.-?....-• i.Y:.-i..._iu�<<�i:3�--- �.rM_.L:rk L Land Design Innovations, Inc. Page 12 1 L r ii 0 _ �� ake Apopka Basin Master Plan -7,-). „, r , ..,.... ,____, „.....,....___ , zy�zn :Greenways • Trails • Recreation • Ecotourism , _-_,--__ -,..„.._ ......._ - , F Map 6: Oakland Nature Preserve Figure 5: Oakland Nature Preserve Master Planr , N.'‘.-' • ..4,; • +.__ L_ , , � i ; . 1, r r LAKE jl+a �} ��:i APOPKA ems .:T in�. :!'*• ;' jf_• `A� t. •' ..,sue �- ■ , ,{-,r . .• I - ,t ti 1 4.E "', it a.8 V . • lli� �„1•� i. ' 8! -1":"-- -, I -......„.„.„,. k. _ w , . - ' ._ v I 2 : , ., , . n2A , .. . .7„-- 2 _......,..,.1• "- ;,.? . : ;._.„. • L / , r• 1 I. L Source: Oakland Nature Preserve brochure(does not show recently 001 _ See Map Legend on Page in. acquired lands) . v -• -•�+ r.s a:-�_.-.f 5$:-3 r -s•a r a-4"..a:rl..�...F: ---- .,.Trs•-'----Aa.:.Y+id,s_ar��••waM�,a;,r lt ..�3�.� .eac:�..4�,rS^.:�s_�r-..�7r:v.�_.e+._—.r.. ..c-=-,�, ��_-�..:-t:.-,��a�,a,c--s:_-.r:� r. :J.. __._ �e.•:rr. :J _ . LLand Design Innovations,Inc. Page 13 r I r- Lake Apopka Basin Master Plan ��� - Greenways • Trails • Recreation • Ecotourism :v..17..."::%`!-s+.1Y.:\ta�1.t^.SI..v-r t,.-o•,i-j-.,r; . 7"ti tom: 7'��-.+ •. :A-..v..-.- 44a:....w,<\.aW:0acay.ws�::1 rn\'cipcs,*.•x.a Leper ,.:�l:f' ' r Tr;rr;•�vsnaaor•,eicaor.au r Town, is in the process of being designated Trailhead 5 - Downtown a "Scenic Highway" through the State De- Montverde partment of Transportation. 455 will be i- . called the Green Mountain Scenic Byway. r •.,c,w£ .n.xro.,F::crv..crrn :f`:I jg. wxrr..�je. . aorac wo ur,cw • Woodlands Camp, a nearby private camp- - _ Existing Conditions: ground, has equestrian facilities and canoe _ - : The Town of Montverde is located on the west rentals. shore of Lake Apopka. Some interesting sites (- ' within the town include: T �� - Recommendations: f`'�� :t ; +���. _ The Montverde Academy- Founded in 1912 ..,. .•;: ►. as the Montverde Industrial School. The 1. Establish a bicycle trail that traverses the �` . . school has been accredited by the South- town, and encourage the trail users to stop 4 Al g � . " •'' - ern Association of Colleges and Schools �` g and tour the town. A restaurant or coffee [ ., _ �. _ '• t since 1927, and is now a private, non- shop in the heart of the town would be an r • �. �'"�'`{''`' - . profit boarding school. The campus in- - ideal spot to take a break from a long bike ii �. • • . '' vp1;,. ► , �, °i4 j cludes several buildings of architectural ride. • _ ` � .-_ .7c'r= and historical value. I `t �' --Jr 2. The trail head bicycle trail should be coor- • �9f. ,; '1, , • Montverde Town Cemetery - located one dinated with the Highway 455 Scenic High- " •i o" _ .---„ block east of CR 455. Eight confederate way effort. I -Fe� and one Union veterans are buried there; a : , t. -.` 3. Spurs could be created from the main trail r�_ relatively high number of Civil War Veter- �' .�•�_ to Truskett Park , which is located on Lake --- �•:.•. s� T ans for a cemetery of its size in Central t4 - Apopka, the future Montverde Future site '" • Florida. L „.__ _ • . •___ • ___- ____ - and other parks in the Town. Take advan._ ...._ ._ __________ ___ _ _ _ _ • _. „......_ - tage of the Vistas offered by the future .,-?.:.:,,• _. .• , ' * e ____ The town recentlyacquired a 30-acre tract site. L . on CR 455. The site has excellent vistas of 4 Create an observation platform at the end �_ ..,,�,f • '�_ :� • Yi Lake Apopka and Sugarloaf Mountain. The • •` .r F�'.�f.rY - of Osgood Road to provide visual access to f` . • z - Town also has plans for a bike trail system. Lake Apopka. L Montverde Academy• • Truskett Park: City park on Lake Apopka. 5. Provide trail access or directions to private • Town Boat Ramp (currently being re recreation facilities such as Woodlands paired). Camp. L • Highway 455, which runs through the ."►�Y rr N i... .S':..._�:�Y:•:+-_-.c••'-_A .i-:�.. r'•ti?•:.�.-r-.mac ..- -< --,.. ..7r Xi -T ''YW — "z� +�'+a 's:--,►�—i:^L•s:- _-- ••• .i:c.+iMt:b-;-.r- r-Y Tc?� _.l-'� -' 1tis�rtr:'_.J-• 'J1irSnfl^A �IIi.�3. J.dt_-i� L Land Design Innovations Inc. Page 14 i .r <, fake Apopka Basin Master Plan ----74). 04, . . . _ ,n,v Greenways • Trails • Recreation • Ecotourism r ___, „. _ ,,,,, —"L"---- .... " , . ...-_-:-7-i:-.• ,,.:;.. _ • .4 -,..,,ber-A&t-y.,..1--, I Map 7: Trailhead 5 - Town of Montverde Figure 6: Montverde Pictures • __ , _. :1‘...!:. - :- - [ • 11 LAKE 7-7" 1 `+ { ' k - Etl!-•-6_*,:a! 1/4 ," .- - r- _. - '� _-� R ,yam • ; '- [ .. .. �� - i • _ f- _.l. ! r - _ ' LAKE F!ORE CE II xu3:tAs ,i ' 1 �. s' ..• [ ti Ill: ~ t~~ n r ` .. , 1 a #� 1 i s lo ._i :::\ I rt - II 11 1 l . .., ' : �,_.�� -.. L . • - ' . . . . s-f-a- 4 ,,. s1 r'.- . L • .... ..,, , .. , . • .., :. LSee Map Legend on Page iii. . ' - =4.s A3:`..+a ...S:n.'3 --- - .-_.e.a.---.+.. - -S.^7GT`rT'_-L_'-,:_, =.4,,'s....i+.: '_:! 'Sa:.:.+ .• -.fifer:' .Jr'3--...C:--,.-: -.-2..Z..:"s:7v2.0:-4.",..a:ri.a�+.,F��-- wA1_v'•.._4..:r:+'i•4F:�...?.r..J.NrS.4.;-S ILand Design Innovations,Inc. Page 15 L :pry 6 .7 �,-r ` Lake Apopka Basin Master Plan { . 1.)110 r _ a. C Greenways • Trails • Recreation • Ecotourism 1" rfDKa 4...2441 "c'" U^.4..:iv:71:4 f:wS11'' -.w: '. 7 'tom . 1"../''''..:0'.4"-l:w:`0 4W"""'."1N'4'` A"''''''''AM:.I'al T.LAAN A"dE1."OJA'7KYI`R"eilli.fI S -11'l"""K"LLir1vA A sr"tY could be connected to the other trailheads 0 . . • y_, q. :, through the proposed Tavares & Gulf Trail »r' • " ' Trailhead 6 - Lake CountyLake- .., . ;.p A (Lake County plans) and/or, if feasible, 4,.' ,yam•:. -,w`' '. �' R , front Preserve .r;•;�; ri ,. � ., �;.,,i _. .�F•:•.�. through boardwalks over the wetland areas. 'fit,. • • .• �, .� �. �Y:� I M,_ � The location of this park would benefit from " c.J' +'� �� A`` i, • •'-�' .;h• ''�+ r, T the presence of the scenic highway leading to • `0••. A a ^y �i:a.. 41.:C4H A^6r.'t.\•W A�4Xr['Yl'ef. .I j: �'.,VtA!ff.'�.OYM1L*iw MA'.lrtYlY NUd ? ' ' - - • Existing The proposed scenario for this park would be • �' - .. . : Conditions: P P ,�, "< f3— ` f-�` _� ,; an unobtrusive holistic health and spiritual ' a 4`"' ,<�". _.• ','. i_ ri,• There are several vacant properties between ^;, , :^, °" p p wellness retreat center. Through a public- ' '.- • E;?.: -.;`i�t — ' .V-,- -= the north boundary of Montverde and the f . private venture the park could offer accommo- a -.,.\ ...- 7..,. , ,. •, .-• • ; --fir:" SJRWMD Restoration Area. These lands have ; i� _ dations (bed & breakfast atmosphere), spa ser- vices,+.. .f-- V, ..-:: e thegreatestpotential forpreservation and -s,- s ^� vices, workshops (cooking, gardening, aro- �`lt; ,�• :.;. :::-: , , ••.�; . ` creation of a nature preserve within Lake matherapy, massage, reflexology meditation, 4 <• ., ±��;• '': i' ' `' County (see Map8 The potential sites, to •I,. { : �_• .y• - - and crafts). These facilities would be located I w = &r4 Gated within a 1000.93 acre area once consid- ered•� on the upland portions of the site. Examples ,; r ,' 'r r wti "�°';� eyed for acquisition by the Lake County Water • s„ ,,, •' .�- of activities to be provided in this type of set y ;" , 'rti I'�` Authority, include the area known as Lost ; .. : • r, ling are as follows (taken from the Gecko Lad- j: 1, , , _ •`•a yW;-`4 1:• Swamp, a large forested wetland, uplands and tudes site): t �'' ��` t -' '1 — adjacent upland buffers. The Lost Swamparea ~ - r i, c�„ .T was included as a qualifying area in the 1995 We offer scientific Ecotours for school groups t• r �•f_ .�`;;,;,, -- . - .'::_-- s,- ,w - Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) report. and for anyone who wishes to participate in I x, *` -` ' �" �, With restoration, the upland buffer area would the scientific collection of baseline data 5^ l' ' -- ��. �1' "' de- signed to helpunderstand and document the ` �'''�` ;ea ,e - ;Jr' f 1 provide further protection of the wetlands. --. , r - "_ 4- J'L"- `"-,> health and conditions ofour existingenviron- �.' � �+Y : �, = •.}`''?. Some of this area has producing citrus groves - �� ;�,`ro-='%' ` -,1 �=- • as well. ment. These Ecotours include the collection of ,,. F.,,,.• • water quality, photo documentation, and bio- logical�•:' *""_�•�:' ''4 • 'j• P) �` to ical measurements oflocal ecosystems. :•�. � yt• .�,.x• 1 Recommendations: g Y .ram-' ti • Learn how to collect and document ecological PI.-:. .� ✓,�.>-.. 4 Delineate a 200-400 +/- acre site to create a .,;. a- a -'14' 1;-._„�;t and environmental conditions, while helping �� -��`` - - �- j a„ County park/nature preserve to be managed by to provide a baseline of knowledge for the fu- ' j ;7i;" * 3 :� -� d„ Lake County. More property could be pro- ture!" },_ E�_7 .Y / -r 4--1; f� tected through conservation easements on ph- i : • :, 'f S,. .' �,~' �' vate property if an outright purchase is not �s ..,� . . .- ... ,., x ;, :,. ,»�, feasible. The preserve would include a large •� � �Sa!, - " a= • portion of wetlands, which could be protected ( - . "' - -.4I 'b- ;-: with a park designation. The preserve site • .- -,a--�-..r.a. �.• .� -+--ter x_..c."I. .c.: '-�.�-.-.1,=-•�:- :-0..:�—s r_-.0 . �._:l "t- -- '_:ice, --s__-.�----•�--s._-r.. -+-.-c-�_•a:�n1-+.,c=a-f --• �av_.-i-ti_s:� 4s:a-�-- wsirs.a:r: Land Design Innovations.Inc. Page 16 c' t � fie Apopka Basin Master Plan G«enways • Trails • Recreation • Ecotourism L ... _....k......._ _„....„..., • .7„.„ "-':.,'-'..:,•`,.•5',..'"...%&_, Map 8: Trailhead 6 - Lake County Lakefront Preserve Figure 7: Lakefront Preserve Proposed Activities I • . .. • • •,,.. . ____:_____a_ .___ I '� �t - f M �- V I . ' _ �., #Y ter r Il ..... — . ... ..-- i.fis.; :4' 1/•*;78-.'• 1(•: t. ralie ' . / ,!' ,VARESc;tttc�uck9A0 ti�'. „ i4I r II . \J,-- J ' - • ‘NtIke S ._.--.. ' '' . ,, .t '' r - ._,.• . �'. .per/ • * t _. •.4, ,.-T jjr,-1- 7: le- S' i{< i , i, _ _ I . , ., _,• _ , . __ _ . _ _ .•, . :. ,...„. ..---.,...... . . %tatit-kik-krzt,p,,,▪_.... i.f See Map Legend on Page iii. . r".. =. =-T__I.d. .,.,..,,c-.^i,c d.. ... .ik .rS-%`S." .. liT..='.c..i dl'F,.+....r.-%•,:•+7 _ a ,•_...pr.- 7,_ �-, 7r .J}.•-�'"s:_p'.- -a.L_"s_- '- -'_•'•--.. !•'i�r.F:3`rs_- .if:•-4•-•.-i.:�:+i_+r.F:a�..r'-.-' M'+.L:.r2 Land Design Innovations,Inc. Page 17 I_ r `' ` A; Lake Apopka Basin Master Plan r '� _ y4 a ` d Greenways • Trails • Recreation • Ecotourism .1�.r-•f x-v.„....6a+Glr.:KZf arJ h-.-sv:k:d:,.^a:•.!.c•%%MR,. 7?i:: ..'ATY L:iONl:••..nt•.V^O:a..11:MLWA'Ne'w4C4A-IRKL4iaY WifI :A mxrortiea'e,:mr xxxrxrnlit Ty 1Bt 14Se.Wbeffnalnr AMWnY eau I Trailhead 7 - Clay Island Park Observation Platforms ` (Lake County) Apopka-Beauclair Canal Recommendations: E -44,- • .*,livou- 'x`°------m.j' S,N'""..` ""`"1"`LR41Y1'''' Continue developing this area into a regional s 40.--- Existing Conditions: aquatic park in a natural, open setting, offer- : . i ing resource-based recreational activities re- The St. Johns River Water Management District lated to the lake such as canoeing, primitive . __ (SJRWMD) is developing a plan for public ac- camping, hiking, bird watching and fishing. a cess to the recent farmland acquisitions on the This may be a potential site for a nature cen- north shore of the lake. This site is known as ter. The park could also offer a pavilion show- , the "Clay Island Portion of the Lake Apopka ing the history of Lake Apopka and primitive fir. Restoration Area". A recreation area on the campsites. Park guests would discover the his- L . . - . , west end of the property includes trails for hik- tory, stories, truths, and myths about the lake, ing and biking, observation platforms, and op- local environment and how it has played a part - portunities for bird watching (see Map 9). A throughout the area's history. Main access to �,; _ -• - possible link to a planned trail from the Lake the park would be provided from the proposed „..... L .. — _ r_r =_ -=.-.-. .� Apopka Basin to Mt. Dora would extend north Scenic Highway. L� —��-„��� •",...MINIM along the Apopka-Beauclair canal. The SJRWMD Trails in this art of the Count could be more ` ? : _ �:- -' provides tours or visits upon request by various p y • �;+ , �~ • public and governmental groups. rural in nature to maintain the character of ..- - , I. ;t. T t the area, protect the environment and to per- ,' ' �' ; t�;', �s ,r- ,ra; _ ,� �, Outside the site is the area known as Sugarloaf mit the circulation of horses on the trails. The `'T N••� � g - .. , - „. -., k_.. Mountain. The site has steep slopes and has Apopka-Beauclair canal is a possible trail route -- •' ` - r _ ", -0. ` - been the focus of numerous triathlons and bi- that could link up to the proposed Mt. Dora " fy - cycle rides in past years. Although the site Trail. � ': " j ' could be developed, it is currently under con- =�, �;f"l`" , , . • • sideration for acquisition as a regional park by L . . . t , Lake County. ter "' , "� Points of interest in the area: r- Sugarloaf Mountain ter Clay Island Lock and Dam L .. T*y-\T _,:t.7._., : ..,.,.,,=�:-,,,,Y... ..t.,�� -,,ti.:=:-rF:- _-s:.-sue,-,:•..,'-t:.x 77 "!?-;✓ "/'- .-s: - -.:'.....,-s_-..�tT_.."�.i:..-�►L+wFjS".--" wpou.+i'--l;•• •_ •FAte- LLand Design Innovations,Inc. Page 18 I r (..) .r*ter^ �.. • � , ..,....ftve,... . . �- a Apopka-- Basin Master Plan*�� ;' ` T`-; `. eninrays • Trails .• Recreation • Ecotourism r ,� ��� >,�� x �9 1� :'�'.: f .r �'.?�ys�i 1 `"y�.'llr.: .a.:�r 1 -i Map 9: Trailhead 7 - Clay Island Future Park Figure 8: Clay Island Pictures , • _.?, * _ Mt. Dora J .=_ I _ ., • __ t ��� r , Trail link ACCESS .,� ..„.;...:‘,,y=71-11-..,1„.:4_, %::•-:„:".-...›!!'/.,___' , - _ .4 flt. _ ��`�`g u i1 _.» '/ -.;: _ ;r1." ; ! omt•. t-• - ,..s s�._sr 1. WIZ ;<. LOCK AND 1 1 <'. DAM 1 ,o -- ' . . 1Z •p4.K).i01.,.A....iC;ls:4..•.`i_..1;..—.-'2,'...;,_.4...4.1.%'.,,--,-4 4:r“- t-..4 0,-F'.1..14,-i'.$...4.•.1.?T1"f,..Y_4'_•'';1_7._. TAr1CCINK Iw wwww� w w w ,4 t �.--_ �: r: ' !_ •+ �f' EXISTING t f� 1 G 1�, -r . 1 - --\ BRIDGE 1/ 1 i SM1l r.. 't1CP. Z s i . m Ir D i II ti 1 . . _k.,.A I 4 -.;.2.,_ ACCESS 1 P y • N r� �_�! Ig � 7 • OBSERVATION ;: - 4. • /L'.� _. - Y I y PLATFORMS L^� :�r- t b Pc oz tea •• ••` b < , ' ' _• LAKE `1. 0 APOPKA ; ,tC �F!„. !);il r II T,$ at }f s t t _•• • I, suGr.RioAFI "38 Bass in one hour" ~`� ;:r= May 10, 1922 LSee Map Legend on Page iii. ..-+.ar=a-. .c•s . -.et::SC,'-•••...-....-rrYix•..^ec.-ea-='+.j.. ..c-=s7 ..?tia:'.•-•Z=-sirs-a=^Lef::s:_149,7: r:-:jg.- a-......... _ -:-.. e • •iii",24.=-••.c:•-s.=-.. •.- --..r:_ - •.-. •,. r;+.a.-...s:- -- .r►?s:-4k.a..7._- •.,s:. ?— LLand Design Innovations,Inc. Page 19 ` . F Lake Apopka Basin Master Plan ��� Greenways • Trails • Recreation • Ecotourism r _ -- x'•iK:Vt .1 ...0.•.•:5.+�:�' . !17d.�•.l-3:O:.17.1%-f.:9':�' '.-J� ,f"!Z 1... ,,,,,e',.: ys A. ,a•. •.,.:o.A•. .WvL wn LW i.aIPu.�n OT-WM,A.t0.'A,W.N I:5:N'el'4(i 4.2E :'i.. � }.1"�.stf.+0,41/W#UIY IIIMUIYIY.WM �r In the last couple of years, the Orange Audu- ---- Trailhead 8 - Shorebird bon Society has been leading occasional bird- Management Area/Nature watching trips in this area. Recently, the Or- 414 .-.- . .. _ .• -•-• ange�x ange Audubon Society adopted a new strategic :z Center I • _ 1<=('::: ' plan calling for the establishment of nature education centers, one of which is proposed to .e;_g,i1,4A/VCJ ^.,^:(1.Yuii;�•j `'inif•t lltlIVIVACLUI A be within the Lake Apopka Area. The center '. . is'-. :t. ,. would serve as a facility to conduct educa- ' a. `` "' tional programs and as a meetingplace for bird Existing Conditions: p g watchers. ' • The St. Johns River Water Management District I _. area has been recognized for the variety of At the recommendation of the Florida Audubon `;ra. bird species present in the area. A Christmas Society in 1998, the St. Johns River Water Man- agement 1998 bird count (CBC) that encompassed the agement District has indicated support, in con ' P. : - entire north shore restoration Carea identified cept, for the creation of a permanent -. , 174 species of birds, the highest species total "Shorebird Management Area" on the north _ _ for an inland count in the 100-year history of shore of Lake Apopka. The proposed manage- _ the annual CBC. Bird diversity is extraordinary ment area designation is dependent upon re- ' in this area, and the bird list, which continues search into the risks of residual pesticides. to grow, now includes nearly than 300 species The management area will include a mosaic of . according to a recent estimate from SJRWMD. habitats, including some fields flooded shal - - lowly, some left fallow, and some kept as bare - According to the Orange Audubon Society, for ground, and will support numerous shorebirds ll • - - . " the past 50 years or more, the periodically and other bird species. The Orange Audubon - r =- _._ :�*: _ flooded farm fields created a surrogate wet- Society recommends that at least 2,000 acres -r land environment for the small flocks of water should be included as part of the management ;. fowl. With the public acquisition of the farms area to maintain the numbers and diversity of . + `` - in 1998, and the flooding that extended into birds. _ - .�- - winter 1998-99, waterfowl use of the area was �' unprecedented. Tens of thousands of Green According to the Florida Fish a Wildlife Conser- vation N. - winged Teal, Blue-winged Teal, Ring-necked vation Commission, birders are a great market: Ducks, and American Coots were recorded. they spend more money, and impact the com- Restricted access and the current lack of hunt- munity less than most other tourists. And they r ing provide extensive roosting and foraging don't require large capital investments the habitats for the birds free from human distur- more natural the area remains, the more at- bance. tractive it is to them. LOther types of wildlife seen in the area include --�-NT r:c_ ..c.?.T..J. .i-:- -=�:-►�Y:• _-.7.��J► .••�nr:1•__Zf:.z�:-..c.'.ems:-✓-46==-.a-_—. '...Ira? �..,...j �J �Y a':r. .J 67"r.'-t:_- ;�-1.,---• •-t:_-.►�-a7-•.�"...i).-V%...F-�-+,._- _-.i'..-i:-- - .�--r•—•-- _-i L :— Land Design Innovations, Inc. Page 20 Lake Apopka Basin Master Plan I ��� -- Greenways • Trails • Recreation • Ecotourism Map 10: Trailhead 8 — Shorebird Management Area/ Nature Center alligators, turtles, otters and bobcats. • Work with SJRWMD and the Orange 1 • - Other points of interest within the SJRWMD Audubon Society to establish a Nature restoration area include the Historic Pump Center, perhaps in the Farmers' Lodge a� - ;,�� • . r House the Farmers Lodge. These landmarks or the sod farms office. The nature cen f'7,-.T . ''h e . r .,..,t-"- =n � •ram'. should used to tell the history of Lake Apopka. ter could provide an educational re- f . , : •r •• y ' ;�,; source for bird watchers. The farmer's _ -- _�� c y-�. ' ! I , f ' . . ;Tic '' Recommendations: lodge location is not as close to the bird- M f- l ,. rn ,. - --:-4 ing area as other potential sites, there . *j� . • ��., � . ,, _ � 'n;�--: 1 •__ _ �,,�..� .:tt ,;: Staff from the SJRWMD have noted that many Iare uncertainties about future water - •T�,- #' i L �, ' L, ,fr , .,,,�'V 1 uncertainties exist at the present time regard levels in this area, and the area has lim- ited; w ?.�- ; ing the future restoration targets for much of ; , '-_ x i l~ ,� rs • �'. _ �'�' ited biological diversity. However, it is a y„j - ,. • P the District land on the northern shore of Lake pleasant natural setting for humans. It ' r, 41 : _ �z, _t _ s�;�. ,' Apopka. The future appearance of these lands �1' `• - :,i 't , is dependent upon the results of additional re 3 a, •i i;, I. a:. 3r 'K�•i could even become a key trailhead in Li '`"� E=SHO' RDS ,,. - the system if renovated for a public pur- as '1 . CO MAN '-tg •EN7 ' a: ,. • -, ' •'L ••r•I search into the behavior and risks of or- -+- ;1« . .-- f?,Y - pose. These are some of the factors to 1 rar_., u � •, - +,+ ganochlorine pesticides in wetland systems. "E iir.� be considered when making a final deci- sion��� . _-:r .,�t - • Therefore, the plans for this area should re • E�hr;y,-: sion for the Nature Center site location. _•�- - . __ , ( ,-. , " main flexible so as to take advantage of appro _ ` "y --- ....:.-- --` - •�, priate opportunities as they arise in the near ,� �FXISTIN 1 , !j`� � d ,- future. ' - •� ^BRIDGE - - -. _ - .� � ,�R�l� �' - r•-� ::: The future north shoreline for the lake has -f �' t , ' : •• ; • y not been defined. The restoration plans -_ 2 ,.�,.,�� s I ..., '' _•z s 4 FARMER S -_� g ' ► and future management of this property " . - -._, ��. LODGE �.:3 +;;}� .►> are dependent on resolution of the out- �: �~�' ie , ; � -, Hot ,c_itt Rd _ > standing issues related to potential resid \ ' - i1 ' � ; r+ - . $• ;, r,. .� � � - ;` ��_�� ual pesticide impacts on wildlife. When � -. L. . • these issues are resolved, a trail could be u + ;f -�;;;� { provided along the lake shore, connecting Ai , ? L ..,.„......„..._.,„ .__ __ .. . . _` 1 ,r = Clay Island to the Shorebird Management ._ r �' = , BIN .• -, _ _ `� �:, Area, and on to Magnolia Park in Apopka. �� ,.` y o Existing roads/paths • Continue to support the idea of preserving - -' : Source: SJR\VIviD and LDI,December 2001. the Shorebird Management Area. Provide - ••- •'k.'I L - - : SJR\VMD area boundaries - ti natural trails connecting the nature center • with the birding areas. Use signage to •l' _ ., 1 ;M t 1 highlight specific types of birds, vegeta- ,` , Ition, and habitats. - y:s ,_'•: .19.1 .-_-. _ .-+�-%T.- _.r}.i .t':�::=-.--"-Y: _,<T.T-.A .rG-: :•- �14.'.�_- :_-.►:-►�-..>t:-i:_„-.� -,_, 15' •t•` e -_ ,/u' J V-'_ .;'. -.-,-e�ti =.i e-:t.:_1P1.0 7.4.1.4..:,,2.-..+F:a.--",..-- .�,Nu--i'ti-i:r:•►>`ML:a.-tft.- i►.MS-i:!• LLand Design Innovations, Inc. Page 21 1 r . c , .,..„.3. ,._ - - _ r—_7.1s•,.,--*- :,..):-.1," • ..r.. •‘ ' --7iy•-. " . ..... ': Z .-- Lake Apopka Basin Master Plan --- ,5 ....... . , . . ..,,—,. ,.... Greenways • Trails • Recreation • Ecotourism , ....-- ,,--- --k--... ,"7. ,--.4.1... Figure 9: Shorebird Management Area/Nature Center Photographs 4r..-.. •---,,,.r.- .,,...-1..,"-., - . .,..- , : N 1 • , $ --.44,..1, . -... . .r. , •..-. • v......."' s . , , A.10.,- . lit/.5. , , 3 t .. „,,, .. . •-."1..*:I*:.!'. , . . us. , 7' .0, '''' ..-.• 4.•,•4, .41- ... .. ,,- . . . ,.. , .. ,1/4., -,i'' - - tA•vt, ; ', . , . • -4 • .... ,.- ' '''''W'... N i! ..- •. - - 4 -L.,)q- - • . ..-1'. ,, .6/ .- i -•.„.1", kr; ...i .. .. a ... .. .... ... V!'"' - •.- .., .. . -7.. -. ,' . _..,- — . , ... ".....I.... . ' ,-;.a.,- „i, , . . tik". ;4•' -4'-it. 6„.„,s-r,facr, , _„,,...,- ' • „„ ,, ,, , • ' . • g - -.../**..„,• '41110Mrf-. , r: ' -4 1 - ,•... - - 14.- .4. • .-- .x.:-' v .-"Xj.,..1m-:a - ": ''''''," .. _ ...„ - . ,... • ..,A! i.C.'r - .". _ „ - ., ..„ s •-•`• - • .•-.... ›v:iti I ...„ _, I k. v-'1' ..-‘• ,.....-. ' ,• .1 -,,... .....„, • , , ,,, ,.. •• . .. :,.. • . l'-^ . . , - ,• - •••-i. , --.„- , _ .. . • • ,,... . . ,..,, 1 --1-'4,t4%-: ;,-. ?'? . .4, . „ . ''." ' • • . -, • ...r. .• • ,r • 7 ,.. ..... , „ • ...,_ . , . - ,,, __ ..4:-i • 4.-- -- - • — . • , r .-‘4.. , ,..30'.114."' . •-.• \.•ritiftp-,„..0 „t--mt., *Ir.," . -..." .r..,, ..t,, ' ' ?At-'-i " - • • •-• . ....--11,....._ - - , - -.... 1 Existing,path through restoration area Bird watching on the shore of Lake Apopka Birds within the restoration area Farmer's Lodge ----, N - -*Air i W4: li soillir. 4 — _ -.•• , 4 L . . . , ,_ . , ,. . ., . , .. _,.. w. .. ..•,-44:: ,.. -. —- L , . .. er. , - . ,..........„__.. ...,.... ..... .... ...._ _ , _ ., _ ,....,: _ . ..,.. ,;,. ,... .... _ . _,.... . . _ ..,...,......... .., ,. ....,./... . --,...1. "1,1 • • - ' ' .0i 71,.:-30:7114 - - - a .-444 • -4-..5.,.,-.:,,,,„-...- .,-•.4 .• • — .- Is . • _ _ : ..._ • . -•••i r:. - '•:-. ...4. LBirds within the restoration area Historic Pump House View of Lake Apopka from the Pump House Apopka-Beauclair Canal .. .......:._.,............:...,....„..... ....„.:.,..e.........,......r....,:.....,..„__,.. ...._:„.........___,.....„.......:.........„.„._...,.....,_:_.......,......mliciair.,...._.2r: -:---..'...- --MA;gre.7-',,...„ •- -.....,-..c.-_—re'r.,..,.---3.=, .4:',..11.-:-.7;":-....F:S.""1....-- --.4-'-...4L.:-..-L.1:.**.F.:2a.`"?..e' LLand Design Innovations,Inc. Page 22 I ` Lake Apopka Basin Master Plan �� Greenways • Trails • Recreation • Ecotourism 7,611,14:A a.r.Ze,.V: rv.r:w:a•.ir.:,0..4,-,.,,,,ARR.. I 7":---vac 14.1t•+:9:trs:.0:O•..1A1•Kw:a.. "Al:4's4...5..4V. .w:1:1 TNVIN0.011VCVMtellfittVAtlii s.hxNcrerwiar OVOM ' 4 5 <7. Trailhead 9 - Lake Minneola Recommendations: r .t -, - Urban Waterfront Park • r .. No changes are recommended. However, in ��• �} the future, information about the Lake Apopka • -r 4' Loop should be made available at the Lake • "` °` �- Minneola Waterfront Park and along the Lake .? •,. Existing Conditions: Minneola Scenic Trail. The Lake Minneola Urban Waterfront Park is n1/214'' • :" -�'`j located in the City of Clermont. Although the 111 _% L t.am' • site is outside the Lake Apopka Basin, it repre- - • . •• . sents the gateway to the Lake Apopka loop and =;• k. to the planned Lake Minneola Scenic Trail to `'• , extend west from the West Orange Trail. This trailhead will eventually connect the Lake R Apopka Loop with the Gen. James A. Van Fleet r • t •• Trail (29 miles), increasing the accessibility to •�- - . +• kC" _ - _ - the Lake Apopka area from the state trail sys- ��''�'' • ' •t.- -- ! tern. The Van Fleet trail begins in Polk City, ,'' • - • ,4.. _ 11111111 i i' :*% w se west of the State Road 33 overpass, and runs .rVet �c , • �,� to State Road 50 in Sumter County. i _ T ' 7 %.-' '" The waterfront park is going to be upgraded ,at , Ns MOO MI - ��-�,^s' - -• i along with other lake front sites and offers the ' • $Hf 1N — -. following activities/facilities: -,� Basketball • I -.-•:;: — Playground Picnic Pavilions Lake Minneola Urban Waterfront Park Dock IRestrooms Boat Ramp I _ - :„•:1r�=c_.e a.�--. .cam`.1-..a.��rr.r-_-.r.a r�► ':'^s= .s'•�-•s.:�.:—+_- --s:•-Pv.' .._:it �= r1:'_:1'*J-- --- �a =-wc�tw=•i .4-:...+i�c=a-�--,'wwuss.",..�s+��c ja+:..--- �.avu.a=.: LLand Design Innovations,Inc. Page 23 _ _ c, _ Lake Apopka Basin Master Plan -.... , Greenways • Trails • Recreation • Ecotourism ---, ......„.„--- ..,--- ---k--.... .......,.-Map 11 : Trailhead 9 - Lake Minneola Urban Waterfront Park Figure 10: Lake Minneola Urban Waterfront Park Pictures • , elit •.).f,, ..,,, I. , . 4 4 A • . . ' t r •• ...it i 01 - • ,A,...11-,, - ' 1.- e-4.,- -4-a -, ' ---.1Pr I 7... )200 p .• • , .. . .,, Sillbilth, . _.., 0111,. ...• .7/..........'.'.''.-'-"...7 7.....- It. • Or ..,,., ________. ; — 6•• s I .....4.9q,..... Nfmre.:.13 Ct.= Jr.I 7-a h-a.:1 Pali --.....---... . . ; I 4.......,,,„„,...„„,a , . v — _-_, . I 1- ... . _ —‘.4 r -•-...-4..-...'--.0 ., -- - r"..0:1. _ ,,• , I', . liftiti .. ..• -_---- I 01 V:f h N I ,5.<• . _ t • -kramajtv_ • • -• • , -•••. ^...t.4 .... OUP• - _ _ ___ . -•. 1 i . I ---", _ _ - . ., i ... ... . . , , —.4 11 Colt H..1: ..........,.. --....' ..... .. - , . . , . ,.. • -• .916 • ,,„ ..g.'.-- .11 • 1 . . . . . ff.." . e -..- -: „ ,..._ M . . . , /... _ .... _ . ....:. • . -- filltialr•N it-::_f_ .*-- -- t- I : . .- I. .• - . • • I.. : I --_,-r-i---- , "'NT...-. -. _ ..... .01k. . ...1.1 .....1" [ See Map Legend on Page iii. ---..c..-..2-_-.2„..,......,i-z....... .,,,,-,.,,,,...- -,-.......,.......,=7..... ......-:......--•--- --"1-....7-....3...:-..r--.....7;-...,.-_-2,--.d, -,•.....-T, .... - • _ --- irle,71.•••• .-„iir"-.2....-:-..c.-.-..-T-...".....Le:::-IC----rin'-',0. .......",..41.:-..etvi,-4,F:2•;"?....e" .....44,2---4.--,..44....-2:1%-diedi: • • ......pits.a......- 2 I_ Land Design Innovations, Inc. Page 24 )rake Apopka Basin Master Plan _...„.. ... _..e„., , :Greenways • Trails • Recreation • Ecotourism r Map 12: Greenways and Trails Master Plan B. Greenways and Trails Segment F - Lake County Preserve to Clay Is- land Park rSegment G - Clay Island Park to Shorebird Man- "Greenways and trails make up a broad mix of agement Area/Nature Center ` natural and developed areas, each with unique Ir , characteristics. Greenways and trails are typi- Segment H - Shorebird Management Area/ . ..,_._ „__ _ii-1.• 4:: catty linear corridors on land or water with Nature Center to Magnolia Park ,--�-__` ,. public access for recreation and transporta Segment I Lake Apopka Loop to Lake Minne �, oc�a \ r� tion, or a preserve for natural habitat. Green- ' .�<:�:.� `.f ola Urban Waterfront Park and Scenic Minneola �,-� y ways and trails are more than land and water, Trail/ South Lake Trail O f they are a living legacy of what Florida was in the past, and we need to protect and nurture ' 1 for the future." C -5 7 3 After the key recreation/ecotourism sites were L IF 1 identified, LDI studied the potential to connect C i those sites with greenways and trails, as close i.. �6 E to the lakeshore as possible. Greenways and k� © • A trails provide many benefits, both to individu _ $ als and to the community as a whole. They l include aesthetic beauty, recreation, physical B health and fitness, community pride, flood 3 _ control, education and appreciation, scientific 9 O �+ research and preservation. III • - i __ - The greenway/trail segments identified by LDI include: i I �•�� Segment A - Magnolia Park to Ocoee Property `�-• -_,---L ;: 1 Segment B - Ocoee to Winter Garden '-,_, l I .. �"-V I ,.,,, _ Jzr Segment C Winter Garden to Oakland Nature Preserve Segment D - Oakland Nature Preserve to Mont- i _ Basin boundary West Orange Trail verde Proposed Greenways&Trails WOT Extension Segment E - Montverde to Lake County Pre- Trail Segments serve Lake Minneola Scenic Trail O t. Trailheads/Eco-Tourism Sites .� Y :1<.}. t. rc^":-:": --.---GY--`tit].S"t. .. .: -:'..==,.s-.,....--..r:_-s«�-v0-;y -s:ws..r .:'_.j.--s3— . T44,':�_. .J r-..=-.�:.�.-r7:•�--i.-_' - •_t'ti.t:.r271:-+.s=a��_- wiKS.a'... ....:ar-- �►M3.v-!x tLand Design Innovations. Inc. Page 25 Lake Apopka Basin Master Plan -------) .5 Greenways • Trails • Recreation • Ecotourism ,..A.d: .G.",:1.•1^d.t,,,..-:L^.t„.y,L-taw+; ,. 7 - .. lr-k:-w^J'• -`'."..v.. s""S^wlaQl.l:Arciw"A'" *,e."N"'"!tIOVA-."'l!!"tYIgII 1114 M)"""w3 `445. W&W formally make a commitment to provide a trail Ma 13: Segment A Magnolia to Ocoee spur from the West Orange Trail to the r P Segment A - Magnolia Park to Lakeshore and to any recreation areas to be - -- — - Ocoee Property provided within the Ocoee property (City park, r �.� o Cp[C7� 7 ) butterfly garden, etc.). S?`UC..PNVi7-\,C/A'.Y-.'t-rt:iv;s53.1 L .! ,N.'i<fA1411Y AL.C4.1S411,A.C14 . . • 1 This segment would connect Magnolia Park with the Ocoee property. Alternatives consid- r •-'+- - eyed in past studies included using the existing right-of-way of Binion Road and McCormick c+artP.: . Road. LDI proposes establishing the connec- tion through properties currently owned by Or- ange County, north of the intersection of In- E , gram and McCormick roads (see Map 13). LAKE APOPKA The following improvements would need to take place to connect Magnolia Park and the '�':':i'k"'�` "� ' Ocoee Trailhead: ,,� a a. The west and east portions of Magnolia o :i Park need to be connected with pavers, o ,I crosswalks, and signage to take pedestrians 4 L, and bikers safely across Binion Road. L . b. Study the potential for connecting the east k' portion of Magnolia Park to the West Or- - ,,, - ange Trail through properties currently r , owned by Orange County, and along Ingram Road. Very few private property owners ' would need to be involved in establishing I this connection. c. Once on the West Orange Trail, visitors °``° a'' ' would have direct access to the Ocoee ��' property. • ,-� d. It is highly recommended that FOLA approach the City of Ocoee to have the City 1 I • -z See Map Legend on Page iii --*►y1t-••.-_ 3---r A •t-:.:'.-=�.-. 7.•1-c_.c-N. .+. ..S-_ ::-r_U-: --s:-�.:ti7=• •-i=-r0:A —c+":'- — Tea.-x:-s:_-►=y---s..,-ac:_- — --..'`�:-- _ =a.i--- wM_--t•�.f:.-K+�..vs:.a. .--?;•;----.....•IMS.i: 2 Land Design Innovations, Inc. Page 26 L I `' ` ,. Lake Apopka Basin Master Plan p �� -.� .' Greenways • Trails • Recreation • Ecotourism I • _a,le......McV1f, fSSYF:^4'GY."!C.4 L"vi.t:T'b!'O'ir.tV7032ril/Mar.7 . ....7+.-t-.♦.!V:Y,".w:0:♦',.117C4i3Y wes"..4-e1CV3v-AO0.W ►e'VC.,1.."VIT verk-'9.ltitll'rYilt.f 7 -KFO,•de,,crtiair*Auutiv old Q Map 14: Segment B - Ocoee to Winter Garden Segment B - Ocoee to Winter Garden nc,C/A•'S:T c,c+A'n';.,vr,.Eg.r£ ift.iv�.dacKn40l44,'.a614I0Y KL I There is currently a trail connecting the Ocoee property with the Winter Garden downtown co .°rnpcYv area. From that point, the following improve- ments will be necessary: mac,KA a. Improve the area along Lulu Creek into a I • Stormwater/Linear Park. b. Provide a connection from north end of Lulu Creek to the Recreation complex, ei- ther through the mobile home property, p Etr4�E�s�����Pt , which is owned by the City, as close to the Lakeshore as possible, or along Crest Ave- I nue. IWastarratf 7reatr ell 0:ail Pecreaucl Gc.rgla. Li r 1 L utr Pa•r, orilelik !- ♦ • • • Ill • , i % s‘ /../. , P :, See M_ ._---- ap Legend on Page iii r��r.'x_•- a_--�.. ,e.� ..c-a.—�--� .s a ..cam�,:<-_-v:-t:-�:-�..=-�+:- --,41.--t.�:� ..•_•:- �"- - ,P'. -y' -..- -�- _ �•-i:���'4G's:7Or0�Kl�._�1.�l�LtnF:s �.N_=-4-'-�-iti��LV.i:3 �iMS.t-�: LLand Design Innovations. Inc. Pare 27 I 6 - ..--44 ,. . Lake Apopka Basin Master Plan -__�I Greenways • Trails • Recreation • Ecotourism._...,_7 �mr.:c a704.cis S+amr:teAspia.c�v'teNe..s:L:o_a•/-..,f.sg...7 , -. '-y .17iYnr"-,.:o'.`�::.,.:v.Y.A,MQra4•-AN:.a1.4.:.-VCaTI,w+Ece mat'matnal A`svZ.tivir.mrx,1nvil .T .-E.lanw.vilSTnuunr,cnc+unr au IMap 17: Segment E - Oakland to Lake County Preserve Segment E - Montverde to Lake 1 I - County Lakefront Preserve z • 1 • ae.xroo A.550it ,C.. :w.;+► elJR. ,� g.jv rra.vrr zar,„Auts.ww.ska • Z i `1 There are two proposed alternatives for con- I g ' necting the Town of Montverde and the pro- i.e. 1: ) ', posed Lake County Preserve. One alternative • consists of a trail running along the lake. a �h� I.AxF APf)SiiA Should it be necessary due to the presence of N / PROPOSED` wetlands in the area, the trail could be in the .� '�`" i L.�Kt; COUNT i^" form of an elevated boardwalk. The second i PRE.SERVE '•, alternative would be a trail running parallel to / CR 455 (proposed Green Mountain Scenic By- ' ) way), along the former Tavares a Gulf Railroad (Seaboard Coast Line) right-of-way. Portions iI of the right-of-way are currently under private `, _ a ownership. Therefore, land acquisition or al- �,__ _'=, ternative routing would be necessary to com- E �`:yac. •. ... plete this segment. La: �..... ui - • 1 ..I s ,IVWLA C 111111' 1 1 1 L ,L, -4, Ai . , . , ^:F t " 1 :. . .... Jr t'- "s %• '.--*--....'.-, I •T _ ,' See Map Legend on Page iii 1, .'..arw-.-• ..c alF.".-,-Fr.:S.^5e54,14lar+Ilr... ".s alFh'.ec"-S.`SG�-►j•:- ---c:_�.=-.Z.•_z`--- -ri..: '•1_.2r..- :"ft.;i f ri�'_. !- 'i= r'�Y..3.~•i: '-rT--s-.,. --2/fLKwc:3+:,..--- .....11 rY....4',t21LMi j3� '-wMS-a r: LLand Design Innovations,Inc. Page 30 { Lake Apopka Basin Master Plan _------.7-..) .��' "' Greenways • Trails • Recreation • Ecotourism --m-_. - �Y 7 v,,,6S7-„aA1`sop-w;drzArp.i h`.z V:Y a,- ,�'V- ':+�:+: •. 7 -}''j,0. 47..l?„"..:`D:4.7*t:.„6_J:f`,.I:.PCai:ly sw541.4,:.i00.4-41"Ai:t •.l\A`IA'^.dR1 QmVAszr..rf'AY.P/Yla ry ig.jiOcWife.*1NAM,AMILI[hY WA IMap 18: Segment F - Lake County Lakefront Preserve to Segment F - Lake County • Lake County Clay Island Park Lakefront Preserve to Clay Is- ID — — — land Park �. �' 7,„,,A.....R'0/A^_Cf.'iwar.Y.�.i L I tluHA1K1�tsame�F .*W N 4 .,. I Oa;FRVA-iCN / I T: P te TRAILThis trail segment should be located as close to — the lake as possible. All of the lands in the ♦ �,� / area are, however, in private ownership. A .`-+-0r` ! I s , second alternative for this trail segment would I . �� .... .... .P��� `G ,� be to develop a trail along the Tavares Et Gulf 1 CLA Y ISL. ,40, ' ► Railroad right-of-way. In this case, the trail w,t_rp•-:.` PARK , would run closer to CR 455 (Green Mountain I • , ' Scenic Byway) and in some areas it would be , adjacent to the road right-of-way. — . ` , • i r 1 i Ei I- L . , 1 o / .__._ . i --_,. ,.,, ,I- _ , ., -___ _ 1 . ',i . ., , L .._, .. .. ,...,... f . pRUposr` I ,...„..,.... KE co tn..;r i .... ♦ _ _ 1. PRESERVE 1 ,- - , See Map Legend on Page iii .-••=•r•ir--•=••_..yc., 1. wc�ecs;� .e�^ti=_..c,_—... .,c-r..e -- _-�:.-,.:- -.-i_ :.—•` .:laIMEarR r _�,..c-.-- t.•_:l- ' .�cJ :'_.�r*,r-s_�-_�---�:--1«�-o.le�AL:x++c_ti,ca-••,- wP0 s,41.�a:,.s+al_Ani:a-ter• .+.+►t•.a..;:-x LLand Design Innovations, Inc. Page 31 . `' , . Lake Apopka Basin Master Plan -------:_.-:). 45 Greenways • Trails • Recreation • Ecotourism - y �Y.`:.f(7.,,A.c-x..fi. Y; f.7-2 r.M1.':•..G:V':%`-A..�J':%;'t.-:.'. .. I 1:.-. 1 ,.....{T,,,'.-...:v.,,,-t:w:0't\.4.-:.41Ay..,4.41:4^..C.VLW J.,-JW_IVA ,:T\/I;.,P*.'f..".1 tN A^3Y':i W:lflilit II s.IYLM'.NI.tYR akur Amato,- Map 19: Segment G - Clay Island Park to Shorebird Management Area Segment G - Clay Island Park to Shorebird Management Area k \\ - -- .-_. i , .. , LT%AN,A•'S•iT,ifN A'.Sf'.-,vv.-,t:M' a i vw.,(.Mnl�ror axuunv Atl/ 4 Use the existing McDonald Levee for a trail 1 { segment connecting the proposed aquatic cen- t ' 55,. ter and the shorebird management area. This ' trail should be developed to be as ,. `� - - t "rural" (unpaved) as possible. The area to the I . tea.- , ',' ~ , `� �-"' north of the levee, east of the Apopka ' 1 Beauclair Canal should be designed to allow J ,' , S H R EB 1 the use of the paths for horse back riding. I .... , . s , There are existing trails that run through the j . . . .. ' ` area. Trail connections would have to be con- _ t -, sidered. An alternative or additional trail MANAGM�N1� alignment needs to be considered running 3I ' OLFL`'-A `'I ' along the north shore of the lake in the event AREA the SJRWMD lands are flooded and to provide a 11 ; paved trail for bicycle riders and other active I 's users. This trail would run along the northern perimeter erimeter of the SJRWMD lands. These outer �- boundary lands do not comprise a continuous upland buffer surrounding the restoration • "•''6iM' , F property. Some of the land is only flow ease- ' . - • . - - ments over private property. Therefore, any `"I ' ' `"' continuous, linear outer loop trail would not ✓� ,' be feasible solely on SJRWMD property. Allow- ance of paved trails on District property would • depend on whether the trail would be consis- �' '' �} tent with the restoration project goals and . other factors. ISee Map Legend on Page iii .-' '12"._'motA-..a.'.•S':!�}_-+.Ty"Y:+�.i.71:,-1. .i-,•-:�C-.-ae=^a.---:-s:_-,+�-o.:•a_--�.-. . .`.77.. rrZze_.i!' ' ,Ss.V = Z r..'..J.7- --..:--..►.-J:sC-t--_�►���:t'\.i=---:ri_K..G:.� z1ffe--.wirsuaar JL:�Ql1G.V.i:a•ti-•.•wars. -a 1 ILand Design Innovations, Inc. Page 32 ___ I 0 x<;.-. " ` „ ;'t Lake .Apopka Basin Master Plan ) _ _ _ ,fir s e , Greenways • Trails • Recreation • Ecotourism r ,Th / --�� T —-- Y ti . '-.,« i Y. _sue .,... mrirAcgas.+.a-13 r;:cza-rAwve-a...4e*e:.*o:�.r:,a: & T ..T4e.salp:dG..-,me_4\4fi.wwv--w10lS.-4,:anMt2y`wN6.W inxic xtemcamai. yrne nliff Ty $.lvenxNrr *,i>.oawnr.w IMap 20: Segment H - Shore Bird Management Area to Magnolia Park Segment H - Shorebird Manage- ment Area to Magnolia Park F1mama• orezua.asurr,vxr,s,g,l s jvcnravrnrsrtrieaminYau SHOREE31 RD %, ; _ IThese two properties could be connected _ AC ONALD RO i_ s L1L_ through the McDonald Levee to a certain point, i� i and then through a trail to be developed along MANAGEMENT a the perimeter of the Restoration Area. The • �� City of Apopka has adopted a master plan for I `�. this area showing a boardwalk along the lake- • shore. The City and County would need to I AREA • work together to implement the provision of that boardwalk. This part of the loop would need to include not just one, but a series of i �� interconnected trails to be able to experience II the bird watching activity to the fullest. Most Pump House of these trails should be unpaved and re • + .t+1�L ' - ' stricted to pedestrian use and horseback riding • only. Another paved trail option for a bicycle 1 connection would have to be found. Farmer's Loe. e Z I I a!HOOPERFARMS.RD 1 1 1 I lie, LAKE APPOPKA i4 I, tWagrolca Park I _ , See Map Legend on Page iii -,c.. ...A.-z.-� . -:s:.-_..- -,-..rc.,c,--.. . ..r..-,-.:sue-�s�yr::�.: :---s:-.a.� ?:•-: "S:17:":77- : - :_:j.1"...-at-- :_-. - :� �r�=ties..a;. oleS:a.�-- �.srs ^r. .rcr4-.�:a-+, �•.srt5,,a r_ Land Design Innovations, Inc. Page 33 1 I r ---- - `' 7` Lake Apopka Basin Master Plan -..........7....).0_, ..„4-,..„..„,,..,..... " Greenways • Trails • Recreation • Ecotourism ,,cor.7CAssraws:xA.m.:C..rsu AYSn+s'Iaet.W40:9ere-,+:., c.7-1' ...:Ta7t:,Pv:+e• NRWxLaarcwarw LIMEWVAII042+ mxermantanri'SarmiwgroM T' $.twele%e.,Q,LLanr�►![r1Y AU iMap 21 : Segment I - Lake Apopka Loop to Clermont Segment I Lake Apopka Loop to _ • ._. jClermont/ South Lake Trail 1,_ , ,. yy S. n :0,Ctr./•,-,TGc.4^.y;,vr.Y.a. 1 Y4::r:+vr:.v.,.•AnYc=.v..,Yau ! When the Lake Apopka Loop is connected to `_ _ _`. F1 the Lake Minneola Scenic Trail/ South Lake .4 Trail (21 miles when complete), it will have ' i. i access to the Gen. James A. Van Fleet Trail (29 iikiii, miles), increasing the accessibility to the Lake - Y Apopka area. The Van Fleet trail begins in ' r- Polk City west of the State Road 33 overpass _. - and runs to State Road 50 in Sumter County. I - - - � , .� As discussed in previous sections, Lake County ' currently is working on land acquisition to con- „ix. ,—����'_ •- ,, ',� nect the West Orange Trail to the Lake Minne- -- ,.. • '= t ola Scenic Trail/ South Lake Trail. Map 21 I i` • t. '� shows the alternative alignments being consid- "` • :"" e • - - ered by the County. __ . ... , r ., . . ., . , JOT u.S w 4* I. I_ l r1MOMMINIE► See Map Legend on Page iii --.. lT :1"f.,_. a.-KS-:---- -..l9 .-_'��...ill--J.. ..L-:.,�-= --- --i.-_-..r.- '-�=-mac:-':.. :_.1 � _.��r -t.- - :-..t--s:-rL:0 7...1�.zvco..MiA+r—r- w..4,4 .As.zetrLV5:3..r. w.M].... LLand Design Innovations,Inc. Page 34 r _ _____ ,.. . . .,4 37:LT'e•f!.:-.7 ` `':TLake Apopka Basin Master Plan ~1 '�i ---, -° 2 '. Greenways • Trails • Recreation • Ecotourism IMPLEMENTATION .'i I This master plan provides the conceptual from a paved trail in more urban areas, to an Segment B The WOT section will continue framework for the development of the green- elevated boardwalk if the trail is crossing wet- C. Ownership & Maintenance • to be owned and maintained by the ways and trails around Lake Apopka. This lands or environmentally sensitive areas. County. The section of the trail connect- document needs to be presented to the ing the WOT with the Wastewater Treat- In order to maintain a common theme Aspotential ro ects are identified and a elected officials of the various municipalities throw hout the loop, it is recommended that p e meet Plant along Lulu Creek should be involved fora royal in the form of a resolu- g - proved for implementation by the various juris- pp designguidelines be established upfront owned by the City of Winter Garden (City tion. The resolution should also state that the g e dictions involved, a decision will need to be Park) and maintained by the City and the specific municipality will work with the other (signage and architecture, for example). made regarding who will be the owner of spe County, since it will be an extension of the I_ municipalities and agencies, and FOLA to im- As part of the design phase, the proposed trait cific sites (County, City, or other agency), and WOT, through an interlocal agreement. element the conceptual trail master plan. segments will need to be studied in more de- who will be responsible for the operation and The segment connecting the Wastewater tail to determine feasibility of acquisition (see maintenance of the facilities. The following Treatment Plant and the recreation com- I next section). are some suggestions: plex to the west should be owned and Q. Design • Magnolia Park - Continue under Orange maintained by the City. County ownership and maintenance. • Winter Garden - The facilities within the • Segment A - Orange County should be in Winter Garden Recreation Complex should Once • this master plan has been endorsed by all B, Acquisition charge of the acquisition, maintenance and continue to be owned and maintained by the jurisdictions and agencies involved, the operation of the new trail segment by the City. L second step in the process, the design phase, making it part of to the existing West Or Segment C This segment follows the ex can begin. During the design phase, each one Prior to submitting an application to the Flor- ange Trail system. • isting West Orange Trail. No change in of the nine eco-tourism sites and trail seg- ida Department of Environmental Protection meets will need to be designed/redesigned to for funding of this project, it would be neces- • Ocoee Property - The Butterfly Garden ownership or maintenance is recom- I show the proposed improvements that wouldsary and the trail connectingthe West Orange mended. However, a trail stub should be P P P to contact all the owners of lands to beconsidered to run alongTub Street, from attract visitors to the lake. In some instances, acquired to obtain sale/purchase agreements. Trail and the Butterfly Garden (and the the improvements may be minor as is the case LDI has started preparing a document that con- lake) should be owned by the City of the WOT to the lake, passing through I with the West Orange Trail segments already in tains an inventory of potential acquisition Ocoee. There may be a public private Spears Park. •place, and in other cases they may involve ma- sites. The list shows the property owner agreement for the operation and mainte- Oakland Nature Preserve - No change in jor improvements ranging from acquisition to name, property identification number, acre- nance of the Garden. The City may also be p p y ownership or maintenance necessary. development, as is the case of the proposed age, assessed value, and other information the responsible agency for the mainte- Lake County Lakefront Preserve. that will be of use at the time of site selection nance of the trail and any boardwalks to Segment D As noted in the previous sec will need to be designed in and acquisition. That work will be available as Gated within the mitigation area. tion, this segment consist of four sub- Each trail segment g part of the design phase. segments. The WOT portion would con accordance with the setting. which could vary tinue under Orange County ownership and �Y.ti_. .71-_—.-J. .ice,:-,.=�,----.:.-Y. _s.A J. �S-:,�._S$7..-..__-�-.-►-:.--►T-: ='s..ems -Z,_-- w-:. .-J` -'T ;':-.. J#..'1...'s'.-r►Z-S:^Le7"s=-w7`0:441 c:+iiK=-W+:"..-- , j-•-.-'-.-t-r1+'i4F:���-• wirS.41.:.-2 LLand Design Innovations,Inc. Page 35 i I c: _______ = - '� t Lak, , .e Apopka Bas in Master Plan --7-----.). ' -0 = "f. ?ipreenways • Trails • Recreation • Ecotourism maintenance; the construction and main- nect the proposed County preserve to the Plans are underway for additional improve- grant, stress the fact that the proposed tenance of the South Lake Trail should be SJRWMD lands. ments, but none are proposed by this Plan. loop will connect to other existing trails, Lake County's responsibility; the Pine Is • Clay Island Park -The proposed Clay Island • Segment I - Lake County would be respon creating a larger system, covering several land Trail would be privately owned, with Park could be a joint venture between the sible for building and maintaining the municipalities and counties. an easement dedicated to the County for SJRWMD and Lake County. South Lake Trail; Clermont would be re- • The proposed system will further the pur- public use; the Montverde trail could be sponsible for the Lake Minneola Scenic pose of the State Greenways and Trails owned and operated by the Town or the • Segment G - This trail segment is recom Trail segment. Plan. County, or through a joint venture be- mended to be as natural as possible. Own- F tween the two jurisdictions. ership and maintenance may be the re- • Have the municipalities apply at the same • Montverde - The South Lake County sponsibility of the County or the SJRWMD, D. Grants & Funding time for grants to fund specific projects or Chamber of Commerce could assist the depending on how long the lands are kept segments within their jurisdictions. rTown to encourage the development of under the SJRWMD ownership. - shops •and small restaurants/cafes along • Shorebird Management Area /Nature Cen- Figure 11 identifies a number of grants that CR 455 to cater to the trail users. There ter - This could also be a joint venture in- are available to fund projects related to rec- I is no need for a formal designated trail- head the Audubon Society, Orange County, and the SJRWMD. reation, greenways 8 trails, transportation, head in this area. The entire Town, in- conservation. The table shows when applica- cluding the downtown area, Montverde tions can be submitted, contact information, Academy, historic sites and local parks • Segment H - Portions of this segment and other information that will be of use at offer interesting recreational activities. would be under SJRWMD ownership until the time of the implementation of the Lake such time as the district finishes the resto- Apopka Master Plan. • Segment E -These trail/boardwalk should ration project. If the district opts to keep be the responsibility of Lake County or the portions of the restoration area for recrea- The main source of funding to be considered I agency responsible for the proposed pre tional, conservation or educational pur- poses, for the Lake Apopka project is the Florida De serve. then the district would be the partment of Environmental Protection (FDEP), LLake CountyNature Preserve -Thispre- owner of the trail, but may have an agree- Office of Greenways of Trails (OGT). This of- • ment with Orange County for maintenance. fice is in charge of implementing the State serve could be owned and operated by the Significant coordination with private prop Greenways and Trails master plan. The OGT County, or the County could enter into an erty owners will be necessary to acquire office not only provides planning and technical agreement with another public or private the necessary lands to establish this trail assistance regarding the acquisition, establish- party interested in developing the recrea- segment. The County and the City of ment and management of greenways and trails tion area, lodging, nature trails, etc. projects, but also administers land acquisition Apopka should work together on acquiring q • Segment F - This segment requires land the necessary right-of-way for the trail to and project development grants. acquisition. See the acquisition section connect to Magnolia Park. Some issues to consider when preparing any L for possible alignments. It is recom • Clermont/Lake Minneola Urban Water- mended that the County heads the efforts front Park - This is an existingfacility. • L to acquire and develop the trail to con- yWhen applying for a greenways tt trails --- -ir.^:- ---c AF.+. ..c.- - 42"—•.iA .''''C'S.^iC—-�}:^3":---•' - ----�.'s=-s0:. 3+'_.JTr "..S..:1 -MOFar:• .J �,2,=="s:.�P-rf:.a�.1=�T`$_l"1.�L:cRyLinF jS+ti-.-. .MVe.+4"i+_.-41LMi-' ' '. wiM• :-2 LLand Design Innovations,Inc. Page 36 16 Lake Apopka Basin Master Plan r ---z--7)- 0.4 4 - , Greenways • Trails • Recreation • Ecotourism _,,,...- ---..e...._ _ rFigure 11: Grant Sources C AGENCY DUE TYPE AMOUNT REQUIRED MATCH CONTACT NUMBER I Community Planning Technical 8/1 Community Planning Initiatives $10,000 no Florida DCA 850 488 2356 Assistance Grants for small/rural local govern- [ FCT(Preservation 2000) n/a Environmental land acquisition $2.2 mil. yes Florida Community Trust(FCT)- 850-922-2207 for conservation and recreation DCA Florida Forever,Florida Communi- 8/13 Land Acquisition 1.5%of FL Forever 10%-60% DCA 850-922-2207 ties Trust Florida Recreation Development 10/12 Land Acquisition or Develop- $200,000 max. 50%for$150,000+ Bureau of Design&Recreation 850-488-7896 and Assistance Program (FRDAP) ment Services,Linda Reeves Greenways&Trails Acquisition 10/23 Land Acquisition Varies No min.,but necessary DEP,Office of Greenways&Trails 850-488-3701 program I Land and Water Conservation 7/18 Land Acquisition or Develop- $150,000(2001) 50/50 Florida D.E.P 850-488-7896 Fund ment L Pathways to Nature 12/1 Projects that enhance environ- $50,000 None Peter Stangle, National Fish & 404-679-7099 mental education activities and Wildlife Foundation bird and wildlife viewing oppor- tunities at"significant"nature Itourism destinations(100,000 Recreation&Trails Program(RTP) 1/31 Projects that provide or main- $100,000 varies DEP 850-488-3701 I (TEA-21) tain rec.trails and facilities (50:50;60:40;30:20 max.) LSource: Land Design Innovations, Inc.. October 2001. ,¢.^-•c-ca.—.ti..•,dc-:sr- --a --2c--.arm. i�-w,=---u=-.._' :.- - :..1-,1s.:..,.: :_:.Or- '"" :• C.'_:027-.,ar-.e:_-..07.-o--a.==. _-.--.�_.:-..tea:— iMc �-- r4103,4e-%.. ..W.C74..•Mc: ---_a.sska:�z LLand Design Innovations,Inc. Page 37 r • • s.. Lake Apopka Basin Master Plan--.). �'=� • . Greenways • Trails • Recreation • Ecotourism r --‘, • • .. . . .. .. . ________ . .: • r Figure 12: Inventory of Trailhead Properties Name Location Parcel Numbers Size Ownership Current Use Facilities Provided Potential Use Assessed Proposed Improvements i 1 Magnolia Park 2928&2929 S. Bin- 30-21-28-0152-00-030 east; 30-21-28- 35.12 east; •range County Park Camping, active&pas Same N/A Connect with Ocoee property/ ion Rd,Apopka 0000 00 007 west 14.34 west; sive recreation. Boat mitigation area. Consider I 2 Ocoee property(Coke) 2012 Ocoee Apopka 06-22-28-0000-00-005 270 City of Ocoee Vacant None Mixed Use Park Butterfly NA Connect with Magnolia Park Rd to the north,and Lulu Creek I3 Lulu Creek Winter Garden NA NA City Of Winter Gar- Vacant/Utility None Linear Park 1NA Use to connect WOT and Sewer Plant 101 E Crest Av 14-22-27-0000-00-039&031 7.08(1), City Of Winter Gar- Utility Treatment Plant Connect Lulu NA Review potential to connect 5.03(2) den Creek&Recrea- rCity Recreation Office 1 Surprise Dr 14 22 27 9392 20 390 NA City Of Winter Gar- Public Office Offices, pool Same NA rConnect with Lulu Creek IJohn Tanner Hall&ParkI31 vV Garden Av 14-22-27-9392-20-580 4.83 City Of Winter Gar- Public Use Meeting Hall Same NA None 4 Oakland Preserve SR 438, Oakland 20-22-27-0000-00-016 103.34 own Of Oakland Passive Recreation Amphitheater, nature Boardwalks. pavil NA Implement master plan i 1 I_ 5 Town of Montverde Montverde N/A INA /A Downtown uses in- N/A Trailhead-cam VJ/A Encourage the establishment dude shops, parks, mercial and rec- I f shops.restaurants,and personal services. reational ameni- pCafes that offer services and 6 Lake County Lakefront West shore of lake. To be determined at a later date,during 200 acres recom- Various VacanUwetlands None public Preserve/ TBD Develop a preserve L 7 Clay Island Park Between SR 455 and To be determined at a later date,during 1400 acres recom- SJRWMD Recreation/ Trails,observation plat-Aquatic Park TBD Canoe,boat launching,fish (proposed) the lake,within the Design Phase ((mended restoration forms ing. SJRWMD property L 8 Shorebird Management North shore To be determined at a later date,during 200 acres recom- SJRWMD Elevated roads Bird Sanctuary, BD Bird Sanctuary signage,trails Area/Nature Center the Design Phase mended nature center& [ TBD—To be determined at a later phase l Source: Land design Innovations, Inc., November 2001 .--. —--=Y'�=s.".1 t. -tom S:!-=�:„►3Y.`1 .t 4.z7�t .�:: _.,==-.. -.+.--=. t._-P+=-a7►.. ='s:.-*O:.-.a. i. -7.1-7-" r. -s:_-.+-=-,+'-..,-'-�_-_-...--7.-.;_,--.4.-ti-4- :+.:_wS_�-r--- �tM_•4'ti_4..:l:1ML:3--?—"" •i:.►-: ILLand Design Innovations,Inc. Page 39