Ward Park
Located in the heart of Winter Park, this public 66-acre sports-focused park features baseball/softball fields and soccer fields, a playground, reservable pavilions, a fitness trail, and more. Parking is available in the adjacent Showalter Field lot.
The City of Winter Park will distribute free sandbags to its residents on Thursday afternoon at Ward Park and the Showalter Field parking lot along Perth Lane. Proof of residency is required to receive up to eight sandbags per household or business. Click here for more info.
History
Ward Park is a treasured outdoor location for baseball games and other events. Parking on church property and the grassy areas is not permitted and violators will be ticketed, photographed, displayed on this website, and towed.
1883 – A telegraph office opens at the train depot on January 1. In April, President Chester Arthur visits Winter Park. The town’s first school opens the following month.
By late summer, residents have platted a 10-square-mile town with a grid network of streets and a public park. A lakeside resort hotel site and a black residential district for domestic servants and grove workers are also laid out.
Today, the City of Winter Park continues to attract tourists and residents who enjoy its beautiful parks, stately trees, brick-lined streets, and fine shops and restaurants along Park Avenue. The community is also known for its nationally recognized Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival, Bach Festival, and strong theatre, music, and arts programs.
Amenities
Located just outside of Orlando, Winter Park is a beautiful community that offers its residents an array of amenities and activities. From top-notch schools to local boutiques, Winter Park has something for everyone.
The city’s downtown area is home to numerous restaurants and local boutique shops as well as the charming Park Avenue Hotel. It is also home to the popular Cady Way Trail.
For those who prefer to be active, there are numerous parks and trails to choose from. These include the Cady Way Park which features a playground, rental softball fields, and tennis courts. Phelps Park is another active park that includes a playground, basketball courts, tennis courts, and a picnic shelter available for rental.
Other parks in the city include the Mead Botanical Garden, which is listed as a Great Florida Birding Trail site. There is also a skateboard park, an amphitheater, a Discovery Barn, and several paved bicycle and walking paths. This unique place is a must-see!
Events
The City of Winter Park holds a number of events and activities at Ward Park throughout the year for residents and visitors to enjoy. From the Rose Garden and West Meadow to a fitness trail and walking path, there’s something for everyone here.
For a little competition before a picnic lunch, head over to the park for the 30th annual Run for the Trees Jeannette Genius McKean Memorial 5K, presented by the City of Winter Park and Track Shack. This point-to-point race includes a mile on Genius Drive, a private glimpse of old Florida wilderness that’s only open for this event! All in-person finishers receive a young tree to plant.
Parking
The parking at Ward Park is usually full on game days and other events. However, there is overflow parking available on the access road that heads east from the corner of University Blvd and Semoran Blvd. Drivers can parallel park on either side of the road, but should not block the roadway. There is also a small portion of city-owned land across Loch Lomond Drive from the Field 3 lot that may be used for baseball parking on busy days as well. Parking is never allowed on the church lot, driveways or grassy areas of private property. Violators will be ticketed.
Winter Park residents can boost their hurricane preparedness at a free sandbag distribution event on Thursday, July 13. This “Fill-It-Yourself” event is offered from 2-6 p.m. at Ward Park and Showalter Field parking lots. Shovels, bags, and sand will be provided on a first-come, first-serve basis. A limit of eight sandbags is available per household or business within the city limits. Proof of residency is required, including a driver’s license or utility bill statement. Check out this interesting post!
Driving directions from Wise Coatings Orlando to Ward Park
Driving directions from Ward Park to Red Bug Lake Park
