Orange County reinstates field parking for Windermere High School's off-campus stadium

After repairs to the damaged multipurpose field at Deputy Scott Pine Community Park, Orange County officials have reinstated parking on the field for Windermere’s Homecoming game, scheduled for Friday, Sept. 23.

Windermere High School principal Andrew Leftakis announced the news to Wolverine families in an email on Wednesday, Sept. 22.

"We have good news!" the email read. "I want to thank Orange County for working to resolve the parking issue at Deputy Scott Pine Community Park. Parking onsite will resume this Friday for the Homecoming football game. We're looking forward to a great game! Go Wolverines!"

We first told you about Orange County revoking the school's ability to park on the grass at Deputy Scott Pine after Leftakis sent out a message to parents on Monday, Sept. 12. 

According to Orange County Parks and Recreation Division Manager Matt Suedmeyer, the division revoked grass parking, because of the damage done to the field during the last home game, Aug. 26.

“The Parks and Recreation Division made the decision to close the multi-purpose field to car parking due to the amount of damage the fields received during the last football game,” Seudmeyer said. “With all the rain we have had lately the field is just not suitable for parking.

“Per the agreement between the county and OCPS, the county has the right to stop utilizing the multi-purpose field for parking if the field is damaged,” he said. 

That decision then forced Windermere to postpone its Sept. 16 game against Dr. Phillips — and relocate it to DP Monday, Sept. 19.

Orange County officials then announced their hope to be able to allow parking on the field for Windermere’s Homecoming game, on Tuesday, Sept. 20. 

To read our full exclusive story where we take a deep dive into the ongoing off-campus stadium controversy, click here.