Winter Garden plans groundbreaking ceremony for Tucker Ranch

A groundbreaking ceremony for Phase Two of Tucker Ranch Park and Nature Preserve will take place at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 23, at 100 Avalon Road, Winter Garden. 

The 25.6-acre addition (named Tucker Ranch Holistic Health, Wellness, Teaching Farm and Family Activity Center) will be carved out of the existing 209-acre park.

The $31 million, state-of-the-art facility will include a 5,000-square-foot retreat center for programming and classes, edible and teaching gardens, an outdoor teaching kitchen, a trail system with exercise nodes, and a greenhouse. Walking paths will connect it to the existing park’s offerings which include a playground, nature trails, picnic areas, and a canoe/kayak launch. 

Construction is estimated to be completed in two years. 

Since phase one of the Tucker Ranch and Nature Preserve opened in 2018, the cattle ranch estate provides a slice of “Old Florida” for the community to enjoy the park’s authentic scenery, natural vegetation and amenities. 

“Tucker Ranch will have a long-standing positive impact on the wellbeing of residents and visitors,” Winter Garden City Manager Jon C. Williams said. “To my knowledge, no other city nationwide provides such a comprehensive outlet within a natural environment to maintain or improve an individual’s physical and mental health.” 

Tucker Ranch Park and Nature Preserve will remain open during construction. The park is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily from March through October; and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from November through February. Admission is free, and leashed dogs are welcome.