Tucker Ranch's new 25.6-acre park and botanical garden opens Oct. 23 in Winter Garden

Winter Garden opens Phase II of Tucker Ranch on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026. The city's post says: "Join us for a ribbon cutting ceremony to open the 25.6-acre crown jewel park and gardens within Tucker Ranch to the public." The city calls the new phase the "Tucker Ranch Holistic Health & Wellness Park and Botanical Garden".

What changed

• Amenities, as the city lists them: "a botanical garden featuring an extensive collection of ornamental, food, and pollinator plants; trail system with exercise nodes; nature paths; boardwalk; roofed pavilion extending over water; pond and fountain; and more."
• Buildings: "a 5,000-square-foot indoor venue and screened patio at The Retreat Center, as well as The Ranch House, which includes a demonstration kitchen, outdoor patio area, and fireplace".
• Connections: "Walking paths connect to Tucker Ranch's existing playground, nature trails, picnic areas, and canoe/kayak launch."
• The city's account of the build: construction of Phase II within the 209-acre preserve is complete "(and on time and in budget)", in the city's words, just over two years after the Aug. 23, 2024 groundbreaking.
• At the groundbreaking, the Orange Observer reported: "Construction of the $31 million park phase will begin this fall and is estimated to take two years."

When

• Closed: the whole park is closed Wednesday, Oct. 21 and Thursday, Oct. 22. The city says it "will be closed on Wednesday, October 21 through Thursday, October 22, due to construction."
• Opening day, Friday, Oct. 23: "The Park will reopen on Friday, October 23, at 9:30 am."
• The ribbon cutting is at 10 a.m.
• Park hours that day are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Admission is free.

Where

• Tucker Ranch Park & Nature Preserve, 100 Avalon Road, Winter Garden.

What it means if you live here

• Don't plan a visit on Oct. 21 or 22: the whole park is closed for construction.
• Opening day is free, with the gate opening at 9:30 a.m.