COLLEGE PARK, Fla. – Orlando’s beloved Albert Park in the College Park neighborhood is undergoing a significant transformation.
Residents have witnessed notable changes since June, including the removal of an iconic oak tree that had long been a community landmark and favorite spot for photographers.
The oak tree, which fell during a storm in 2020, remained a symbol of the park despite the damage. However, as of Friday, it had been mostly removed as part of the city’s plan to update and improve the space.
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City officials from Orlando explained that the changes are intended to make the park more user-friendly for all visitors. Along with the oak tree removal, the white gazebo that stood in the park will also be taken down.
In place of the gazebo, a new pavilion will be constructed. The pavilion will feature a stage for performances, additional seating for gatherings, updated lighting and fresh landscaping that includes the planting of several new trees to beautify the area.
The news has come as a surprise to some residents.
Anne Marie Melvin, a College Park resident, expressed her sadness and emotional connection to the oak tree, stating, “I’m so sad. This is like an icon in College Park. Our family loves coming here. We’ve done family picnics, we’ve created a lot of memories here,” Melvin said.
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She also shared her surprise at the changes, saying, “They did everything they could to keep it, that’s why I’m shocked they’re taking it away.”
In an effort to preserve the legacy of the old oak tree, the city has grown 100 new oak seedlings from the original tree’s acorns. The seedlings will be given back to the community to keep the spirit of the tree alive.
The distribution of the seedlings is planned for two special events.
Fifty seedlings will be handed out at a ground-breaking ceremony. The remaining 50 will be distributed during the park’s ribbon-cutting event once the renovations are complete.