Lakes and rivers are a defining characteristic of Orlando and The City Beautiful boasts more than 100 lakes within its limits. From the iconic Lake Eola, with its historic fountain and bevy of swans, to tiny Lake Dot, a freshwater lake covering just 5.42 acres, the beauty of our city’s lakes and adjacent greenspaces offers both the people and wildlife of Orlando immeasurable benefits.
Many of central Florida’s lakes, including Lake Eola, were formed through naturally occurring sinkholes. Florida’s bedrock is made of limestone; a carbonate rock formed from deposits of calcified sea creatures remains over millions of years. Florida limestone is soft and sinkholes form through the natural geologic process of groundwater dissolving the limestone. The sinkhole that became Lake Eola formed in the late 1800s and its landowner, Jacob Summerlin, donated the land surrounding it to the city as a public park in 1883. Our lakes play an important role in flood control for the area and contribute to the return of water to our aquifer, the source of nearly all of Florida’s drinking water.
The Importance of Lakes
Lake ecology is as diverse as the city itself, providing habitat for plants, birds, mammals, reptiles, insects and amphibians. Nearly 30 species of wading and migratory birds live in and around the lakes including roseate spoonbills, osprey, bald eagles, wood stork, snail kites, heron and egrets and many more. Bald and pond cypress create shelter for a variety of species from nesting birds in their branches to fish and salamanders among their knees. The trees are strong and incredibly stable, protecting shorelines and structures as wind breaks during storms as well as storing surface water which reduces flooding. Manatee, otters, alligators, marsh rabbits and turtles live in and around the lakes.
Lakes are a resilient resource and, in addition to wildlife, offer opportunities for people of all ages to interact with and enjoy their relaxing beauty. From quiet contemplation to outdoor recreation, Orlando’s lakes are a gathering place for fishing, hiking, bird watching, skiing, wake boarding and canoeing.
Orlando’s 150th Anniversary
To celebrate 150 years of The City Beautiful, Orlando is hosting a year-long celebration filled with community events, historical exhibits and public art installations. Residents and visitors alike can participate in a variety of activities, including volunteering, supporting local businesses and exploring the city’s rich history. Orange County Library System has created three unique City of Orlando photo ops featuring the city’s lakes, the historic Wells’Built Hotel and Orange Avenue., currently on display at Orlando Public Library, to share some of the city’s most iconic and memorable locations.
To commemorate this historic anniversary, the public is invited to join in celebrating the past, present and future by sharing personal Orlando history. Visit engage.orlando.gov/150-anniversary to share written narratives, photos, articles, newspaper clippings or any other materials that tell an Orlando story. Contributions will be featured on the city’s community history board throughout the year.
