Construction at Horizon West Regional Park (HWRP) is progressing steadily! As of May 2025, Phase 1A is approximately 70% complete.

The playground and restrooms have been finished and beautifully landscaped, featuring a large play structure covered by overhead shade sails. Family-friendly restroom facilities include separate sections for men, women, and a family restroom, along with drinking fountains and a bottle filler.

Currently, picnic shelters are awaiting the concrete contractor to pour the base slabs, while sod-laying crews work to cover the many acres of bare areas left by prior excavation and grading. Streets, sidewalks, and light poles are in place, creating a welcoming neighborhood hub ready to greet its first visitors. Horizon West resident, Jerry Blank, has been an enthusiastic and dedicated advocate of the parks in our community for many years. He has mapped trails, catalogued wildlife, and shared updates within the regional park boundaries so that residents can enjoy the location to the fullest throughout each phase of development!

Photos Courtesy of Jerry Blank.

Horizon West Regional Park Info

Horizon West Regional Park, located between New Independence Parkway and Bridgewater Middle School, spans an impressive 200 acres, making it one of Orange County’s largest urban parks. The main entrance is accessible via Hamlin Groves Trail. By late 2025, HWRP will offer a range of amenities that reflect the needs of the community, encompassing various unique Florida ecosystems.

The groundwork for the park’s improvements began in 2019, when our District 1 Commissioner collaborated with Orange County Parks staff to host public meetings and gather input on development plans. This level of grassroots participation in the planning process has been essential to creating a space that truly serves the community.

Construction Plans and Phases

With Phase 1A construction currently underway, HWRP is set to introduce urban-style facilities, including restrooms, a playground, picnic areas, an event pavilion, and parking lots. The future Orange County Library Branch for Horizon West will also be integrated into the park.

Phase 1A Details
Phase 1 encompasses all four designated usage zones—Active, Natural, Lake, and Passive Recreation. With a funding allocation of $15 million, Phase 1 is making considerable strides. As of early 2024, it includes basic infrastructure, paved access, utilities, signage, retention ponds, and the following amenities:

• Two paved parking lots
• Pedestrian/bicycle sidewalk access from Hamlin Groves Trail and Tiny Road
• Restroom facilities with water fountains and a bottle filler
• A large playground equipped with shade sails
• A picnic shelter featuring three picnic tables
• An expansive event pavilion with eight picnic tables, charcoal grills, a bicycle rack, and water fountains

Completion of Phase 1A is expected by mid-to-late 2025.

Future Phases

The development of HWRP will take place over the coming years, with each future phase reliant on securing additional funding. The master plan outlines possible amenities for future phases, including:

• A splash pad
• Third picnic shelter/pavilion
• Floating dock/fishing pier at Lake Hartley
• Additional walking paths
• A dog park
• Baseball/softball fields
• Pickleball and tennis courts
• Basketball courts
• Multi-purpose fields
• Disc golf
• Outdoor exercise stations
• Community center and performing arts stage
• Botanical garden
• Landscape restoration
• Additional parking lots to accommodate farmer’s markets and events

Visiting Horizon West Regional Park

Currently Closed for Construction
HWRP is closed for Phase 1A construction, with completion anticipated by mid-to-late 2025. Over the past decade, residents have enjoyed recreational activities such as cycling, horseback riding, hiking, and dog-walking within the park’s undeveloped areas. The decision by Orange County Parks and Recreation to maintain about five miles of grass trails has generated public interest and increased visitation.

As constructions progress, residents look forward to witnessing diverse flora and fauna, including native wildflowers and local wildlife, enhancing the natural beauty of the park.

Road construction on Hamlin Groves Trail will soon commence between the HWRP entrance and The Blake at Hamlin. Drivers in this area should proceed with caution, especially given reduced visibility due to the curves of the road.