Excitement was in the air as Mayor Demings, District 1 Commissioner Wilson, Orange County staff, construction and architecture contractors and many others joined residents to mark a historic moment in Horizon West —the groundbreaking ceremony for the long-awaited Horizon West Regional Park.

Horizon West Regional Park (HWRP) is a 215-acre park site with a master plan designed to create an unparallel public amenity for our community.

The event was kicked off by Matt Suedmeyer, Manager, Orange County Parks and Recreation who offered recognition and thanks to the many parties who have come together to make HWRP a reality. Next, the Chorus program from Bridgewater Middle School treated attendees to a beautiful rendition of our National Anthem.

Mayor Demings took to the podium to share his support for the project. He reminded attendees that HWRP originally opened in December of 2010. “We all know the saying, ‘good things come to those who wait.’ We are getting to that point and the best is yet to come!”

Commissioner Wilson echoed the Mayor’s sentiment that the park is both highly anticipated and long awaited. She acknowledged her predecessors for having the foresight and vision to maintain this as a public space and thanked current County staff and Commissioners for staying the course. She also highlighted the tremendous positive impact that both the park and future co-located branch of the Orange County Library Branch will have for residents.

With the ceremonial dirt toss complete, construction is now set to begin in the coming weeks!

About the Park Construction Plans

The master plan of HWRP came to be with the assistance of members of the public who, in 2019, participated in public surveys and meetings to offer input on what types of features were most desired by residents.

After carefully analyzing feedback, prioritizing needs and architecting the plans for the expansive facility, the groundbreaking day has finally come!

Construction will start in March on the park’s Phase 1A, which is a $15.6 million project. Initial development primarily includes infrastructure needs, such as an access road, utilities and parking, plus an inclusive playground, restrooms and an event pavilion.

Other requested amenities — a splash pad, hook-ups for a farmer’s market and kayak/canoe launch — will be constructed in phase 1B, which is currently under design. The budget for Phase 1B is $5 million and construction is expected to begin after Phase 1A is completed.

Orange County Parks and Recreation is currently celebrating 100 years in 2024! Horizon West Regional Park is one of 110 parks, trails and facilities on nearly 15,000 acres maintained by the Orange County Parks and Recreation Division.