Florida opens 25.6-acre botanical and wellness park after $31m project

Florida city opens $31 million botanical and wellness park at 209-acre Tucker Ranch preserve (Image Credit: City Of Winter Garden)A former cattle ranch in Florida has gained a new purpose, bringing botanical gardens, outdoor fitness areas and wellness facilities together in a sprawling natural preserve. What began as a multimillion-dollar development project in 2024 has now opened to the public, offering residents a place to explore nature, learn about gardening and take part in health-focused activities.The city of Winter Garden officially opened the 25.6-acre Tucker Ranch Holistic Health and Wellness Park and Botanical Garden on October 23, 2026. According to the City of Winter Garden’s official announcement, the project was completed for $31 million, below the planned budget of approximately $32 million. The new facilities form part of the larger 209-acre Tucker Ranch Park and Nature Preserve, expanding its recreational and educational offerings.A two-year project transforms part of the preserveConstruction began with a groundbreaking ceremony on August 23, 2024. The 25.6-acre development was planned as an expansion of the existing nature preserve, whose first phase opened in 2018. The second phase was designed to offer more than a conventional public park. By bringing together nature, wellness facilities and educational spaces, Winter Garden aimed to create a setting where visitors could exercise, learn about nutrition and gardening, and spend time outdoors.The larger Tucker Ranch property is located at 100 Avalon Road. Its existing amenities include nature trails, a playground, picnic areas and a launch point for canoes and kayaks. Walking paths connect these facilities with the newly opened garden and wellness park.Botanical gardens and trails form the centrepieceThe new park features a botanical garden containing ornamental plants, food-producing plants and varieties intended to attract pollinators. These collections provide a setting for visitors to explore the landscape while learning about plants and their role in the environment. The grounds also include nature paths, a boardwalk and a trail system with exercise stations. A covered pavilion extending over the water, along with a pond and fountain, adds spaces for visitors to pause and enjoy the surroundings.One distinctive feature is the historic West Orange Country Club entrance arch. The city preserved the structure and relocated it within the park to create a prominent entrance to the botanical garden. Together, the landscaped gardens and outdoor amenities are intended to make the site suitable for different types of visits, from daily walks and informal exercise to nature appreciation and family outings.Retreat centre and teaching kitchen expand activitiesBeyond its outdoor facilities, the development includes a 5,000-square-foot Retreat Center with an indoor venue and screened patio. The space is intended to accommodate classes, community programmes and other organised activities. Another facility, The Ranch House, includes a demonstration kitchen, outdoor patio and fireplace. The kitchen can support educational activities centred on cooking, nutrition and food preparation.Edible Learning Gardens provide opportunities for visitors to explore gardening techniques and understand how food can be grown at home or in community settings. These facilities complement the botanical garden by connecting environmental education with everyday health and lifestyle practices. The city has also worked with local health and wellness organisations, including AdventHealth, Orlando Health and Healthy West Orange, to support the broader vision for the property. The aim is to make wellness accessible through a combination of movement, learning, social engagement and time in nature.Historic property gains a new community roleTucker Ranch has a history that predates its development as a public preserve. The property was once associated with the West Orange Country Club, which operated in the early 20th century. During the Second World War, the area also served as Camp Kent, where radar-related testing took place. The Tucker family later operated a cattle ranch on the land, and Tucker's Ranch Campground opened in 1969. The city later gained ownership of the property, paving the way for its development as a public preserve.The new botanical and wellness park builds on that history while giving the land a broader public purpose. Rather than replacing the natural setting with a conventional recreation complex, the project combines constructed amenities with gardens, water features and existing trails.Free public access to the expanded parkThe grand opening took place on October 23, 2026, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and an opportunity for visitors to tour the new facilities. Admission is free, and the park is open daily. According to the city's published schedule, Tucker Ranch operates from 8 am to 6 pm between March and October, and from 8 am to 5 pm between November and February. Parking and restrooms are available on site.With the second phase complete, Winter Garden has expanded a 209-acre preserve with facilities intended to serve families, nature enthusiasts and people interested in outdoor wellness. The $31 million project brings botanical exploration, exercise, gardening education and community programming together in one public setting.