altamontesprings

Cranes Roost Park –

Located in the heart of Uptown Altamonte, Cranes Roost Park surrounds Cranes Roost Lake. Its 1 mile of paved paths and boardwalks is a welcome reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The lake is home to numerous ducks and birds. Look for egrets, black skimmers, cormorants, ibises, anhingas, gulls, and more.

Run, walk, or take a leisurely stroll around the Cranes Roost Lake. Listen for songbirds. Rest on one of the many benches while you immerse yourself in a bit of wild Florida nestled within the city. Bring a blanket and lunch and enjoy a picnic in the grass beside the lake with your family or coworkers. Bring your dog on a leash and be sure to use the pet waste stations.

Lake Lotus Park consists of 150 acres of woods and wetlands sandwiched in between Maitland Boulevard on the south side, developed areas to the east and west, and bordering Lake Lotus on the north side. The city of Altamonte Springs purchased the land in 1972 to protect the ecosystems within its boundaries.

Saunter along 1 mile of raised boardwalks. Pause along the way to listen to bird songs and the tapping of woodpeckers. Sit on one of the benches along the boardwalk and wonder at the wildlife who play among the branches. Continue toward the lake and notice the change in the ecosystem. Keep a watchful eye for wildlife under the cover of dense greenery. The edge of the lake is teeming with fish and birds. Amble back through the forest. Feel the shade the tall trees provide while looking for the season’s blooms. Marvel at the tireless work of butterflies and insects. Several mulched paths are also waiting to be explored, each with its own mystery to discover.

Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the picnic tables or under a pavilion. Charcoal grills are available for your barbeque, and the playgrounds will keep your kids busy while you cook. Pets are not permitted. Park in the park on weekdays. On weekends, a shuttle will pick you up at the off-site parking area and transport you to the park.

Lake Lotus Park offers Pavillion rentals for your gathering. The park hosts Ranger Guided Tours, Bird Banding, Air Potato Raids, and Earth Day Celebrations. For reservations and more info, https://www.altamonte.org/959/Lake-Lotus-Park

Photo credit. Dan and Nancy Kon