ROTARY CLUB OF WINDERMERE AND TOWN OF WINDERMERE PARTNER TO BUILD NEW “HEALTHY WEST ORANGE PAVILION”

Pavilion will feature covered performance stage with lighting and sound, restrooms, concessions, parking and fitness stations

May 11, 2021 — The Windermere Town Council today agreed to partner with the Rotary Club of Windermere, Inc. to build the Healthy West Orange Pavilion, an all-new outdoor space for residents to gather for celebrations, festivals, entertainment and wellness programming. The vibrant new facility will be built at the corner of Forest Street and Fifth Avenue where the town’s existing community building currently stands.

The Healthy West Orange Pavilion will include a covered stage with a retractable projection screen, lighting and sound system; men’s, women’s and family restrooms; a concession stand with kitchen; parking; and fitness stations to encourage healthy activities. Construction will begin once design plans are finalized and completion is expected before the end of 2022, at which time the pavilion will be dedicated and donated to the Town.

“For three years, a committee representing the residents of the Town and the Rotary Club has been working hard to develop a conceptual design for a pavilion that would enhance outdoor events and activities under our beautiful tree canopy,” said Rotarian Byron Sutton, who developed the idea for the Club’s project. “It is exciting that we now see it coming to fruition.”To fund the Pavilion’s construction, the Rotary Club recently secured a $1 million grant from the West Orange Healthcare District, which invests in local programs and projects to enhance the health of people living in west Orange County.

“We’re focused on cultivating healthy communities in west Orange County, and a key component of our strategy is having a strong Healthy West Orange presence throughout the District,” explained West Orange Healthcare District CEO Tracy Swanson.

The new Healthy West Orange Pavilion will serve as an anchor for increased health and wellness programming in Windermere. In addition to hosting concerts, theater and other events, the pavilion will become a location for regular health screenings, support groups, and fitness and health education classes. A Heathy West Orange signature event will also take place at the pavilion each year.

The Healthy West Orange Pavilion is part of the District’s strategy to create branded wellness destinations throughout west Orange County. The District recently announced partnerships to create the Healthy West Orange Wellness Park in Ocoee and the Healthy West Orange Heritage and Cultural Center at Winter Garden. Last year, the Healthy West Orange Arts & Heritage Center opened in downtown Oakland.