Residents looking for a quiet walk or a place to watch birds have two parks to check first: Dr. P. Phillips Community Park, run by Orange County Parks and Recreation, and Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake, run by the City of Orlando. The verified information below covers where each park is, when each is open and what each says about its trails and nature amenities. For more ideas around town, see the site's things to do page.
One note on scope: the sources reviewed for this guide describe trails, hours and amenities. They do not describe a staffed nature center at either park, so check with the park operator before planning a visit around a program or exhibit.
Dr. P. Phillips Community Park
The park's county page lists the address as 8249 Buenavista Woods Blvd, Orlando, FL 32836. It is open daily, and the hours change with the season: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. in summer and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in winter. Because the winter closing time is earlier, anyone planning an after-work walk in the cooler months should leave room before the 6 p.m. closing.
The LongHorn Steakhouse Loop
The park's trail guide describes the LongHorn Steakhouse Loop as .6 miles of trail through approximately 10 acres of upland habitat. The same guide says a leisurely walk on the entire trail, using the guide to help you, takes approximately 30 minutes.
In practical terms:
- The loop is short, so it suits a single stop rather than a full outing.
- The trail guide is meant to be used while walking, so it is worth finding the county's trail guide before you go.
- The habitat is described as upland, which is a useful detail when deciding what to wear on your feet.
Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake
The City of Orlando lists the park at 3401 South Hiawassee Road, Orlando, FL 32835. From November through March the park is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., so the closing time is an hour earlier than the winter closing time at Dr. P. Phillips Community Park.
The city's directory page lists bird watching and nature among the park's amenities. That is the clearest statement in the verified sources about birding, and it points to this park as the better-documented choice for visitors who mainly want to look for birds. The page does not name particular species or trails, so none are described here.
Holiday closure
The park is closed on Thursday, December 24 and Friday, December 25. Anyone planning a holiday-week outing should choose a different day.
Comparing the two parks
- Dr. P. Phillips Community Park: 8249 Buenavista Woods Blvd, Orlando, FL 32836. Open daily, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in winter. A .6 mile loop through approximately 10 acres of upland habitat.
- Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake: 3401 South Hiawassee Road, Orlando, FL 32835. Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from November through March. Bird watching and nature are listed amenities. Closed Thursday, December 24 and Friday, December 25.
Planning a visit
- Check the season. Hours at both parks are shorter in the cooler months, and the two parks close at different times.
- Pick the park that matches the outing. The Dr. P. Phillips Community Park loop takes approximately 30 minutes at a leisurely pace, while the city's page for Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake highlights bird watching and nature.
- Confirm the address before you drive, since both parks have an Orlando mailing address.
- Look up any holiday closures with the park operator before heading out.
Hours and closures are set by the park operators and can change, so the pages linked here are the place to confirm details. This guide will not substitute for them.
Who to contact
- Dr. P. Phillips Community Park: Orange County Parks and Recreation park page for hours and the address.
- Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake: City of Orlando park directory page for hours, amenities and closures.
Sources
Compiled from the official sources below.