Orlando has made one new step toward the development of its ambitious I-4 park concept.
The city approved a contractor, Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, ahead of the start of construction on the park project to be built underneath I-4, as reported by Orlando Business Journal. The proposed urban park, dubbed “The Canopy,” is part of Orlando’s Under I-4 Project, through which the city seeks to repurpose infrastructure underneath the interstate and transform the area into a nearly 10-acre gathering space.
The city says it plans to build sports complexes, play areas and performance spaces, as well as pedestrian-friendly walkways and bike paths. Construction was expected to start in early 2025 and now is set to be completed by Aug. 31, 2027, according to the city.
Development of “The Canopy” directly correlates with Mayor Buddy Dyer’s ever ambitious “DTO Action Plan,” an outline for a more sustainable and walkable downtown. The plan also contains the expansion of Lake Eola, the launch of Ride DTO and the extension of sidewalks and other public spaces in the area.
The Under I-4 Project will be located between West Washington and West Church streets and surrounded by South Garland and South Hughey avenues.
The Canopy will replace what was previously a parking area. As part of the ongoing efforts toward the change, Orlando late last year launched a parking initiative pilot program that introduced two new parking and visitor drop-off locations downtown.
