Welcome to Orange County Parks and Recreation's Special Events Page!
Follow us on Twitter: @OrangeCoParksFL
and on Orange County, Florida Government’s Facebook events.
Orange County Parks and Recreation has the following fun events and community meetings:
May the 4th be with you! Inaugural Moss Islesly 5K Run/Walk on Monday, May 4th!
Come run through the woods for the inaugural Moss Islesly 5K Run/Walk on Monday, May 4, at Orange County Parks and Recreation's Moss Park (12901 Moss Park Rd., Orlando, FL 32832). Dress for the Best Costumed Runner contest by wearing your favorite Star Wars(c) outfit! Those who register by April 20 are guaranteed to receive a T-shirt and medal; registration is open through race day.
- Register for $10 at OCParks5K.org (a United Way web page); all proceeds benefit Heart of Florida United Way.
- May 4th Check-in and bag pick-up begins at 5:30 p.m., costume contest at 7 p.m. and race starts at 7:30 p.m. Questions? Email parks@ocfl.net.
- Please note: the course is shell rock, compact dirt and asphalt.
- Pets are not permitted in the park; service animals are welcome.
FREE Fort Christmas Barnyard Banter Program, April 18
All ages are welcome to join in the Barnyard Banter program at Fort Christmas Historical Park on April 18, from 1-2 p.m.! Learn about raising Backyard Chickens and handling them. This is a FREE program, open to the public. Visit Fort Christmas Historical Park for more information. Questions? Email parks@ocfl.net or call the park's staff: 407-254-9310.
Here's the monthly event schedule:
- May 16: Pioneer Folk Crafts
- June 20: Hunting, Trapping, Fishing
Dance the Night Away With The Crew on Saturday, April 25
Enjoy the beautiful music of The Crew on the last Saturday of the month, from 6-9 p.m., at Renaissance Senior Center’s ballroom! Each event is open to adults ages 18 and older and all styles of dance are welcome. Cost is $20 per person; please note we are no longer accepting cash – all guests must register and pay online at tinyurl.com/TheCrewAtRSC.
You will enjoy a cool atmosphere of dance, fun and live music provided by The Crew. The band will perform a wide variety of social ballroom music, offering something for everyone and creating plenty of opportunities to dance throughout the night. Be ready to dance, socialize, and enjoy a fantastic evening! Light refreshments will be available while supplies last. Questions? Call Renaissance Senior Center at 407-254-9070 or email parks@ocfl.net.
Here's the monthly event schedule:
- Saturday, May 30
- Saturday, June 27
- Saturday, July 25
- Saturday, August 29
- Saturday, September 26
- Saturday, October 31
Hiring Strong Swimmers (closes May 24)
- Help keep guests safe in the water! Orange County Parks and Recreation is hiring strong swimmers who are responsible individuals ages 16 and older for summer lifeguard positions at Fort Gatlin Recreation Complex pool (2009 Lake Margaret Dr., Orlando, phone 407-254-9820); and Tangelo Park pool (5160 Pueblo St., Orlando, phone 407-254-9175). Salary starts at $17.22/hour. Free lifeguard certification class provided to selected candidates.
- To apply online, click "Apply" then “External Applicants”; complete your information for Lifeguard - Fort Gatlin #38385 or Tangelo Park #39126. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age and bring their I.D. and swim attire to complete the swim test if selected.
Swim test includes the following:
- 1. Swim 150 yards continuously using front crawl, breaststroke or combination of both. Transition into a two-minute tread only using the legs, and finish with a 50-yard swim. All three steps must be done without rest periods in between. Must demonstrate breath control and rhythmic breathing during the swim.
- 2. Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. Surface dive, feet-first or head-first, to a depth of 7-10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object. Return to the surface, and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point with both hands holding the object and keeping the face at or near the surface in order to breathe. Exit the water without using a ladder or steps. Timed event: complete within 1 minute and 40 seconds.
FREE Cypress Grove Park Memorial Day Salute, May 23
Enjoy a FREE patriotic Memorial Day Salute, honoring all Veterans, on Saturday, May 23, 9:45-11:30am. Bring chairs and a picnic. This event is presented by Friends of Cypress Grove Park. Visit Cypress Grove Park for more information. Questions? Email parks@ocfl.net.
Here's the patriotic program:
- Prelude 9:45 a.m.
- Program 10-11:30 a.m.
- Round Canopy Parachute Team Display
- Meaning and Folding of the American Flag
- VFW Post 2093 Community Band
- Veterans Pinning Ceremony
- POW/MIA Presentation
- Patriotic Guest Speaker
- Posting of the Colors
- VFW Post 4287 Twenty-one Gun Salute