Parks, natural fun starts in parks

Headline 1: Due to the hurricane, the R.D. Keene, Lake Down and Barnett boat ramps are CLOSED. Questions? Email parks@ocfl.net.

Headline 2: Due to the hurricane, EPD's Lake Lucie Conservation Area, Johns Lake Conservation Area and Eagles Roost are CLOSED. Sites will re-open after being deemed safe for public use.

Headline 3:

Headline 4:

Headline 5:

Headline 6:

Headline 7:

Headline 8:

Headline 9:

Headline 10:

Located on Lake Isleworth, R.D. Keene Park has soccer fields and provides public boat ramp access to the beautiful Butler Chain of Lakes.
R. D. Keene Park
R. D. Keene Park
Admission Fee Boat Ramp Leashed Pet Allowed Multipurpose Field Picnic Area/Grills Playground Wildlife
Hours of Operation:
Summer 6:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. / Winter 6:30 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sunday - Saturday
Phone Number: (407) 254-1940
Address:
10900 Chase RD
Windermere, FL 34786
Acreage: 52
Location:
Points of Interest:
Due to the hurricane, the R.D. Keene boat ramp is CLOSED until further notice; it will re-open after being deemed safe for public use.

R.D. Keene Boat Ramp and Lake Down Boat Ramp (Butler Chain of Lakes) are CLOSED Due to High Water Levels

  • Due to high water levels, Orange County, Florida Government has issued a precautionary lake advisory. As of Wednesday, September 11, R.D. Keene and Lake Down (Butler Chain of Lakes) are CLOSED until water levels are reduced to 9 inches above the Normal High Water Elevation (NHWE). For more information, visit OrangeCountyParks.net or email parks@ocfl.net.

    Following Hurricane Ian in 2022, Orange County Parks and Recreation established procedures regarding the opening and closure of County Boat Ramps. According to such procedures:

    Boating is likely to be safe in terms of submerged structures; varies by waterbody (e.g., levels are below the NHWE or 9 inches above the NHWE on the Butler Chain of Lakes, have returned to pre-storm levels, or levels are less than the NHWE and trending downward on two consecutive readings with no significant additional storm anticipated in the near future, if levels are near the NHWE).

    On 10/2/24, Lake Butler was 1.04 feet (12.48 inches) above Normal High Water Levels. We continue to monitor each ramp and will open when levels lower below 99.23 feet (9 inches above NHWE of 98.48 feet). At this time, we do not have a projected opening date; please use one of the other seven open Orange County boat ramps.

    If you wish to see the latest water levels:

R.D. Keene Park has two soccer fields available for a rental fee of $35/hour, a large covered playground and picnic areas. To make a reservation, please call the park directly at 407-254-1940; leave a detailed message if you reach voicemail. Please note that Orange County Parks and Recreation requires 30 days or more to schedule and complete payment and paperwork for all rentals.

We ask that all who visit the Butler Chain of Lakes observe common safe boating practices:

  • Mind your Wake! Use caution and reduced speed to minimize wake near shorelines and structures.
  • Obey all Uniform Waterway Regulatory Markers.
  • Be courteous to others and slow down!
    Help us keep the ramp and lakes safe for you and future generations!

Boat Ramp Information

  • Located on beautiful Lake Isleworth, R.D. Keene Park's boat ramp offers public access to the Butler Chain of Lakes. The boat ramp has parking for up to 49 vehicles and trailers. When the boat ramp reaches parking capacity, the entry gate will CLOSE and re-open after 2 p.m. No waiting or “drop and go” will be allowed.
  • User fees are as follows: vehicles with trailers and motorized watercraft, $5 per day (pay with exact change or check at the ramp); vehicles only, free; vehicles with non-motorized watercraft, free; and boat ramp annual pass, $150 (see below).
  • The annual recreation or business pass must be purchased at Tibet-Butler Preserve's office. Office hours are 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m.-12 p.m. on Saturdays; office is closed on Sundays.
  • ALL FISHING TOURNAMENTS AND GROUPS/CLUBS: please contact the Tibet-Butler Preserve office (407-254-1940) to schedule and register your event. Event fee and liability insurance is required.
  • Public Boat Ramp Commercial Operations Guideline
  • Public Boat Ramp Ordinance No. 2020-11

Contact Us

Orange County Parks and Recreation
4801 W. Colonial Dr.
Orlando, FL 32808

To reach a specific park: click on the A–Z tab and select the park or facility you are interested in for the phone number.
Email: parks@ocfl.net
Parks Administration: 407-836-6200
Parks' Events InfoLine: 407-836-6280
Facebook Events List: Orange County, Florida
Twitter: @OrangeCoParksFL