Gaston Edwards Park is located on the shore of Lake Ivanhoe. I had a delightful stroll through the park after visiting the shops across the street in Ivanhoe Village. Dr. Gaston Holcombe Edwards (1875-1934) served as a surgeon in the Colon Hospital in the Panama Canal Zone. He moved to Orlando in 1919 where he practiced medicine. The history of the park goes back to the 1920's when following the land boom, the Junior Chamber of Commerce wanted to build a solarium and boat basin on Lake Ivanhoe. Orlando Mayor S.Y. Way and Dr. Gaston Edwards who was serving as the the chairman of the utilities commission disapproved of the plan. Lake Ivanhoe was Orlando's main water source and they feared it would get contaminated. In honor of his dedication to Orlando's health and well being, this park was named in honor of Dr. Gaston. Today the park offers a paved walking path with exercise stations, boat ramp, playground, and pavilion with grills. Gaston Edwards Park is a popular destination for cooking out, exercise, jet skiing, paddle boarding, or just sitting on a bench and enjoying the lake view. read more

See all

We visited this location for a Brunch in the Park event a couple of weeks ago. I won some tickets so my friend and I decided to go check it out. They had several drinks for us to sample and I didn't like any of them since I don't really drink alcohol anymore, the food was really good and we especially enjoyed the tea sandwiches and the food from Metro Diner. I can't remember all the places I tried, but I'm so excited that they had it at this park as we've been by here several times, but I never actually walked through the park. Can't wait to be back! read more

See all

ORLANDO: Gaston Edwards Park is a great nature spot with views of beautiful Lake Ivanhoe where you can take your dog along the paved walking path lined with palm trees and catch the sunset over the lake. It also connects to the Orlando Urban trail, which is 3 miles long. The park also features a playground, fitness stations, grills, and nearby fun and dog friendly places. You can access the park right across from The Lucky Lure at 1427 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32804. read more

Gaston Edwards Park - Parks Near Me - Orlando, Florida

This is a nice little park located north of the downtown area. It is an attractive park with a great vibe. This is a good definition of an urban park. You are on a lake (Lake Ivanhoe) and there is the element of nature around you, but you never forget that you are in the middle of a city. This park is also in close proximity to several shops and restaurants. All in all, this is an enjoyable park that allows you a respite from the stress of the city, but never lets you forget that you are in the middle of a metropolitan area. read more

Beautiful park' came here for an event and I was surprised how nice and big it was ! This is a place to come to for sunset! read more

See all

This park is right across from Ivanhoe Village. The park is by a lake that is very pretty. There are a few benches, but none that are facing the right direction or close enough to look over the water. So bring a blanket if you want to enjoy the breeze coming off the lake. The tree in the center of the park is gorgeous and creates the perfect canopy to sit under. I was able to relax and read book. The grass is really lush and there is lots of room for dogs and children to run around. The paths are wide and roller blading seems to be what people enjoy doing most down here. This park has exercise stations. The three I saw were for core, legs, and arms. I used the leg station because I didn't have to touch anything. The signs detailing the exercises are clean and easy to read. There could be additional stations that I did not see. There is a small playground and swing set to the far end of the park. read more

Gaston Edwards Park - Lake View - Parks Near Me - Orlando, Florida

This is the perfect way to see the city beautiful. Looking one way, there's a gorgeous lake and plenty of vegetation & wildlife. The other side of the road is full of small businesses and new pop-ups. There are public bathrooms and a small playground for small children. While some of the benches are not accessible for people that can't manage a short walk across the lawn, there are several that seem well-kept. read more

See all

As a runner, I have frequented many parks along the way. I really enjoy passing through this park. You get beautiful views of lake Ivanhoe, there's a water fountain (including one meant for water bottles), picnic tables, volleyball nets, and a playground. They also have a dock for your boating needs. There's a sports equipment store across from the lake so stand up paddleboarding is an option. One thing I really love is the businesses next to the lake- one of my fave bars (lucky lure), a Greek restaurant, etc. Definitely check these out during your visit (but skip the mediocre Mexican spot). Also just a word of advice- beware the ducks by the lake. The older male ducks can be quite vicious. read more

This park is awesome! You have a path for jogging with sections to do work outside, push ups, pull ups, etc. You have an awesome view of the lake too. I was here for Beer 'Merica and the location is very wide open. There is plenty of shade for the hot days and you need a drink or a quick bite to eat, there are plenty of options to choose from across the street. This park is dog friendly as well, just clean up after your four legged child so there isn't any funky smelling shoes brought home. Also if you want to have a picnic and watch the sunset over I-4, this isn't a bad spot for it either. read more

What's not to love? A big path to walk or ride your bike around the lake, with exercise stations along the way, two docks for paddle boarding, kayaking, or canoeing, lots of green space and great view of the water. Oh and a playground for the little ones to run around and enjoy. If you can really find fault with this little gem of a park I feel sorry for you. This is great for taking a post-meal stroll, as there are many great restaurants nearby. So you can order that cinnamon roll at White Wolf, and then walk it off. There's also a place to rent paddle boards and kayaks across the street. read more

See all

I adore this park, not only because I love parks and green space in general, but because this one is conveniently located close to my place. It's a beautiful park located on Lake Ivanhoe and offers a nice view of not only the lake, but the humming traffic of the visible interstate (I-4), which is visible from the park or from the few wooden docks on the lake. The park has a nice meandering path for walkers and joggers that follows the length of the park. The park is lush with beautiful big shady oak trees decorated with romantic hanging tree moss. There are little, secret corners of the park with benches for seating. The park even has a sand covered volleyball court which always seems to be in use with good weather. This park is another one of the beautiful gems of Orlando. read more

See all

Deserves 5 stars. This park is beautiful, but it almost seems like its being forgotten or replaced by the more prominent lakes in the area. The Doubletree (previously the Sonesta) hotel was the most convenient to this park, and every time we stayed at the hotel prior to moving to Orlando, many mornings and evenings were spent around this park watching the sun go up or set. The birds and wildlife (even otters playing around on the dock) were always out in full force either in the early morning hours or at sun down. The ducks/swans own Lake Eola, but it seems a bit more natural here. As far as having great clusters of trees and foliage, this park has it. Albeit this park doesn't completely circle Lake Ivanhoe, what is there to enjoy is still very pleasant. The workout stations are in desperate need of repair, its like they are disintegrating, and the benches are starting to look a bit weathered. Another great thing I've witnessed and wanted to take part in, is the paddle-boarding that I saw on this lake during the summer. How cool! read more

I may have said this before; anytime we can carve out some green out of a bustling urban environment, it deserves five solid stars by default. Add to that the fact that you are enjoying great lake views as well as a unique urban landscape and round it out with exercise stations, outdoor volleyball field and plenty of grassy fields and you have the perfect park. Catch me running here any given morning, and make sure to wave hello. read more

In my opinion, this is Orlando's best park. It represents well what Orlando is to me: quaint, but metropolitan/urban, and lakes. It's a super lush park space with both ample shade and open/sunny areas that wraps around Lake Ivanhoe (and often incorrectly identified as Ivanhoe Park because of that, even by me). But, you're surrounded by the buzz of Orlando's traffic. There's a small parking lot in the center for nearby access to the dock and kayak launch, but turn at the Greek Corner for more street parking and better access to the ducks and geese. The place is kept clean, has a playground and public restrooms right by the on-site restaurant (that really needs to be a seafood grill with the proximity of its patio to the boat launch), and has workout stations spread along the outer perimeter of it's sidewalks. There's good picnic spots, sand volleyball courts, sporadic benches - all surrounded by traffic buzzing along North Orange and across the lake on I-4 - and yet, still peaceful. There's hope that the final results of the I-4 Project construction will really enhance that view. A popular paddle board/kayak/jetski lake with wide sidewalks for bicycles and joggers. read more

Very cute and simple little park located right alongside Orange Ave. I enjoy running long distances, so whenever I get to Gaston Edwards Park is my favorite part of my run. There are lots of little exercises and stretching stations along the extra wide sidewalks. This is awesome because it keeps you entertained during your little workout. The water gives you a nice little breeze as well. I like that it's located across the street from a couple of rather popular bars so you can always glance over and check out what everyone else is doing in there while you're being all healthy and active! I recently discovered that there are water fountains- something that literally saved my life the other day! Much needed in the middle of a long run or exercise session!! Great spot! read more

Great park for a Sunday picnic. There is a playground for the kiddos, fitness course for those who are fitness minded, and bathroom available if you need it. You can also enjoy a great view of Lake Ivanhoe. If you arrive early enough you can get to the volleyball courts before the shirtless guys take over. Overall a nice asset to the community. read more

Stopped by to attend the "Wear Orange to end gun violence" sponsored by Moms Demand Action. Parking was easy on the side street, as the small lot was full out front. It was just a short walk; and, we got to enjoy seeing ducks, swans, and water skiers. The park is exceptionally well maintained, clean, and has a boat ramp; a very nice restaurant, a playground, and sidewalks/walking trail. The event was well attended and speakers included local government representatives, a state senator, a state representative, and an Orange County deputy. Great event, great park. read more

Nice wide sidewalks for a stroll or jog. 5 exercise stations located along N. Orange Ave. The core station is a little too close to the traffic light, people will see you trying to do sit-ups or v-ups at this station. A good amount of birds to check out on the lake side. A sand volleyball court. Plenty of benches to sit and rest at. Some parking available (maybe 15 spots) on the lake side, along N. Orange Ave. A small playground for kids and I did notice at least one poop bag station if you want to bring your dog for a walk. read more

See all

Nice area to run in, complete with exercise stations if you're into that. Lake Ivanhoe area has plenty of shops/restaurants/bars to entertain you when you're done burning energy at the park. read more

Gaston Edwards Park - Parks Near Me - Orlando, Florida

This park is located in a fantastic side of town alongside Orange Ave. An array of local shops that line the area north of downtown are just steps away. This is a nice green area that is perfect for reading or just sitting along the lakeshore on a Sunday afternoon as you watch the water skis zoom by. The greatest thing about this space is the fitness stations that are located along the running path. These stations are really something phenomenal, there is no need for pricey gym memberships with these bars and platforms. A full body workout is possible as you make your way from the pull up bars, balancing platforms, and step up platforms. The final station, which is located next to Gargill Restaurant, has a rotating balancing platform that can be compared to an Indo board, a brief balancing session here can really get those core muscles burning. Instructions for 4 different difficulty levels are found in each station and each illustrate various ways to use the equipment. Unfortunately this park is not a smoke free zone. My workout was littered with the lingering smoke of some asshole sitting near by, seems like he was watching me workout. Other than that, this is a pretty nice alternative if you're on a tight budget. read more

I've been in and around Gaston Edwards about a dozen times by now. This last time was for a picnic. I wouldn't expect to have a picnic here, because of how close it is to a somewhat busy Orange Ave, but I actually enjoyed myself. We sat on the grass, between the playground (next to Gargi's) and the volleyball courts. The weather was pleasant that day and we sat out in the open. If it was the summer, there are some shade trees to sit under. Even though I said I've been here a dozen times, I didn't realize until this last time, that there are public bathrooms attached to the back of Gargi's. The men's sink happened to not be working that day though. Thank goodness for hand sanitizer! Other times I've been here, are for a jog along their paved, widened sidewalk, which they increased probably at least a year ago. I don't think it goes all around the lake, but someone tried to tell me it does. I had heard they wanted to create a pedestrian path along I-4, similar to what they did at Lake Underhill and Eastwest. There are a few bars and restaurants across the street and a couple blocks away, so you can have a nice stroll here, before or afterward. And their free main parking lot is on the parks south end, but you can also street park for free too. read more

I've passed this park a few times but never stopped until recently. It's a pretty basic park located around Lake Ivanhoe. There is a central parking lot and a nice path to utilize if looking to go for a walk or run. There is a playground for children and several exercise stations located along the path for individuals to use. There are also benches scattered throughout the location for sitting. The park is located on Orange avenue and there are several shops, restaurants and bars in the area to explore. I like this park as an alternative to my normal park which is Lake Eola Park. It's smaller and the atmosphere is a bit different which makes for relaxing stress free night when I need one. read more

This pretty park is sandwiched right between two major Orlando roads, I-4 and Orange Avenue. The park is right along Lake Ivanhoe and is a nice escape from pavement. It is hard to forget the city is all around you though- there is a lot of road noise coming at you from every direction. Still, there is a meandering path along the lake and benches for sitting. Back in the day we used to jet ski on Lake Ivanhoe. There is a boat ramp so you can still put your boat in here but parking is limited. If you drive under the I-4 bridge you get a prettier view of the lake and can check out some nice homes. I stopped by recently to let my son play on the playground and noticed an awful stench of sewer. Stinky!! And this was right next to the restaurant? There were also some homeless folks taking up the benches and gazebos. The playground itself was worn and rusty in spots. For those reasons Gaston Edwards Park gets three stars instead of four. read more