From WWII until the 1990's, the area that is now Baldwin Park was owned by the US military. In 1942 the Orlando Army Air Station was established and it encompassed what is now the Orlando Executive Airport, Baldwin Park, Audubon Park, the Fashion Square Mall, and the Koger Office Center. In the early 1960's the air station closed and the land was used as a Navy training center that trained over 650,000 recruits. In 1993 the base was closed leaving a 1,000 acre hole right near downtown Orlando. The land was turned over for community and economic development.
The Lake Baldwin neighborhood takes its name from Robert H. Baldwin, who helped establish the naval training center in Orlando. The Lake Baldwin neighborhood was developed in 2007 and has won many awards including accolades from the National Association of Home Builders, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Congress for the New Urbanism. The pristine neighborhood includes 15 different house styles including cottages, bungalows, and manor homes. The Lake Baldwin neighborhood is located on the shore of Lake Baldwin, one of two lakes on the former military property.
The Lake Baldwin Running Trail is a beautiful 2.5 mile asphalt trail that runs around the perimeter of Lake Baldwin. If you walk, it takes approximately 45 minutes to complete. Along the way you go through Harbor Park and Lake Baldwin Park. The trail offers lovely views of Lake Baldwin and wildlife including endangered burrowing owls. The trail is very safe because it is closed to motorized traffic. While ideal for jogging it is also great for walkers and bikers. A number of people were pushing strollers and walking their dogs. I used the trail to try out my daughters new Lectric e bike. Lake Baldwin Running Trail connects to other trails in the area so you can easily extend your workout. read more