Cranes Roost Park brings urban trails, lakefront views
Cranes Roost Park, nestled right next to I-4 in Altamonte Springs, provides a place for humans to walk or exercise and birds to bask in 45 acres of urban lakefront space. More than a million people flock to the park every year, according to a previous Sentinel report.
Morning joggers take advantage of the one-mile loop that encircles the lake, while squirrels forage and ducks swim. Large oak trees provide shade along the lake’s northern shore while boardwalks take visitors over two sections of Cranes Roost Lake. Banners with the park’s name and logo line the walking trail, so there’s no mistaking where you are.
In pre-pandemic times, Cranes Roost was known to host popular events during weekends and holidays, live performances at its amphitheater and a regularly scheduled fountain show.
While all of that is on hold, the park functions as an easily-accessible space for getting some fresh air or exercise, perhaps taking time to sit on one of the area’s many benches for some relaxation and lake views.
Cranes Roost Park was built in 1992 around the manmade lake that serves as a drainage basin, and its name refers to flocks of sandhill cranes that roost in the area. At the time, city leaders envisioned a space similar to Orlando’s Lake Eola Park, according to previous Sentinel reporting.
Beginning in 2014, Cranes Roost was the recipient of a $3.1 million renovation to fix its boardwalks, improve the amphitheater and repair sidewalks.
When visiting the park, it’s hard to get the feeling of being away from it all — I-4 traffic can be seen and heard from most places at Cranes Roost, not to mention a view of the “Eyesore on I-4 officebuilding.But myriad birds can still be seen throughout the space and the nearby Uptown Altamonte district provides plenty of shopping and dining opportunities.
Important information
Location: 274 Cranes Roost Blvd. in Altamonte Springs
Hours: 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 7 a.m.-midnight Friday-Saturday
Amenities: Amphitheater, shaded benches, boardwalks, overlook, plaza, fountain, walking trail, lake, event venue, nearby parking, restaurants and shopping, restrooms, trash cans, wheelchair accessibility
Activities: Birding, walking, jogging, exercise, fishing, picnicking, special events, weddings
What to bring: Bring a snack to enjoy while taking in lakefront views, or bring a good book to read while sitting on benches spread throughout the park. Sunglasses may also be useful on especially bright days. Anglers may want to pack a rod, as fishing is permitted from the park’s shoreline with a freshwater fishing license.
What not to bring: Alcohol is prohibited within
the park. Skateboards, bicycles, skates, scooters and other wheeled devices are against park rules (excepting wheelchairs and mobility aids). Campfires and open flame of any kind are not allowed at Cranes Roost. Activities on the lake, including swimming and boating, are prohibited.
Pets: Well-behaved and leashed pets are welcome during regular operating hours but aren’t allowed in the amphitheater area. Owners must clean up after
their pets.
COVID-19 guidelines: Seminole County’s guidelines on pandemic safety require park patrons to wear face coverings except while exercising and maintaining a six-foot distance from others, participating in outdoor sports or eating/drinking. Visitors ages two and younger are also exempt. Social distancing reminders are spread throughout the park, and Altamonte Springs encourages visitors to be mindful of
hand washing and sanitization. Sanitization efforts are ramped up within the space.
Pro tips: While some parks offer a natural soundtrack of animal sounds and rustling leaves, the noise from I-4 and
Altamonte Springs are prevalent in the park. This is a place where it would be fine to pop in a pair of earbuds while maintaining awareness of surroundings.
More information:
407-571-8180 or altamonte. org