In Loch Haven Cultural Park, east of the Orlando Science Center, there is an area that is heavily used by school groups, making it extremely difficult to maintain.  To address this problem, a flexible plaza has been designed. The design of the plaza was sponsored by a National Endowment of the Arts Grant, and the plans are now complete. Use of the Park is also diminished by the lack of a clear cohesive sign system. A sign package has been designed, extending the City wayfinding system into Loch Haven Cultural Park. Improvements also include the addition of banner arms to existing OUC light poles.

The Families, Parks and Recreation Department would like to apply for $124,000 via a grant solicitation issued by Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs. The total project cost is $248,000. These funds would be used to construct the plaza, banner arms and the wayfinding sign system to make the park function better for all users.

The original source of these funds is Tourist Development Tax revenues. The County has set aside a small portion of these revenues to acquire, construct, extend, enlarge, remodel, repair, improve, or maintain cultural facilities.  A similar grant was previously awarded to the City in 2009 for the purchase and installation of the speakers and overall sound system at Lake Eola Park and in 2014 for a new sound board at the Lake Eola Amphitheater.

If awarded this grant, the City will be required to invest $124,000 in matching funds.  The Families, Parks and Recreation Department has leveraged all required match from existing CIP funds earmarked for these improvements at Loch Haven Cultural Park.