Tavares, a lakefront community, is centrally in located within Lake County.  You can easily get to the beach on either side of the state, Orlando theme parks, The National Forest, or etc... In April 2010, Tavares will complete a small splash park for children.

“[The park will be] perfect for the summer time,” stated Tamera Rogers, the Community Services Director for the City of Tavares.       

The Tavares Splash Park will be located just East of the new trailhead pavilion for bikers so the community will have easy access.  “[The park] is also another new component of Tavares's waterfront destination development efforts,” said Tavares Mayor Nancy Clutts.

This park is not very big, but definitely will be fun for the little ones. 

“The Splash Park, complete with an aviation theme, will cost around 500,000 dollars,” said Rogers. That will include the pipes, pumps, cattail water spouts, seaplane feature with water spouts, fencing, landscaping, and everything else necessary to make the park both fun and functional.

Tavares is yet to discuss an age limit for the park. Bill Neron, Tavares Economic Development Director said, "This is a way to bring more people into the downtown [area]. Our vision is to be a waterfront destination, a place where you want to be. We are providing those opportunities through the Children’s Splash Park, the Seaplane Base, the Woodlea House as the Ships Store/Marina, Wooton Wonderland and fifteen events planned throughout the year.”

The splash park will be called Gator Lake and will be around 100ft in diameter. The theme will be centered around seaplanes and the lake. There will be water spouts designed as cattails along with a large colorful, whimsical seaplane whose propeller will spray water onto those below. The water will come straight from the city’s water system and will be recycled.  The water will be filtered constantly and tested weekly. According to Neron, they will start building in December or January. He also said he expects it to be very popular.

"It looks like fun," said teenager Jenna Schilling, who said she would visit the park on the weekends if she is allowed.  "I'd take my little brother to it and we could play in the park.  I'm looking forward to it."