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Local nonprofit asks Maitland for permission to advance ‘Art in the Park’ at Lake Lillie
Summary
A local nonprofit proposed a public‑art and interpretation project at Lake Lillie to highlight shared Maitland–Eatonville history and asked the City of Maitland for permission to proceed with fundraising and design. Councilmembers expressed general support and staff outlined the city’s permitting and grant‑approval processes.
A local nonprofit presented a plan to City of Maitland officials to install public art, interpretive signage and a small museum element at Lake Lillie that organizers say would celebrate the intertwined histories of Maitland and Eatonville.
The proposal, introduced by Steph Landa on behalf of Preserve History of England and Eastvale Inc., asks the city for permission to move to the next phase of development — fundraising, design and code review — and does not request direct city funding. "Importantly, we are not seeking any funds from the panel itself, but instead, we ask for your support and approval to proceed to the next phase of development," Landa told council members.
Organizers described several components they would like to develop around Lake Lillie: archways and wayfinding indicating the site’s historic name (Saint John’s Hole), an interpretive marquee listing important local dates, a restored carpenter‑style structure with museum exhibits about local founders, bronze or sculptural tributes to figures named in the presentation, and elements honoring writer Zora Neale Hurston and artist André Smith.
John Meacham, a presenter who identified himself as a lifelong local resident and landscaper, described both personal family ties to the park and the group’s motivation to record and share stories discovered during several years of walking‑tour research. A student speaker, Adam Mendelson, said he had been unaware of the local history and supported a project that would provide tangible learning opportunities for school groups.
Danielle Thomas, director of the Art and History Museum of Maitland, told the council the project connects to nationally notable local history and said the museum is willing to serve as a partner and subject‑matter resource as the concept is developed.
City staff and council members discussed next steps. Staff advised that fundraising or grant proposals that would request city funds or a city sponsorship must be routed to the council for prior review; staff also said any physical improvements (signage, sculptures, small buildings) would require coordination with the city’s permitting and parks departments. Mark (city staff) said staff would meet with the group to review design and code issues and advised the presenters to return with a developed plan for the council’s consideration when fundraising or grant requests become formal.
Council members expressed general support for the idea while cautioning that specific elements will require detailed design, code review and likely costs. No formal funding or permit approvals were made at the meeting; the presenters said they intend to begin fundraising immediately and to work with the Art and History Museum of Maitland and with city staff on next steps.
Organizers requested the city’s moral support and permission to continue plan development and community fundraising; staff recommended the group return with a more detailed plan when it seeks either grant funds routed through the city or permits for park installations.
