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Tavares approves $13.5 million Lake County grant to develop Golden Triangle Regional Park East Campus
Summary
The Tavares City Council authorized an interlocal agreement with Lake County that accepts a $13.5 million grant to build the East Campus of the Golden Triangle Regional Park; the city will budget for long‑term maintenance and a master plan will define facilities and funding for both East and West campuses.
Tavares City Council on May 21 authorized an interlocal agreement with Lake County that accepts $13,500,000 in county funds for development of the Golden Triangle Regional Park East Campus.
The agreement — described by city staff as a 100% grant to be paid through fiscal year 2032 — covers design and construction of the East Regional Park. City staff said no local match is required; the city will be responsible for budgeting ongoing maintenance and operation through the normal budget process.
Council members and staff reviewed the multi‑year history leading to this action: a March 29, 2022 memorandum of understanding among the city, Lake County and the Central Florida YMCA to explore a public‑private partnership; a county grant of $4.8 million to purchase the YMCA property and a subsequent operational agreement executed May 17, 2023; and smaller county grants and a joint groundbreaking on April 25, 2024. The council packet included those prior agreements, city staff said.
A councilmember raised concerns about timing and balance between the East Campus work and a separate West Campus (Woodstover/Woodley fields), noting the city has limited time left on prior funding windows for West Campus improvements. City staff and other council members said the county has discussed both parks, that a master plan for East and West will be completed in about nine to 12 months, and that the master plan will identify capital improvements, costs and funding sources.
The council also discussed the selected master‑planning firm, Powell Studio Architecture of Clermont, which council staff said has been shortlisted and will lead the master plan for both campuses. Staff said the master plan will define the scope (what types of fields and facilities), costs and proposed funding sources.
The motion to approve the interlocal agreement carried by voice vote. Staff said the $13.5 million will be paid by Lake County over multiple years and that the city would present required future budget entries for maintenance and operations.
The agreement next goes to the Lake County commission for final action; city staff said they expect Tavares representation at that county meeting.
