Kissimmee parks director outlines Lancaster Ranch phase, new Mark Durbin community center and splash‑pad plans

Mark, the city’s Parks and Recreation director, told the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board that the department has received a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) of $2,600,000 for Phase 1b of Lancaster Ranch Park and expects construction to begin late July with a six‑to‑eight month schedule.

The director said Phase 1b will be on the same 50‑acre parcel where Green Meadows Petting Farm now operates and will include two large pavilions, a small playground and a large restroom to serve both the park and Green Meadows. “We have received GMP, guaranteed maximum price of $2,600,000 for our next phase,” the director said.

Why it matters: the Phase 1b GMP is the department’s immediate capital commitment for Lancaster Ranch; a planned Phase 2 covering roughly 100 additional acres remains unfunded and is currently scheduled in fiscal years 2028–2029. The board’s work will inform future land acquisitions and park development listed in the city’s comprehensive plan.

Department progress and timelines The director said the department is about 60% into design work on Phase 2 planning and is pursuing pre‑application reviews with permitting agencies, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the South Florida Water Management District. He cautioned that permitting remains a gating step before additional funding and construction moves forward.

The board also received a progress update on the Mark Durbin Community Center at Mark Durbin Park at Lakeside. The director said the new center is about 60% through design and will be roughly the size of the Oak Street Community Center but with a full gymnasium attached — a facility the city currently lacks for regular community use. He said the timeline was accelerated after the city negotiated a land arrangement tied to a new fire station and a bond request that will include the community center.

Splash pad, aquatic center and facilities map The department reported that the lakefront splash pad has reopened following emergency maintenance, but that a full renovation is planned in fiscal year 2029 to move mechanical systems above ground because underground equipment has repeatedly suffered from the city’s high water table. The director said the renovated splash pad may expand its footprint and will be fenced and screened to allow visible, above‑ground equipment.

The Bob Makinson Aquatic Center received an early‑season audit from Jeff Ellis & Associates — the company that also audits Disney’s aquatic operations — and staff earned an “exceeds” rating, the director said. He said the recognition reflects training standards for lifeguards and swim instructors.

Comprehensive plan, new park purchase and pickleball courts The director told the board the City Commission recently approved the city comprehensive plan and highlighted new language that formally engages the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board “as needed to help inform decisions for acquisition of parkland and development of recreation facilities and trails.” He said the city purchased a vacant lot at Thacker and Carroll streets for future park and fire‑station footprints; the park element is expected to be developed before the fire station.

The planned park will include a large rentable pavilion, a playground, restroom facilities and public water. The director also said the site will include a 16‑court, lighted outdoor pickleball complex to meet high local demand and allow tournament play.

A department‑prepared map was shown that places a one‑mile radius around each city park and recreation center; the director said the map shows near‑citywide coverage and improved trail connectivity, including links to the Shingle Creek Regional Trail.

What’s next The director said the Mark Durbin community center should be open in about a year from the presentation and that staff will bring further updates to the board as permitting, design and funding progress. He invited board member questions and participation as the department begins an update of the recreation master plan in the next fiscal year.