The City of Winter Garden will celebrate the official grand opening of the Tucker Ranch Holistic Health & Wellness Park and Botanical Garden with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, October 23, 2026, at 10:00 am at 100 Avalon Road. The free, public event marks the completion of a 25.6-acre addition to the existing 209-acre Tucker Ranch Park and Nature Preserve — and residents should note that the original park will be closed the two days beforehand.
Winter Garden to Unveil Tucker Ranch Holistic Health and Wellness Park
According to the city's announcement, gates will open at 9:30 am on the day of the ceremony, with the ribbon-cutting to follow at 10:00 am. After the ceremony, guided group tours and refreshments will run from 10:30 am until noon, and the park will remain open until 6:00 pm. The city describes the new section as a "crown jewel" within Tucker Ranch, and the celebration will bring together city officials, local dignitaries, and community health and construction partners.
Construction wrapped up just over two years after the project's groundbreaking on August 23, 2024, and the city reports the work was completed on time and within budget. The new park is designed to encourage wellness, recreation, education, and connection with nature.
Grand Opening Event Timeline
For residents planning to attend — or simply hoping to visit the existing park that week — here is the full schedule, drawn from the city's official announcements.
| Date | Time | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Wed., Oct. 21 – Thu., Oct. 22 | All day | Tucker Ranch Park and Nature Preserve temporarily closed for construction and final grand opening preparations |
| Fri., Oct. 23 | 9:30 am | Gates open; earliest entry for attendees |
| Fri., Oct. 23 | 10:00 am | Ribbon-cutting ceremony officially inaugurates the new park |
| Fri., Oct. 23 | 10:30 am – noon | Guided group tours and refreshments |
| Fri., Oct. 23 | Until 6:00 pm | Park remains open to the public; 6:00 pm is the regular closing time |
The temporary closure of the existing park on October 21 and 22 is the detail most likely to catch regular visitors off guard: both the original preserve and the new section will open together at 9:30 am on Friday.
A New Oasis for Health and Community
The new addition offers a range of amenities the city says are designed around holistic health:
- The Retreat Center — a 5,000-square-foot indoor venue
- The Ranch House — featuring a demonstration kitchen, patio, and fireplace
- Botanical Garden — entered through a historic arch
- Trail system — with exercise nodes along the way
- Labyrinth
- Boardwalk and covered pavilion — built over the water
- The Farm — showcasing edible plants
Once open, Tucker Ranch will operate daily year-round: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm from March through October, and 8:00 am to 5:00 pm from November through February. Admission to the grand opening is free.
Plan Your Visit to Winter Garden's New Wellness Park
Residents and visitors should plan to attend the grand opening on October 23, 2026, by arriving after 9:30 am for the 10:00 am ceremony, and note the temporary closure of the existing park on October 21–22. The measurable indicator to watch: the official opening of the new 25.6-acre section of Tucker Ranch Park, which takes place with Friday's ribbon-cutting and continues with regular daily hours thereafter.
Sources
- City of Winter Garden to Celebrate Grand Opening of Tucker Ranch Holistic… — South Lake Tablet
- Grand Opening Ceremony of Tucker Ranch Holistic Health & Wellness Park and Botanical Garden - Oct. 23 — WGFL
- Grand Opening Ceremony of Tucker Ranch Holistic Health & Wellness Park and Botanical Garden - Oct. 23 — CWGDN
