Throughout my time in office, many Winter Springs residents have shared their interest in having a local skate park, and I’ve been amazed at the excitement from both young and old. While a skate park isn’t currently on the immediate parks and recreation plan for Winter Springs, I’m thrilled to announce that our neighbors in Casselberry are making huge strides on a fantastic new facility—the Casselberry Wheels Park!

This innovative project broke ground in April 2024, and today, September 11, 2024, they’ve reached another major milestone: the concrete is being poured!. We’re one step closer to enjoying this incredible space, which is designed for skateboarders, bikers, and families of all ages.

What to Expect at the Casselberry Wheels Park:

The 40,000-square-foot park is set to be a state-of-the-art recreation area that caters to everyone, from young beginners to experienced skaters and bikers. Here’s what will be included:

1. East Side – Family Zone:This family-friendly area will feature a “Tiny Town” bike safety training area for kids ages 2-5, a pump track for children ages 5-12, ADA-compliant playgrounds, and picnic pavilions for a fun, safe space to enjoy with little ones.
2. West Side – Thrill-Seeker Zone:For more advanced riders, this area includes a 10,000 sq. ft. snake run with bowl corners and a vert wall, an 8-foot-deep intermediate bowl, and a 15,000 sq. ft. street course filled with ledges, rails, and stair sets. A separate beginner section will also be available for those just starting out.

In addition to the skating and biking areas, the park will include a ceremonial lawn, pavilion, and restroom facilities, making it a versatile spot for events, activities, and competitions.

Opening in 2025

With Team Pain, renowned skate park designers, leading the project and Wharton-Smith, Inc. handling construction management, the Casselberry Wheels Park is on track to be completed by Spring 2025. While this cutting-edge park is located in Casselberry, it will provide Winter Springs residents with a nearby recreational facility designed for fun, exercise, and community events.

Thank you to everyone in Winter Springs who has shared their enthusiasm for skateboarding and biking with me. Although a skate park is not currently on our city’s immediate list of projects, I’m excited that such a high-quality facility is being built right next door in Casselberry. Stay tuned for more updates as the park gets closer to completion!

For more details, visit Team Pain’s official announcement.

1164 E. State Road 434 Winter Springs, FL 32708

±180,348 sq. ft., 4-story independent living facility; with a two-story 22,430 sq. ft. clubhouse/communal living area and bistro and with two four-story residential wings with 144 units and a total of 157,918 sq. ft.

The project site is made up of two parcels, one in Winter Springs and one in Longwood. The parcel in Winter Springs is 7.66 acres and makes up 92% of the site while the parcel in Longwood is 0.70 acres and makes up the other 8% of the site.

The proposed development will have a central clubhouse that will offer a restaurant, bistro, hair salon/spa, small movie theater, and areas for arts and crafts.

The applicant’s fiscal impact analysis, estimates that the increase in annual tax revenue for the city will be in excess of $90,000.

Dear Residents,

Earlier this month, Winter Springs initiated the process to update our comprehensive plan, setting the stage for a forward-thinking vision that will guide our community’s growth and development.

After issuing a Request for Proposals, we received bids from three esteemed planning firms: Inspire Placemaking Collective, RVi Planning and Landscape Architecture, and LPG Urban & Regional Planners, Inc. Following a thorough evaluation, Inspire Placemaking was selected to collaborate with us on this important endeavor. With their wealth of experience in comprehensive plan updates across Florida, including projects in Pasco County, Palm Bay, and Cocoa, we are confident in their ability to help us shape the future of Winter Springs.

Our current comprehensive plan, adopted in 2012, is due for an update to reflect the evolving needs and aspirations of our community. Through a two-phase approach, we will address state requirements in Phase 1 and embark on the broader 2050 Comprehensive Plan update in Phase 2. This process will be characterized by robust public engagement, ensuring that your voices and priorities are heard every step of the way.

As we plan for the future, accommodating projected population growth is a key consideration. With Winter Springs experiencing steady growth, it’s essential that we plan for housing and infrastructure to support our expanding community. By adhering to state projections and addressing the medium projections set forth by the University of Florida Bureau of Economic and Business Research, we are laying the groundwork for sustainable growth and development.

While we embrace growth, we also recognize the importance of responsible development. Last year, we implemented a moratorium on new development to assess our stormwater system following Hurricane Ian. While this decision slowed down some projects, it underscored our commitment to prioritizing community safety and infrastructure resilience.

As we embark on this comprehensive plan update, I encourage all residents to stay informed and engaged in the process. Your input is invaluable as we chart the course for Winter Springs’ future. Together, we can ensure that our city remains a vibrant, inclusive, and resilient community for generations to come.

Warm regards, 

Victoria K. Bruce City Commissioner, Winter Springs

I’m excited to share with you updates on two major residential projects that have recently received approval from the Winter Springs City Commission, demonstrating the city’s commitment to responsible growth and community development.

Hickory Grove Townhomes

First, Mattamy Homes is in the process of constructing a 132-unit townhome community near the intersection of S.R. 434 and Tuskawilla Road, in close proximity to Winter Springs High School and a Publix-anchored shopping center. The community will feature four different two-story townhome floorplans ranging from 1,476 to 1,709 square feet. The project will include 4.3 acres of open space that will consist of amenities such as a pool, cabana, playground, and dog park, enhancing the quality of life for future residents.

Senior Living Facility

Secondly, Amco Development is preparing to begin work on an amenity-rich, 140-unit independent living facility for residents 65 and older. Located at the intersection of S.R. 434 and Fountaintree Drive, this facility will offer modern living spaces and upscale amenities designed to foster social connections and promote well-being for our senior residents. Amenities will include a restaurant, bistro, hair salon/spa, small movie theater, and areas for arts and crafts, enriching the lives of residents and their guests.

Collaborative Decision-Making

I would like to acknowledge the Planning and Zoning Board’s diligent work in reviewing these projects. After extensive deliberation and collaboration with developers to align the projects more closely with city codes, the board has ensured that these new additions will not only meet but exceed our community’s standards.

Commitment to Sustainable Growth

It’s worth noting that the City Commission lifted its growth moratorium in late July, which had been imposed earlier in the year to focus on improvements to our stormwater infrastructure. These two projects symbolize the forward momentum that Winter Springs is taking in its development, always with an eye toward sustainability and the well-being of its residents.

Your Feedback Matters

We understand that new developments can raise questions and concerns. As always, my door is open for discussions regarding these and future projects. Together, we can ensure that Winter Springs remains a community we’re proud to call home.

Thank you for your continued trust and support.

Warm regards,

Victoria Colangelo

City Commissioner, Winter Springs

The Grove (IMPOWER Florida), is seeking a Conditional Use approval to expand their existing building. The Grove is an existing mental health treatment facility located on the north side of Old Sanford Oviedo Road in Winter Springs.

The subject site is approximately 14.5 acres of land and houses six (6) individual buildings. GCC_IMPOWER is currently licensed by the State of Florida Department of Children and Family (DCF) for 32 beds. This Conditional Use application is seeking to renovate an unused and unfurnished building and repurpose it to house female patients to allow them to apply to DCF to increase the number of permitted beds from 32 to 48 total.

The Grove Counseling Center was established in 1971 in Winter Springs and has been serving the surrounding community for more than 50 years. In 2007, Grove Counseling Center submitted a Conditional Use Application to add a 24’ by 36’ classroom building,

which was approved. The Grove Counseling Center and IMPOWER merged in 2018 to form a new organization (now IMPOWER) with more than 75+ years of combined experience in treating mental health and substance use disorders.

The Grove supports adolescents suffering from alcohol or substance abuse and in need of a more intensive individual support plan. Our voluntary residential program is available for youth 13-17 years old and the recommended stay ranges from three to six months depending on the individual’s progress.

The applicant is seeking a new conditional use approval to allow modification and 2,500 sq. ft. addition to one of the existing buildings near the southeast corner of the site.

A conditional use is required pursuant to Sec. 20-261(3) for Halfway houses, group homes and similar uses.