Dr. P. Phillips Community Park

Lakeside Recreation

Nestled along the shores of Big Sand Lake, Dr. P. Phillips Community Park sprawls across 43 acres of Orlando's landscape. Since opening in late 2007, this spacious park is known for being clean, safe, and welcoming to families of all kinds.

Natural Landscapes

The park is a patchwork of diverse environments - from lakefront views to open fields and wooded areas. If you're up for a light trek, check out the LongHorn Steakhouse Loop, a 0.6-mile trail that winds through about 10 acres of upland habitat.

This path showcases Sand pine scrub and Xeric hammock communities - a little touch of authentic Florida ecosystem right in the city. On clear days, you might even catch glimpses of Orlando attractions like the Orlando Eye from certain spots along the lake. The area's good for bird-watching too, with various birds visible around the water and natural areas. The walking paths are fantastic for a peaceful morning stroll or an evening wind-down session.

Family-Friendly Amenities

The park has options for just about everyone, with particularly good facilities for children. The recently renovated playground areas feature modern equipment for all ages - from toddlers just finding their footing to older kids seeking more adventurous climbs.

Safety's clearly a priority, with the playground fully fenced and gated, plus shade sails offering protection from Florida's sometimes intense sunshine. You'll come across climbing structures, swings, slides, and sensory play elements, all set on a forgiving rubber surface for those inevitable tumbles.

When the temperature climbs (as it tends to do in Florida), the splash pad is particularly popular. This water play area cycles through various sprayers and fountains on a timed schedule, with short breaks every hour - a thoughtful touch that gives kids a chance to rest and hydrate.

Tricolored heron wading through shallow waters at the lake edge

Photo: k7hpn (CC BY 2.0)

Sports and Activities

The park offers several athletic facilities. Well-maintained baseball and soccer fields provide plenty of space for organized sports or impromptu games, while the basketball and sand volleyball courts regularly host both serious players and casual groups just looking for some fun.

Four-legged family members haven't been forgotten either. The park includes dedicated dog park areas divided into spaces for large dogs (over 30 pounds) and small dogs (under 30 pounds), ensuring safe play for all sizes. There are water fountains for thirsty pups, and sometimes even small pools appear during warmer months so dogs can cool off.

Community Spaces

The park functions well as a gathering place. A large stage area hosts community events, while several covered pavilions can be reserved for picnics and celebrations.

These spaces, combined with picnic tables and charcoal grills scattered around the grounds, make it ideal for everything from birthday parties to family reunions. The pavilions offer welcome shade and are strategically placed near other amenities for convenience.

Visitor Convenience

Dr. P. Phillips Community Park includes several practical amenities. You'll discover plenty of parking, clean restrooms, and paved walking paths connecting the different areas.

The lakefront setting offers not only pretty views but also a space for quiet reflection and connecting with nature. Wide sidewalks across the park easily accommodate strollers or friends walking side-by-side.

Open daily from 8 AM to 8 PM, the park works for early birds and after-work visitors alike, but note that some areas like the dog park close earlier at 6 PM.