Going Green:
Oakland Park, a community dubbed as one that “respects nature
and embraces tradition,” is situated on approximately 260 acres
along the south shore of Lake Apopka, just straddling Winter
Garden and Oakland. Inspired by small towns of the early
twentieth century, the community strives to preserve the character
of “old-Florida” and the craftsmanship of quality housing; all while
being strategically integrated into the natural environment.
And that’s what sets this community apart from many others
-- at least among any others in Orange County. It is the only
community in the county with Green Development certification as
designated by the Florida Green Building Coalition. Oakland Park
incorporates sustainability into every level of the development, and
all homes built within Oakland Park must be certified underneath
FGBC, as well.
The roads, the building areas, even the utility placements, were
designed in such a way as to preserve as many significant trees
as possible. In addition to tree preservation, an arborist was
commissioned to oversee the relocation of a large number of
mature trees, creating instant foundations to the many public
park areas within Oakland Park. Native drought tolerant plants
are used throughout Oakland Park’s landscape to minimize water,
pesticide and fertilizer usage. Developers have worked extensively
to restore the shorelines of Lake Apopka and Lake Brim, and have
taken steps to continuously aid in the healthy recovery of the lakes.
The development not only features a neighborhood pool and
community garden, but a vast network of grassy areas, parks, and
open spaces. These areas are all connected by a series of walkways
and trails. The neighborhood embraces the trail which runs
through its heart - The West Orange Trail. Dubbed by community
developers as the “Main Street” of Oakland Park,this landmark
amenity delivers access to 22 miles of walkways, trails and
preserved wetlands. The West Orange Trail connects residents to
nature, as well as local shopping, dining, culture and entertainment
in Winter Garden.
24
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Winter Garden Magazine
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march 2015
Oakland Park is developed by Crescent Communities. For more
information, visit www.liveatoaklandpark.com.
Green Achievements:
•
Protect Ecosystems and Conserve Natural Resources-P11
Reuse or recycle materials on site. 8 Points
•
Protect Ecosystems and Conserve Natural Resources-P13
Conserve land via dry storm water areas that serve as
amenities. 5 Points
•
Protect Ecosystems and Conserve Natural Resources-P15
Non-listed environmental benefit points. 5 Points
•
Circulation-C1 Pedestrian structure. 9 Points
•
Circulation-C10 Non-listed environmental benefit points.
5 Points
•
Circulation-C2 Road design. 6 Points
•
Circulation-C3 Street trees. 6 Points
•
Circulation-C4 Street lights. 6 Points
•
Circulation-C5 Parking. 3 Points
•
Circulation-C6 Connections. 6 Points