News Summary
Art², a new public park in downtown Orlando, opened its doors to residents on October 11. The park features local food vendors, outdoor seating, and two stunning murals. City officials celebrated the park’s role in community engagement and culture, marking a significant addition to Orlando’s vibrant public spaces. With curated events and innovative amenities like a digital art screen, Art² aims to inspire creativity and interaction among visitors.
Orlando’s new park, Art², officially opened to the public on Saturday, October 11, at 10 a.m., marking a significant addition to downtown Orlando’s community spaces. The grand opening celebration featured City Mayor Buddy Dyer, city commissioners, and the Downtown Development Board, highlighting the park’s new role as a vibrant hub for local food, art, and community engagement.
Located at the intersection of Orange Avenue and Robinson Street, Art² offers outdoor seating, local food vendors, and a craft beverage station, managed by À La Cart, known for operating a food truck hub. Among the food vendors present at the opening were Phat Ash Bakes, Red Panda Noodle, and newcomers Eighty-Twenty Burgers and Wings, providing a wide array of options for guests.
The park also showcases two new murals: “Urban Mirage 1” by artist Stiki Dogan and “Step Into the Past: Walking Through Time” by SKIP, contributing to the artistic atmosphere of the space. Funded by the City of Orlando’s Community Redevelopment Agency, Art² adheres to the Downtown Orlando (DTO) Action Plan, which aims to enhance the downtown area through innovative public spaces.
Initially announced in 2023, Art² was projected to open in winter, but the completed project comes as a welcomed surprise to community members. The park underscores Orlando’s vision of becoming “An Awesome Outdoor City,” aiming to create a vibrant environment for residents and visitors alike.
Art² will feature a fully curated programming lineup of events alongside food vendors and art displays. A notable feature of the park is a 10×20 LED screen, which will showcase digital and animated art, providing a dynamic visual experience for visitors. As the first privatized public park in downtown Orlando, the concept has evolved since its inception in 2017, demonstrating a commitment to innovation in the urban landscape.
À La Cart plans to continuously showcase local artists at Art², maintaining the art space through community submissions and providing stipends for featured artists. This initiative is intended to keep the park current and relevant to the community’s interests and creative needs.
Food offerings at Art² will include lighter lunchtime options and specialty breakfast items from Red Panda Noodle, ensuring a diverse selection for various tastes. Additionally, the park’s “Culinary Collective” allows different food concepts to rotate, giving emerging vendors a chance to test their offerings in this bustling space.
Visitors to Art² can conveniently access two hours of free parking using the ParkDTO program, while the Ride DTO program provides free Uber-style rides within downtown Orlando. These amenities aim to enhance accessibility and encourage greater community engagement.
The opening of Art² concludes a prolonged wait for a public space designed to inspire creativity and foster interaction in the heart of downtown Orlando. With its commitment to local food, art, and community engagement, Art² is poised to become a cornerstone of downtown life, reflecting the city’s dedication to creating inviting and dynamic public spaces for everyone.
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Additional Resources
- Bungalower: Downtown Orlando’s New Art² Park Opens Saturday
- Google Search: Art Park Orlando
- Orlando Weekly: Downtown Orlando’s Newest Park Opens This Week
- Google Scholar: Orlando public parks
- Orlando Sentinel: Art² Squared – A La Cart City New Downtown Park
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Urban Parks
- Your Community Paper: À La Cart Approved to Manage Art² Park Downtown
- Google News: Art Park Orlando
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
