Howell Branch Preserve, a gated park in Winter Park, offers a serene and well-maintained outdoor experience for visitors. The 10.38-acre preserve features a variety of amenities, including a large playground, a boardwalk and observation deck overlooking the wetlands, a fitness trail with exercise equipment, a picnic pavilion, and clean restrooms. The park provides a calm and inviting atmosphere, with a playground that caters to older children, offering rock climbing and hanging bars. The pavilion is spacious, with 6 tables, and is always kept clean, along with the restrooms. The park also boasts a mini free library box, an EV charging station, and ample parking space. Howell Branch Preserve serves an important environmental function, as it contains Howell Creek, which connects Lake Maitland with Lake Howell and feeds the St. John's River. The city's purchase of 43.4 acres of wetlands and floodplain lands has helped to capture water overflow and clean the stormwater before it reaches the larger waterways. While the park closes at 8:30 PM and lacks lighting for evening activities, it remains a popular destination for families, joggers, and nature enthusiasts during the day. With plans to create trails that connect the preserve to other city properties, Howell Branch Preserve continues to evolve as a valuable outdoor space for the Winter Park community.
Great park during the day. It's strange that a park that closes at 8:30 has not lights for the evening. The city should consider having some put in that at least come on till close. The bathrooms are well lit but none of the rest of the park is.
January 2024
Big playground, which is probably best for 4+. Lots of table space under a roof. Bathrooms. Lots of lawn space and a paved sidewalk to do laps around the playground without worrying about cars or running off. Wish the parking lot was paved instead of rocks.
November 2023
Quiet park with a nice field, playground and a loop to walk with exercise equipment
