Bob Deakin Short Stories

A time of reflection along the trail at Cranes Roost park in Altamonte Springs, FL. Photo by Bob Deakin

Cranes Roost Park in the Uptown Altamonte section of Altamonte Springs is the quintessential destination for the beginning or novice runner. It is a one-mile loop around picturesque North Lake, dotted throughout with places to sit, stroll, reflect, and even lie down to take a break.

Uptown Altamonte, for first-timers, is just off SR 436 between the Altamonte Mall and I-4. It is a modern facility throughout, all built within the last 20 years around what was overlooked lake shore and disconnected parking lots. The 45-acre development is lined with palms, decorative lighting and a sound system around the entire lake.

The one-mile loop is paved with a 7 foot-wide smooth path featuring two long foot bridges over lily-strewn waters with lots of hungry fish, turtles and ducks awaiting a treat. The path is narrow and usually bustling, making it troublesome for avid runners, but ideal for walkers and trotters that don’t need a passing lane.

The most appealing aspects of the park are its serenity, cleanliness and countless locations to stop and take a break. Benches are provided all along the trail, both covered and sun-splashed, as well as hundreds of seating areas on the terraced stadium of the Eddie Rose Amphitheater.

The park is a prime destination for a date or gathering with friends, as it is within a short walk of the AMC Altamonte Mall 18 movie theater, the Altamonte Mall and dozens of shops and eateries at the park entrance on SR 436. Cafe Murano is right inside the park next to the lake as an excellent rendezvous for dinner or drinks, indoors or al fresco. The restaurant is spacious and noisy but the perfect launching pad for dinner and a movie and a walk to talk about it afterward.

Summer brings free jazz concerts on the weekends, usually held on the sidewalk of the Amphitheater, named for former City Commissioner Eddie Rose. Unfortunately the immense floating stage in the lake is almost never used, which is a shame considering the visual allure of its architecture and increased visibility of patrons. Throughout the year there are numerous festivals, walks and runs for charity and a nightly schedule of events. Huge fireworks displays are set off on the Fourth of July and at the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.

The south end of Cranes Roost Park features a particularly attractive European-style plaza with well-maintained flower gardens, picnic areas, gazebos and the water fountain entertaining visitors with hydraulically-choreographed ten-minute shows at night, synchronized with musical themes. It is a great location to take the kids for a stroll and photo opportunities in front of the many dynamic backdrops.

The Uptown Altamonte development is the result of a partnership between the City of Altamonte Springs and several private entities. The trendy Lofts Apartments “urban oasis” building has been completed, which will complement the luxury, mixed-use condominium complex slated for construction in the near future directly behind the plaza and fountain area.

Parking is free and plentiful at Cranes Roost Park and throughout Uptown Altamonte, and the area is well patrolled by the Altamonte Springs Police Department. Dogs are allowed on the trail around the lake although bicycles and roller blades are not. On a warm Florida night there are few places more pleasant, easy to get to or more memorable than Cranes Roost Park. For that the City of Altamonte Springs should be proud of its leaders’ foresight back in the 1980s.

Originally published on Examiner.com Orlando in 2010

Copyright 2010