2025
When Hurricane Ian struck Central Florida in 2022, leaders knew there would be water damage, but what was not expected was the amount of water. The river levels rose to an historic hundred-year level, causing many across the area to lose their homes and businesses. The City of Oviedo was no exception to this rule, with one of the most popular parks in the City devastated by flood waters.
After Ian, City staff inspected Riverside Park, which suffered up to four feet of flooding from the Little Econolockhatchee River, which runs alongside the park. All of the facilities, including the tennis courts, skate park, racquetball courts, playground, pool and rec center were damaged or destroyed.
Once the skies cleared, staff got to work evaluating the damage – and it was extensive.
“The amount of damage was heartbreaking, especially for our community,” said Recreation and Parks Director Paul Belden. “We worked so hard to create programs for our seniors and kids, only to have it all taken away by a hurricane.”
The Recreation Center suffered extensive structural damage, including roof leaks, flooding, and electrical system failures. The aftermath left the center unusable, prompting local officials to close it. For many seniors who rely on the center for social activities, fitness classes, and essential services, the closure was a significant loss.
Restoration efforts took longer than initially expected due to supply chain delays and the extent of the damage. However, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Recreation and Parks staff, support from the Oviedo City Council and hard work of contractors, the Riverside Recreation Building was finally restored.
The facility was back up and running by the spring of 2025, getting staff settled back in and welcoming Oviedo seniors to come visit and give their input on what programming they would like to see.
The official ribbon cutting was held July 31, 2025 and immediately following the ceremony, staff held an open house to the large crowd.
“This had been a long time coming, and we were thrilled to reopen this space for our community, especially for our seniors,” Belden said. “We’re excited to welcome everyone back for all the amazing classes and programs they love.”
Riverside Senior Center now offers several new features and programs. Upgrades include a renovated activity room, enhanced fitness equipment, and a newly designed outdoor space for social gatherings. Additionally, the center is launching new health and wellness initiatives, educational workshops, and recreational activities tailored to senior needs.
For many in the community, the reopening of the Riverside Senior Center symbolizes a return to normalcy. Seniors can once again enjoy their favorite activities, reconnect with friends, and take advantage of the support services that the center provides.
With its doors open once again, the Riverside Senior Center remains a cornerstone of the community, offering a place of connection, learning, and enjoyment in Oviedo.
Oviedo Doubles Down on EV Charging at Center Lake Park
Oviedo is charging into the future—literally. The City of Oviedo, working hand-in-hand with Duke Energy and Miller Electric, has completed a major upgrade to the electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at Center Lake Park.
The project kicked off on July 15 and wrapped up by September 29, 2025, delivering not just a technical improvement but a boost to the city’s growing reputation as a forward-thinking, eco-friendly community.
As part of the upgrade, the aging charging stations were removed and replaced with new, high-capacity units. The two original chargers have now been swapped for models that can handle four vehicles at once—doubling capacity and meeting the growing demand from EV drivers.
It’s not just about quantity, though. Each new charger comes equipped with a faster 180-kilowatt output and convenient tap-to-pay technology, making the charging experience quicker, simpler, and more user-friendly.
To keep the system running smoothly, crews also installed new conduit and upgraded the transformer next to the nearby lift station. Even the parking lot got a refresh, with new markers added to guide drivers to the charging spots.
Recreation and Parks Director Paul Belden says the chargers aren’t just about technology—they’re about people.
“We are excited to have the new EV chargers in place for our residents and visitors to Oviedo on the Park,” Belden said. “This will allow electric vehicle owners to visit our local restaurants and take a stroll around Center Lake Park while their vehicles charge. It’s a win-win for everyone.”
Perhaps best of all, the upgrades came at no cost to the City. The chargers, transformer, and parking lot improvements were funded entirely through the project partners. The only expense for Oviedo was the replacement of three trees, covered by the city’s existing “tree bank” program after one tree was removed during construction.
With EV ownership on the rise, these upgrades ensure Oviedo is prepared to welcome drivers looking for reliable, modern charging infrastructure. The improvements are more than an investment in technology—they’re an investment in the community’s future.