Dickson Azalea Park — Attraction in Orlando

H. H. Dickson Azalea Park

Dickson Azalea Park began as a natural stream, later named Fern Creek, in a deep ravine surrounded by native ferns, palms, and oaks. It once was a watering hole for cattle herders driving their animals south. State Senator Walter Rose (1888-1958) purchased 40 acres of land here in 1916 and platted most of it for development. He set aside five acres adjacent to the creek for a park, called Senator Rose park, which he deeded to the City of Orlando in 1924. In 1933, the Civitan Club presented the City Council with a proposal to beautify the overgrown park and asked the city to re-name it in honor of Colonel Henry Hill Dickson (1849-1935). An Orlando business pioneer and civic leader, Dickson devoted his energies to the beautification of Orlando, and was instrumental in planting azaleas throughout the city. In 1935, ground was broken for restoration of the overgrown property. Local landscape architect Mulford Foster designed the scheme for the park's plants, water features, bridges and paths, and Works Progress Administration labor built the park's walls and steps. Dickson Azalea Park was designated an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1991.

Washington Street Bridge By 1926, it was clear that the deteriorating wooden bridge over Fern Creek could no longer accommodate vehicular traffic that was increasing daily as Orlando's development during the Florida land Boom moved farther east. The Orlando City Council decided to replace the wooden structure with a modern, more durable bridge. In July 1926, bids were submitted by several companies. A $10,400 proposal submitted by the Concrete Steel Bridge Company of Miami Beach was selected. Headquartered in New York City, the firm was a recognized leader in construction technology. Orlando City Engineer Morton Hagartney designed the span. The Washington Street Bridge is an especially fine example of a reinforced concrete arch deck bridge. Three 20-foot-long arches form the substructure that support the bridge's deck, and cantilevered floor beams widen to provide walkways on both sides of the bridge. Urn-shaped balusters set in panels separated by low pilasters and historically-inspired light fixtures on tapered posts give the bridge a classical appearance. The Washington Street Bridge is the only bridge of its kind in the City of Orlando, and was designated a Historic Landmark by the...

This park has quiet a storied history. It used to be a watering hole for cattle and in 1924 it became a park. The land now home to Dickson-Azalea Park was purchased in 1916 by State Senator Walter Rose. Rose admired the lands natural setting, flowing creek and proximity to downtown Orlando. He thought he would be perfect for development. He held a contest to name the area and chose the suggestion of Rosearden inspired by Shakespeare's play As You Like It in which the characters Rosalind and Orlando met in the Forest of Arden. The east side of Fern Creek was plotted for homes and he left 5 acres for the park. In 1924 Rose deeded the park on both sides of the creek and known as Fern Creek Park to the City of Orlando but it soon become covered in debris.

The park was the first location of a garden center for the Orlando Garden Club. During the Great Depression this group maintained the parks through the Works Progress Administration. They appeared before the City Council and presented plans for the beautification of the park. They planted trees and shrubs to attract birds. They also requested that the name of the be changed to honor Henry Hill Dickson who was a pioneer Orlando businessman and advocate for the beautification of the city. He was gravely ill at the time and the City Council approved the garden club's request. The city of Orlando has since resumed control of the park.

Today you can visit the park and enjoy the shade trees, birds, and the bubbling water of Fern Creek which is one of only a few moving waterways in Orlando. Located in the park is the historic Washington Street Bridge built in 1926 during the Great Depression. It is the only bridge of it's kind in Orlando. There are historical markers in the park highlighting the historical importance of both the bridge and the park. There are several wooden boardwalks that cross the water and stone steps that take you up the hill. There is no dedicated parking lot so you have to find street parking in the Thornton Park neighborhood. The park is a popular site for picnics and intimate weddings. Park amenities include trails for biking, jogging, and walking and...

Dickson-Azalea is my haven near Downtown Orlando. Very quickly I am nestled into a patch Florida greenery with colorful flowers and plants throughout. The paths wind, climb and descend in such a way that your return trip can feel distinct. People can be found taking photos and marveling at the vegetation and gathering for weddings and memorials. I find it safe enough to walk at night with some ambient street lightning not too far away. The speed limit nearby is low so there is not much noise pollution. Dickson-Azalea neighbors Langford Park which is more amenity-laden with a community center, playground, mini donation library, bathrooms and covered pavilions. Langford is pretty in its own right but does not have the same lush beauty of...