This February, The Collage Companies proudly celebrated the official grand opening of Seven Oaks Park in Winter Park, Florida. The highly anticipated event brought together community members, local businesses, and city leaders for a vibrant ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the completion of this transformative project.
The celebration featured live music, a Pilates class, face painting, and an array of local vendors, creating an atmosphere of excitement and appreciation for the city’s newest greenspace. The event underscored Winter Park’s commitment to preserving and enhancing public parks, offering residents and visitors a beautiful retreat in the heart of the city.
A Vision for Community Greenspace
Located at the corner of Denning Drive and Orange Avenue, Seven Oaks Park stands as a testament to community advocacy, sustainable development, and thoughtful urban planning. Originally home to the Progress Energy Winter Park headquarters, the land was initially designated for commercial development under the city’s Orange Avenue Overlay (OAO) district plan. However, after much discussion and public input, the vision for the site shifted from office buildings to a public park designed for relaxation, recreation, and community engagement.
The transformation of the property was no small feat. City officials, local residents, and business leaders joined forces to ensure that the space was dedicated to green, open parkland. In 2022, the City of Winter Park took the first step toward this vision by planting seven majestic Live Oak trees, symbolizing the park’s future role as a shaded oasis amid the bustling activity of Winter Park. This act of planting trees inspired the park’s final name—Seven Oaks Park—which was chosen by popular vote from the community.
A Collaborative Effort
The success of the Seven Oaks Park project was made possible through collaboration between the City of Winter Park, The Collage Companies, LandDesign, Inc., ACi Architects. Collage served as the Construction Manager, overseeing the transformation of the site into a welcoming, functional, and scenic public space.
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Collage President, Rob Maphis, joined Winter Park Mayor Sheila DeCiccio, Parks & Recreation Director Jason Seeley, and ACi Founder Larry Adams in celebrating the park’s completion. Maphis spoke about the significance of the project, highlighting how Seven Oaks Park aligns with Collage’s mission of building projects that strengthen the foundation and fabric of the community.
“It has been an honor to bring this park to life alongside our partners at the City of Winter Park,” said Rob Maphis, President of The Collage Companies. “Seven Oaks Park is a shining example of how thoughtful planning and community involvement can create lasting, meaningful spaces for residents to enjoy for generations.”
A Park Designed for All
The newly opened Seven Oaks Park offers a tranquil escape in one of Central Florida’s most vibrant districts. Surrounded by the seven large Live Oaks, the park provides a shaded retreat for visitors to take a break from working, shopping, and dining in Winter Park. The space is designed to accommodate a wide range of activities, including:
- Walking and jogging trails
- Seating areas for relaxation and social gatherings
- Green open space for events and community activities
- Public art installations that reflect the character and history of Winter Park
Delivering Excellence Through Construction Management
As Construction Manager for Seven Oaks Park, The Collage Companies brought decades of experience and a deep understanding of collaborative project delivery to the table. Our role extended beyond simply building a park—we served as stewards of the city’s vision, coordinating with design teams, city staff, and local stakeholders to ensure that every phase of construction aligned with the community’s expectations and the project’s long-term goals.
Our construction management approach emphasizes proactive planning, clear communication, and problem-solving at every stage. For Seven Oaks Park, that meant managing timelines, budgets, permitting, and procurement while ensuring a high level of quality and attention to detail. From initial site prep to the final landscaping touch, our team was on the ground ensuring that the project stayed true to its purpose: creating a welcoming and lasting public space.
A Trusted Partner in Community-Focused Construction
At The Collage Companies, construction management is more than a service—it’s a partnership. We take pride in working alongside municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and developers to deliver projects that not only meet functional needs but also uplift the communities they serve. For Seven Oaks Park, our responsibility was to make the vision real—translating architectural plans and community aspirations into a vibrant, activated greenspace.
This project is a reflection of our commitment to building environments with integrity, sustainability, and purpose. With every project we take on, our goal remains the same: to strengthen the foundation and fabric of the community through thoughtful, well-managed construction. To learn more The Collage Companies visit www.collage-usa.com
A Lasting Legacy
With the grand opening now complete, Seven Oaks Park is set to become a beloved destination for Winter Park residents and visitors. Its journey from a commercial site to a cherished greenspace exemplifies the power of community-driven initiatives and the impact of responsible urban development.
The City of Winter Park continues to invest in its parks and public spaces, ensuring that future generations can benefit from accessible, well-designed outdoor environments. The opening of Seven Oaks Park reflects this commitment and provides an enduring legacy for the city’s residents, businesses, and visitors.
To learn more about the Seven Oaks Park project, visit City of Winter Park – Seven Oaks Park.