By Christine Moore and Merry Lovern
In Summary:
Strong Towns Apopka is bringing together volunteers, students, and community organizations for West Orange Trail Beautification Day on October 24. Activities include native plantings, an art installation by the Wekiva High School Art Club, and stepping-stone painting hosted by the Creative Hub of Apopka. The event runs from 8 to 10 am, with a 9:30 am dedication ceremony and parking available at Fran Carlton Center or Doctor’s Dog Park.
*****
Strong Towns Apopka invites residents, families, and community-minded volunteers to participate in West Orange Trail Beautification Day on Saturday, October 24, from 8 am to 10 am. The event will celebrate community collaboration through hands-on beautification projects, creative expression, and investment in one of the area's valued public spaces.
Related: Florida’s stormwater cleanup promises deserve more than paper credits.
The event brings together local partners, including the Garden Club of Apopka; the Wekiva High School Art Club, which is creating the art installation; the Creative Hub of Apopka, which will host the stepping-stone painting activity; and Orange County Parks & Recreation, which supports efforts to enhance and celebrate the trail.
Volunteers can help with native plantings, contribute to the community art project, and paint stepping stones. Those assisting with the plantings are encouraged to bring a watering can.
A dedication ceremony will take place at 9:30 am to recognize the collaborative effort behind the beautification project and celebrate the contributions of the participating organizations, students, and volunteers.
“Strong communities are built when people come together to care for the places they share,” said Strong Towns Apopka Chair Christine Moore. “This project demonstrates what can happen when schools, local organizations, government partners, and residents work together. We are not just improving the trail—we are creating opportunities for connection, creativity, and community pride.”
The event reflects the Strong Towns approach to community building: start with local assets, take practical steps to improve places, and empower residents to play an active role in shaping their community. By combining environmental stewardship with public art and community participation, Beautification Day demonstrates how small, collaborative projects can make shared spaces more welcoming and strengthen neighborhood connections.
EVENT DETAILS
- Event: West Orange Trail Beautification Day
- Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
- Time: 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
- Dedication Ceremony: 9:30 am.
- Parking: Fran Carlton Center or Doctor’s Dog Park
- Activities: Native plantings (bring a watering can), art installation, and stepping stone painting
- Community Partners: Garden Club of Apopka, Wekiva High School Art Club, Creative Hub of Apopka, and Orange County Parks & Recreation
- Hosted by: Strong Towns Apopka
Residents are encouraged to join the effort, meet fellow community members, and help make the West Orange Trail a more beautiful and welcoming destination for everyone.
For event updates, visit Strong Towns Apopka’s Facebook page or to sign up, visit: bit.ly/4BfKeHd. About Strong Towns Apopka
Strong Towns Apopka is a local community initiative inspired by the national Strong Towns movement, which promotes financially resilient communities, thoughtful development, and people-centered places. Through local conversations and hands-on projects, Strong Towns Apopka encourages residents to take practical steps toward a stronger, more connected, and more sustainable community.
Key Points:
- West Orange Trail Beautification Day takes place Saturday, October 24, from 8 to 10 am.
- Volunteers can assist with native plantings and participate in community art activities; those helping with plantings should bring a watering can.
- Partners include Garden Club of Apopka, Wekiva High School Art Club, Creative Hub of Apopka and Orange County Parks & Recreation.
- A dedication ceremony at 9:30 am will recognize participating organizations, students, and volunteers.
- Parking is available at Fran Carlton Center or Doctor’s Dog Park. Sign up at bit.ly/4BfKeHd and check Strong Towns Apopka’s Facebook page for updates.
