We heard this rumor that this might be happening, but today Soil and Water Conservation Supervisor 4 Eric Rollings says it's true: the private owners of Constitution Green Park want to develop the little plot of land with the massive old oak trees at the corner of Summerlin Avenue and South Street. One of the trees, estimated to be 125 to 175 years old, is listed on the city's map of "significant" trees. Here's what Rollings has to say today:

For almost 300 years, before ORLANDO even had it's name this tree and the other massive old growth trees made this iconic green space part of why Thorton Park is so well loved.

Now it is threatened to be just another building. Commissioner Patty Sheehan has been trying to work with the family that has own the land that wants it to be "developed" but has fallen on deaf ears. With all the new construction in the area, green space is at a premium. Lake Eola will be like I-4 of parks giving all of us dog lovers only one option to walk our dogs or have an area to enjoy a beautiful afternoon.
CALL TO ACTION: WE CANNOT LET THIS HAPPEN! TELL THE CITY OF ORLANDO THAT WE WANT THIS PARK SAVED!!!

We checked Bungalower.com this morning, which has posted about the situation, too – the park is not publicly owned. The city leases it from the Caruso family, which has no intention of selling the space to the city. And that significant tree? It's not likely to be preserved if the property is developed.