AALL 95th Annual Meeting & Conference

Orange County Convention Center - Orlando, Florida
July 20-24, 2002

LOCAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE                              

Official Welcome

PARKS & RECREATION

Nature and the outdoors are an important part of life in Florida, with its acres of sea shore, lakes, parks and wildlife preserves.  Greater Orlando is aptly known as the "City Beautiful" for its over 300 named scenic lakes and 82 parks, totaling 2,150 acres of developed recreation space, picnic areas, bikeways and playgrounds.

Zoos & Wildlife Refuges.  The Central Florida Zoological Park is located 30 minutes north of Orlando in Sanford.  This 21-acre tropical park houses hundreds of native and exotic animals, birds and reptiles, including several endangered species.  The Audubon National Center for Birds of Prey in nearby Maitland is one of the state's oldest and largest conservation organizations, including an outdoor aviary with 22 species of birds of prey.  Discovery Island Zoological Park, part of Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom, is an 11-acre sanctuary with more than 120 species of animals and 250 varieties of plants, many threatened or in danger of extinction. If you have young children, they will enjoy Green Meadows Petting Zoo in Kissimmee, with hands-on, two-hour guided tours.  Kids can play with more than 200 farm animals, have a pony ride, milk a cow, ride a train, or go on a hayride.   Also located in Kissimmee is the Horse World Riding Stables, with a petting zoo, pony rides, horseback riding, instruction for adults and children, nature trails and guided trail rides.  No visit to Orlando is complete without a trip to Gatorland, the best half-day attraction in Central Florida - this is old-time Florida at its best.  Walk through the giant jaws of an alligator, and explore 35 acres filled with over 5000 live alligators and crocodiles.  Don't miss the gator wrestling and Gator Jumparoo – YES, gators can jump!!!  Feeling brave – try feeding a live alligator.

Parks & Botanical Gardens.  A local favorite, Harry P. Leu Botanical Gardens in downtown Orlando is home to Florida's largest formal rose garden and the largest camellia collection in the eastern United States.  A short drive west of Orlando is Chalet Suzanne and Bok Tower Gardens, featuring 128-acres of beautiful native gardens, and the 255-foot Singing Tower comprised of 57 large bronze bells (one of the scheduled Conference Excursions on Saturday, July 20^th).  The tower and gardens are located on Iron Mountain, Florida highest point at a mere 298 feet above sea level!.  Pack a picnic and take a canoe ride at one of three state parks within a 30 minute drive of Orlando.  One of the largest, Wekiva Springs State Park, offers canoeing, boating, camping, fishing, horseback riding, swimming, hiking, picnicking and tubing on the scenic Wekiva River.  The Park is open daily until sundown, and is a great way to cool off on a hot July day.  Take a short drive north to Orange City, and spend a relaxing day at Blue Springs State Park. The springs maintains a constant 72° water temperature, and is home to Florida's endangered manatees.  Planning a day trip to the Kennedy Space Center?  Be sure to visit the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and Cape Canaveral National Seashore Reserve. The official Florida State Parks web site provides information on other state parks.

Water Parks.  The perfect way to cool down!  Conveniently located on International Drive is the local favorite, Wet 'n Wild.  Other Central Florida water parks include Water Mania on Hwy. 192 in Kissimmee, and the three Disney "themed" water parks - Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon and River Country - all located in Lake Buena Vista.

Recreational Activities.  If golf is your idea of fun and relaxation, you're in luck.  Central Florida has dozens of beautiful and challenging courses, many of which are open to the public.  Some of the best include seven different public Disney courses at the Walt Disney World Resort at Lake Buena Vista, just a short drive from the Convention Center.  Celebration Golf Club, located in the unique master-planned community of Celebration, received a 4-star rating from Golf Digest, and is listed as one of PGA Magazine's "Junior Friendly" courses.  After a day of golf, relax at one of the many fine restaurants located in pedestrian-friendly downtown Celebration.  Plan ahead … order a free Florida Golf Guide.   Florida is a natural choice for outdoor water sports, including swimming, boating and water skiing.  Take a romantic dinner cruise down the St. Johns River on the Rivership Romance, or a short day cruise through the scenic lakes of historic Winter Park (one of the scheduled Conference Excursions on Thursday, July 25^th).  This is a wonderful way to explore Florida's natural beauty "up close and personal."  Prefer fishing, the Central Florida Guide Service offers bass fishing trips on local lakes, or try your hand at deep sea fishing.  And for a real taste of Florida, take an airboat ride (one of the scheduled Conference Excursions on Saturday, July 20^th).  Have we missed something, try the All Florida Sports Guide.

Florida's Beaches.  Last but definitely not least … you must include a trip to one of Central Florida's beautiful sandy beaches.  Nearby beaches include Daytona Beach, and Cocoa Beach, home of the amazing Ron-Jon Surf Shop, the world's largest and one of Florida' most visited attractions.  For a complete list of Florida cities, visit the Florida Travel & Tourist Bureau.

    Questions?  Comments?  Send us Feedback