January 2024 Pavilion Update at Katie's Landing

The Pavilion at Katie’s Landing is taking longer than we anticipated as planning began in 2022. Early meetings on-site with Robert Brooks, Park Staff and the Pavilion Committee determined the best location was one of the two sites approved in the Unit Management Plan and we were given the go-ahead for the location and size. The next steps included permitting and fundraising.

Seminole Board of County Commissioners unanimously waived the permitting fees as they recognized the benefit of the pavilion for Seminole County and its residents.

Out of love for Katie and her love for the Wekiva River and Katie’s Landing, FOWR received many generous donations from her family and friends. When Bob Giguere closed Equinox Documentaries, the non-profit organization he and Bill Belleville created decades ago, the remaining funds were donated to the pavilion project in Katie’s honor. The Wekiva Wild and Scenic River System Management Committee and Wekiva Wilderness Trust also came forward with financial support as did the Rotary Club of Seminole County South.

We have reached our initial goal to order the pavilion kit but will need additional funds to complete the project. Also, a recent meeting with residents on Wekiva Park Drive revealed many concerns ranging from security to parking and maintenance. At this time, the Pavilion Committee is working with the park and the neighbors to remedy these issues.

Katie had so hoped to see the project completed in her lifetime. Finishing it will certainly honor her memory and her life devoted to preserving, protecting, and restoring the Wekiva River.

The FOWR Pavillion Committee,

Weegie, Deborah and Barbara

From left to right: View of the river from Katie’s Landing. Photo by Michelle J.

Pavilion preview. Image curtesy of RCP Shelters, Inc.

Friends of the Wekiva River volunteers exploring different options of pavilion placement. Michelle J.