Baldwin Park Living May 2026

BALDWIN PARK LIVING

MAY 2026

BALDWIN PARK LIVING

MAY 2026

Editor and Publisher Michael Eng, meng@orangeobserver.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Brie Bernstel, Stacey Fryrear and Michael Lynch

ADVERTISING

Sales Associate Kassie Gustafson, kgustafson@orangeobserver.com

PRODUCTION

Graphic Designer — Sarah Santiago, ssantiago@orangeobserver.com

CONTACT

To submit story ideas, calendar listings or have your event considered for coverage, contact Brie Bernstel at mediacomm@baldwinparkpoa.com.

For advertising inquiries, call (407) 656-2121.

Baldwin Park Living is a monthly publication of the Observer Media Group published in partnership with the Baldwin Park Joint Committee Inc. All advertisements contained within this newsletter are placed by private firms and individuals. Baldwin Park does not endorse any products or services offered or any opinions expressed therein.

AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Community Calendar

TUESDAY, MAY 5 CINCO DE MAYO

SUNDAY, MAY 10

MOTHER’S DAY

THURSDAY, MAY 14 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE

6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 14, virtually. Because of the current high volume of Residential ARC applications, the number of applications accepted is being capped at 25 per meeting. Once this number is reached, subsequent applications will be held

for the next scheduled ARC meeting. The ARC meets twice a month. More information can be found in your weekly newsletter.

THURSDAY, MAY 21

TOWNHOME SERVICE AREA COMMITTEE MEETING

6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 21, virtually. All information for the meeting also can be found on the Baldwin Park Network, along with the link to join the meeting.

MONDAY, MAY 25

MEMORIAL DAY

The association office will be closed in observance of the holiday.

THURSDAY, MAY 28

ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE

6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 28, virtually. Because of the current high volume of Residential ARC

SAVE THE DATES

n June 5 is the official 25th Anniversary of Baldwin Park!

n The first pool party of the summer will take place at noon June 6 at High Park Pool.

applications, the number of applications accepted is being capped at 25 per meeting. Once this number is reached, subsequent applications will be held for the next scheduled ARC meeting. The ARC meets twice a month. More information can be found in your weekly newsletter.

FRIDAY, MAY 29

FOOD TRUCKS IN THE PARK

Join your neighbors for the monthly Food Trucks in the Park. This month will feature local food trucks, music and more. Check your weekly newsletter for full details.

#BEAUTIFULBALDWINPARK

May in Baldwin Park: A month of celebration, reflection, and community

May arrives in Baldwin Park with sunshine, patio weather and a calendar full of meaningful moments. In 32814, this month isn’t just a transition into summer — it’s a time to gather, celebrate culture, honor family and reflect on history. From festive bar hopping on Cinco de Mayo to Mother’s Day brunch traditions and the deeper significance of Memorial Day, May reminds us what makes this neighborhood so connected.

CINCO DE MAYO: A NIGHT OUT IN THE VILLAGE

CENTER

Cinco de Mayo in Baldwin Park is the perfect excuse to spend

BRIE BERNSTEL MULTIMEDIA & COMMUNITY COORDINATOR

an evening strolling through the Village Center with friends. With several locally owned bars and restaurants within walking distance, residents can create their own progressive celebration — starting with

margaritas at one stop, tacos or small bites at another, and ending the night with craft cocktails or local brews. What makes celebrating here special is the walkability. You can park once — or better yet, walk from home — and hop from patio to patio, running into neighbors along the way. It’s festive without being overwhelming, local without losing energy. Live music, themed drink specials and vibrant outdoor seating turn the Village Center into a lively but approachable celebration spot. It’s community-focused nightlife at its best.

Cinco de Mayo also provides

an opportunity to appreciate the cultural roots behind the holiday — commemorating the Mexican army’s victory at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. While widely celebrated in the United States as a cultural holiday, it’s a chance to support local establishments, enjoy great food and drinks, and gather responsibly with friends right here in 32814.

MOTHER’S DAY: BRUNCH, BLOOMS, AND QUALITY TIME

If Cinco de Mayo brings energy, Mother’s Day brings heart. Baldwin Park is made for Mother’s Day brunch. Treelined streets, lake views and

charming patios create the perfect setting to slow down and celebrate the women who hold families together. Local restaurants fill with families dressed in spring pastels, children presenting handmade cards, and multi-generational tables sharing mimosas and memories.

Beyond dining, the day often includes a walk around Lake Baldwin, coffee stops in the Village Center, and time spent at playgrounds or parks with grandparents in tow. The beauty of celebrating Mother’s Day here is its simplicity — everything you need for a meaningful day is within walking distance.

In a neighborhood known for its strong sense of family and connection, Mother’s Day feels especially fitting. It’s not just about brunch reservations; it’s about presence, appreciation and spending intentional time together.

MEMORIAL DAY: HONORING HISTORY IN A HISTORIC COMMUNITY

As May comes to a close, the tone shifts to reflection. Memorial Day is more than the unofficial start of summer — it is a solemn day dedicated to honoring the men and women who died in service to our country. In Baldwin Park, that meaning carries particular weight. The community itself sits on the

grounds of the former Orlando Naval Training Center, where thousands of Navy recruits once trained. The very streets and layout of our neighborhood reflect that military legacy.

Walking through Baldwin Park today — past Lake Baldwin, along wide boulevards and preserved spaces — serves as a reminder that this vibrant residential community was built on historic foundations. Memorial Day provides an opportunity to pause, reflect, and recognize the sacrifices made by service members and their families.

Many residents choose to gather quietly with neighbors, attend remembrance ceremonies, or simply take a moment of gratitude before enjoying time together over backyard barbecues and poolside afternoons. It’s a balance of remembrance and appreciation — honoring the past while enjoying the freedoms it secured.

May in Baldwin Park is a month that beautifully captures the spirit of 32814. It’s festive and reflective, lively and meaningful. Whether you’re hopping between Village Center patios, raising a toast to Mom at brunch, or taking a quiet moment to honor our nation’s heroes, this month reminds us why Baldwin Park is more than a place to live — it’s a place to gather, celebrate and remember together.

Stretch Goals

Rise and Shine Yoga, led by Baldwin Park resident Lisa Schreiber, helps strengthen the body and calm the mind.

Yoga is immensely popular, with about one in six U.S. adults practicing yoga to improve health, manage stress and reduce pain.

Lisa Schreiber has been practicing yoga for more than 17 years and a Baldwin Park resident since 2006. For the past two years, she has led Rise and Shine Yoga in Baldwin Park, a class that was handed over to her from Baldwin Park resident Becca Schmidt, who created it more than 10 years ago.

“When Becca asked me to take over her class, I knew I couldn’t say no,” she says. “She poured her heart into crafting it with love. I

wanted to make sure Baldwin residents still had access to yoga.”

Group yoga classes provide a supportive community that boost accountability, consistency and social connection while enhancing physical health and mental well-being. Group environments offer structured, expert-led guidance, helping participants build body awareness, mobility and energy.

“Rise and Shine Yoga primarily is restorative-focused,” Schreiber says. “Poses are practiced slowly and mindfully to ease tension and make space in the body. I mix in some strengthening and balance poses, beneficial for all ages and

bodies, as well as relaxation practices like breathing and meditation, which help to ease tension, calm our minds and be the best versions of ourselves we can be.”

Regularly scheduled classes encourage consistent practice, making it easier to stick to fitness goals compared to practicing alone. Instructors guide, correct poses and provide tailored advice to ensure safety and prevent injury.

“Whether we are practicing gentle seated stretches, energetic standing poses or Sevasana (the final resting pose), I am always there to visually and verbally guide my students in body awareness and alignment as well as breath control and relaxation,” Schreiber says.

The benefits of participation in a yoga class offer opportunities to meet like-minded people,

IF YOU GO RISE AND SHINE YOGA

WHEN: 9 a.m. Fridays

WHERE: Enders Park Clubhouse COST:” $10 per class. For students coming for the first time, there is no fee.

INFORMATION: Lisa Schreiber, lisafineman@yahoo. com or (407) 721-2323

fostering friendships in a relaxed environment.

Yoga is an integral part of Schreiber’s life and daily routine. Outside of Rise and Shine Yoga, she conducts an after-school yoga club at Baldwin Park Elementary and teaches Baby and Me Yoga in Baldwin Park in select seasons. She teaches yoga weekly at Shalom Orlando in Maitland and private events around Central Florida. Schreiber is also the published author of two faith and yoga-themed books — “The Promise of Shabbat” and “Lessons from a Tree”.

“I combined two treasures in my life, yoga and Judaism, to

provide families and kids tools for living happy and healthy lives,” Schreiber says. “As a kid’s yoga teacher for the past 10 years, I knew firsthand the value and appreciation of mindfulness practices like yoga on and by kids, something that I never had growing up. Each book contains poses woven into the story as well prompts and step-by-step instructions for practicing the poses.”

The popularity of yoga is growing among all demographics.

“Adults of all ages with any experience level are welcome, whether experienced yogi or first-timer,” Schreiber says. “ Poses and movements can always be modified to a student’s ability and yoga blocks and other props help to support the practice.”

And the benefits of yoga go beyond the physical. Yoga cultivates a deeper connection between mind and body, encouraging healthier habits, better focus, and improved mood and concentration.

Baldwin Park resident Kim Showalter has been coming to this class for all 10 years. She de-

scribes Rise and Shine Yoga as her “favorite time of the week.”

“Lisa is such a great instructor and holds your attention with a very interactive class,” she says.

Husband and wife Peter and Pat Stassi are 13-year residents of Baldwin Park. Pat Stassi describes the class as one that “you come in stressful and leave calm.”

“After class, I always feel the difference in my body and mind,” she says. “I’m not a morning person, but I make it a priority to rise early and make it to class every Friday.”

Peter Stassi enjoys yoga for its balanced movements and emphasis on conditioning and form.

“Rise and Shine Yoga helps me keep up with my 3-year-old granddaughter,” he says.

For 2026, Schreiber hopes to see an increase in participation.

“Yoga gifts us tools for managing stress and connecting with our true selves, and I hope to see more of our community take advantage of it,” she says. “We are all busy but the best time to do yoga is when you don’t have time for yoga.”

Garden variety

Harry P. Leu Gardens is one of Central Florida’s most cherished gems. And through its robust volunteer program, you can be a part of it.

MICHAEL LYNCH CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Nestled just outside of Baldwin Park, Harry P. Leu Gardens is a 50-acre botanical oasis that invites visitors to explore, unwind and connect with the natural world. The property teems with lush gardens showcasing an extraordinary variety of plants from around the globe, offering an enchanting experience for garden enthusiasts, families, and nature lovers alike.

Leu Gardens has a long history of bringing residents from our Baldwin Park community together to share in their love of nature, education, history

IF YOU GO

Harry P. Leu Gardens

1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando

PHONE: (407) 246-2620

HOURS: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

WEBSITE: leugardens.org

and culture. Volunteers are the heart of Leu Gardens, who give their time and talent to support everything from garden maintenance to educational programs.

At the helm of these invaluable volunteers is Spencer Jones, who serves as Leu Gardens’ education manager.

“Community is so important to the health and happiness of humans, and I love having a

hand in nurturing it,” he says. “The Gardens bring together all types of people through a shared passion of nature, art and culture.”

Volunteering is immensely rewarding mentally, physically and spiritually — and a whole lot of fun! Leu Garden volunteers also get lots of perks, such as community-building potlucks throughout the year, a volunteer appreciation dinner in the spring of each year and one free guest pass for every 10 hours volunteered.

There are four different teams volunteers can join, each with their own type of shifts — Horticulture, Education, Events and Leu House.

The Horticulture Team at Leu

Gardens is a popular choice for volunteers — especially for those who thrive in getting their hands dirty. The mindful experience of working with your hands in the soil provides a sense of calm, accomplishment and purpose.

“Our biggest team is definitely the Horticulture Team,” Jones says. “They are the ones who keep the Gardens alive and beautiful while getting hands-on with plants and connecting with nature in a deeper way.”

The Horticulture Team resolves around the “4 Ps” of horticulture: Planting (volunteers replace thousands of plants each year and always need help planting); Pruning (plants need to be cut back to grow bigger than before and pruning flower buds helps to better existing and future blooms); Placing mulch (spreading mulch gives nutrients to the plants and makes the Gardens look professional and clean; and Plenty of everything else (horticulture volunteers help with all manner of miscellaneous projects, as well).

Volunteering on the Leu Gardens Horticultural Team also involves gardening and landscaping and physical activities such as digging, planting and weeding, which provide a low-impact workout that can improve muscle strength, flexibility, balance and overall fitness. In addition to the fun of working outdoors and giving back to the community, the therapeutic nature of gardening has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Spending time outdoors in the sunlight also provides a natural source of vitamin D.

The Education Team consists of tour guides and discovery guides. Tour guides lead groups of guests on guided tours around the Gardens for both adults and children. Discovery guides facilitate on property by teaching guests about the flora and fauna while helping with wayfinding.

“The other half of my job is education, so I obviously have a soft spot for our education volunteers,” Jones says. “They enhance the experience for our guests and plant educational

seeds that hopefully grow into a further love and appreciation of nature.”

Leu Gardens is more than just a beautiful property. It is also an important part of the social fabric of the greater Baldwin Park footprint. Popular events at Leu Gardens include the annual Plant Sale, Movie Nights, Dog Days, Jazz & Blues Concerts

and the hugely popular Dazzling Lights during the Christmas season. Event volunteers need to thrive in variety and exhibit strong customer service skills.

The Events Team helps prior to an event by sorting prizes, preparing activities and day-of help with checking in guests and leading event activities.

“Events create deeper engage -

ment with the Gardens, giving guests a reason to keep coming back,” Jones says. “They reflect the values of Leu Gardens by bringing the community together — and of course we couldn’t offer special events without our awesome volunteers.”

The Leu House Team serve as museum guides escorting tours around the house and educating guests about the history of the families that have called Leu Gardens home throughout the years.

“The Historic Leu House Museum sits at the heart of the Gardens, both physically and metaphorically,” Jones says. “Our Leu House Volunteers deepen our connection with the history of this land and the families that shaped it.”

Volunteers must be 18 years or older, and enjoy a variety of special privileges including training, field trips, potlucks with special lectures, workshops and social hours.

For more information about volunteering at Leu Gardens, contact Spencer Jones at spencer.jones@orlando.gov.

Baldwin Park notebook

ROA BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

BY STACEY FRYREAR

The following information is a glimpse of the ROA’s general updates for the month. A copy of the official Regular Meeting Minutes can be obtained on the Community Network, BaldwinParkNetwork.com.

n The board approved the 2026/2027 Property, Equipment Breakdown, and Landscaping insurance policy cost.

n The board approved investing additional funds totaling $2,612,169.28 with Fidelity.

n The board approved DRS to remodel the Grace Hopper downstairs kitchenette.

n The board approved the Grace Hopper Annual PM (including pool house); Enders Annual PM (includes garage); painting CH No. 2 and CH No. 3 knee walls and benches; cleaning, caulking and painting the trellis at Parkland; priming and painting pool bath stall dividers (all pools);

BALDWIN PARK COMMERCIAL OWNERS ASSOCIATION INC.

BY ERIN GILREATH

May the Fourth be with you! As the temperature starts heating up and the humidity rolls in, stop in one of the Village Center’s great restaurants or bars to cool off with a refreshing drink. The shops at Baldwin Park have an amazing selection for your Mother’s Day presents and cards.

THINGS TO KNOW

n Landscaping upgrades. Keep an eye out for several landscaping and parking lot upgrades. Many projects are planned in the early part of the year.

cleaning and painting of pool light poles (all pools); cleaning and painting of the CH No. 2, CH No. 3 and CH No. 4 Mews bollards, cleaning and painting all pool fences and gates; replacing/ sistering beams at Longview gazebo; and exterior painting of the High Park structures.

n The board approved United Land Services to remove the Wisteria from the Longview gazebo.

n The board approved Rep Services to install a 1.5-inch pouredin-place overlay at the High Park playground.

COMPLETED ACTIONS

n The maintenance team removed graffiti from the large pavilion at High Park.

n The internet service was down for two days at Enders, Spectrum, and SB Computer Services (IT) was able to get it running so the maintenance supervisor could receive emails.

n At Grace Hopper, the maintenance team changed the bad lightbulbs that were out in the

n Trash Talk. The dumpster in the commercial lots are for use of commercial tenants and apartment residents. Apartment residents are encouraged to throw their trash all the way down the chute on the side. Many of the dumpsters have “push sticks” installed to assist if the bag does not make it all the way down the chute. The compactor has a sensor and will compact once the door is closed. Commercial tenants are not to use the trash chute for discarding trash. Rather, they are to go inside the enclosure and throw directly in the dumpster. Please do not leave trash bags in front of or around the dumpster; this attracts bugs and rodents. If the dumpster is not working, please go to one of the other parking lot

upstairs storage room.

n At Grace Hopper, the foyer door on the pool side was not locking correctly; Armstrong Lock fixed the issue.

n At High Park, there were two cameras down; Sciens repaired them by running new wires underground. They found the fan to the switch was not working, and they will repair it.

n Maintenance team reset all clocks to daylight saving time (gyms/ community center).

n At Upper Union Park playground, the maintenance team installed the new kiddie swings (two bucket seats and two sets of chains). In addition, they installed new regular swings (two strap swings and two sets of chains).

n At Enders Park playground, maintenance staff installed the new kiddie swing (one bucket seat and one set of chains). In addition, they installed new strap swings (two sets) and two sets of chains.

n At Enders Park in the gym,

dumpsters and contact the office so OUC can be notified to repair.

n Towing. All nine parking lots in the Village Center are privately owned by the Commercial Association. The owners have adopted rules and regulations for these parking lots. Any vehicle not following the rules is subject to towing at the owner’s expense. This includes out-of-date tags/ stickers; inoperable vehicles; double parking; and abandoned vehicles. The parking lots are for residents and guests of the apartments and employees and customers of the commercial businesses.

n ARC. An architectural review is required for all exterior, and some interior changes, including roof replacement, painting, signs and landscaping changes. For the city to approve permits, the

HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR OWNERS

Exterior Changes: Any exterior change to your home, including but not limited to painting, replacing or adding gutters, roofs, windows, plant materials/sod/trees, accessories, structural changes, etc., requires ARC approval. All applications can be found at baldwinparknetwork.com under ARC Applications. If you have questions, please call ARC coordinator at (407) 740-5838 or email ARC@ baldwinparkpoa.com.

there are some light fixtures that are going bad. All Phase Electric will provide a proposal to replace the current fixtures with floodlight fixtures.

n All Pro Plumbing repaired the water fountain backflow at Union Park.

n The maintenance team replaced the hinges on the emergency gate at High Park playground.

n The maintenance team removed graffiti from the large pavilion at High Park.

Commercial Owners Association must sign off on the project. All corresponding applications can be found on the Baldwin Park Network under Commercial Owners Association and Commercial Architectural Review Committee. For questions and application submission, please feel free to email Erin Gilreath at egilreath@ baldwinparkpoa.com.

n Baldwin Park Solutions. Commercial owners, tenants and managers can submit work requests through our Baldwin Park Solutions system. It is located on the Baldwin Park Network. Simply click “Resident Home” at the top right, and you will find the link in the middle of the page. If you do not have a Baldwin Park Network account, you can request one from that page as well. Visit baldwinparknetwork. com to start.

TOWNHOME SERVICE AREA COMMITTEE MEETING

BY MELISSA PARKER

The following information is a glimpse of the business that the Townhome Service Area Committee addressed at the March 19, 2026, meeting. A complete copy of the official minutes can be obtained on the Community Network, BaldwinParkNetwork. com.

n TSAC recommended to the ROA Board of Directors to approve the City Homes No. 1 landscape replacement proposals United Land Services.

n The TSAC recommended to the ROA Board to approve the appointment of the listed residents to the townhome service area committee after reviewing the election results: Lori Pollock, Cambridge, appointed to two-year term; Stuart Tinkler, City Homes No. 1, appointed to two-year term; Susan Stiner, City Homes No. 2, appointed to twoyear term. Live/Work remains vacant and open.

HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR TOWNHOME OWNERS

n Tile floors on exterior porches or balconies require grout sealing to prevent water damage. The grout may need touched up from time to time as well. Likewise, re-caulk areas around windows and doors where caulking has shrunk due to sun or weather.

n Water Emergency! See how to shut off the water at youtu.be/a_ P44FBxgMY. You’ll find a black lid in the front or rear yard. It helps to have the right tool — Water Valve Shut-Off Tool — available at any hardware store for about $5 to $20.

UPDATES

n Please remember to report any landscape, building or irrigation issues on Baldwin Park Solutions. Reporting items on Baldwin Park Solutions allows residents to share photos of the reported area(s) and receive real-time updates from management staff on corrective measures being taken. Baldwin Park Solutions can be accessed on the Baldwin Park Network. If you have experienced an issue with any of the roof replacement projects, please email Community Association Manager Melissa Parker directly for assistance.

n Live/Work Phase 2 Roof Replacement Project. G&A Certified Roofing North has been selected as the contractor. The project is currently underway on buildings

1400/1410 and 1420/1430 Lake Baldwin Lane. The last building to be completed is 1440/1450 Lake Baldwin Lane. Nine buildings have been completed to date. A total of 11 buildings will receive roof replacements during the final phase of the project. Residents are being notified in advance through Constant Contact and via notices posted on their exterior doors prior to work beginning on their building.

n Mattamy/City Homes No. 2 Roof Replacement Replacements, Phase 2. G&A Certified Roofing North was awarded the contracts. The contracts have been finalized, and the pre-construction meeting was held March 31, 2026. Permitting is currently processing through the City of Orlando. City Homes No. 2

project will be completed prior to moving to Mattamy. City Homes No. 2 is projected to begin at the end of April/beginning of May. Residents within City Homes No. 2 have received interior inspection notices through Constant Contact and posted on their exterior doors.

n DRS Inc. is currently providing annual preventative maintenance in the Issa 22 service area. Issa 28 service area will be the next area to receive maintenance, following the completion of Issa 22. Notices will be placed on the front doors of townhomes prior to maintenance beginning to inform residents of the upcoming service. You can find a copy of the 2026 maintenance schedule by visiting The Baldwin Park Network.

n United Land Services has replaced BrightView Landscaping. United Land Services now provides lawn maintenance and landscape care throughout the townhome service areas. Recently, ULS has focused heavily on leaf removal. As the weather becomes warmer, the team is transitioning to weed treatment and removal. Higher temperatures help improve the effectiveness of these weed control treatments.

Baldwin Park celebrates 25th anniversary

STACEY FRYREAR CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Baldwin Park’s transformation is a source of pride for both residents and the city of Orlando. What began as the Orlando Army Air Station in 1942 later became the Orlando Air Force Base and, in 1968, the Naval Training Center Orlando. Over its history, the base trained more than 650,000 Navy recruits and housed the Recruit Training Command, Service School Command, and

Nuclear Power School.

In 1993, the Naval Training Center was selected for closure by the Federal Base Realignment and Closure Commission.

In response, the city of Orlando, led by Mayor Glenda Hood and the Base Reuse Commission, developed a plan to transform the property through careful planning, public input and urban design. Residents played an important role in shaping the vision, emphasizing connected neighborhoods, public lake ac-

cess, green space, a vibrant main street and a walkable street network.

On Oct. 27, 1999, the Orlando City Council unanimously approved the purchase and redevelopment of the property, allowing the transformation to begin. Former base land was cleared, infrastructure removed, and materials recycled to make way for the new community.

Today, Baldwin Park stands as a successful example of how history, collaboration, and vision

can turn a former military base into a thriving neighborhood. Over the past 25 years, the Baldwin Park Joint Committee Inc., Baldwin Park Residential Owners Association Inc., Baldwin Park Commercial Owners Association Inc., city of Orlando, Urban Orlando Community Development District, residents and Sentry Management have helped foster a strong sense of community through events, programs and shared neighborhood traditions.

FRIDAY, JUNE 5TH