Gilbert Park, Mount Dora, FL: The Local’s Guide to the City’s Lakefront Classic

On a perfect Saturday afternoon, there’s no better scent in Mount Dora than the mingled aroma of freshly cut grass and salty lake air wafting through the canopy of century-old oak trees at Gilbert Park. While many visitors flock here for the iconic lighthouse, true Mount Dorans know this lakefront oasis is the essential gathering place. As lifelong residents, we’ve logged countless hours here—from our child’s earliest birthday parties to those quiet sunset strolls. This is the park where you can truly relax and let your kids be obnoxious while chatting with fellow parents, knowing they are safe inside the clean, fenced-in area.

The Famous Pirate Ship Playground

Gilbert Park’s pirate ship is more than just a playground—it’s a central Florida landmark and the main reason locals and visitors flock to this spot. This colossal, wooden fortress is themed perfectly, complete with sails, multiple decks, slides, and lookout towers. It encourages truly imaginative play, turning every visit into a high-seas adventure. Because of its sheer size and complexity, the main structure offers endless exploration for elementary-aged children and up.

The playground at Gilbert Park is safe, clean, and fantastic since its renovation. The star of the show is the pirate ship area, which is perfect for bigger kids, featuring unique swings and climbing structures that encourage imaginative play.

The Toddler and Younger Crew Area

Recognizing that the main wooden fort can be overwhelming for the smallest pirates, Gilbert Park provides a separate, dedicated play structure specifically designed for toddlers and preschoolers. This smaller area features low-to-the-ground slides, gentle swings, and simpler climbing elements. It’s fully fenced and positioned close enough to the main structure for easy supervision, allowing parents to keep an eye on older kids while ensuring the safety of the little ones.

What to Expect: Ground Cover and Shade

The ground cover throughout the main pirate ship area is a modern, cushioned, poured-rubber surface. This is a huge benefit for safety, offering a softer landing than wood chips or sand. When it comes to sun exposure, the main pirate ship structure provides excellent overhead coverage thanks to its multi-layered design and synthetic sail tops. The separate toddler area and surrounding green spaces have less natural shade, so be sure to pack sunscreen, hats, and water, especially during peak summer hours.

Complete Gilbert Park Amenities (Beyond the Playground)

While the pirate ship gets all the attention, the surrounding Gilbert Park area offers a comprehensive set of amenities that make it an ideal spot for an entire afternoon outing, not just a quick stop. Its position directly on Lake Dora means you can move seamlessly from play to picnic to waterfront relaxation.

The other half of Gilbert Park is dedicated to open space and community gatherings. With numerous covered pavilions, it’s a premier spot for birthday parties and family picnics. The wide, grassy areas under the perpetual shade of the oaks are perfect for setting up games like horseshoes, cornhole, or any other outdoor activities.

Pavilion Rentals and Party Planning

Gilbert Park is one of Mount Dora’s most sought-after venues for birthday parties and family reunions. The park features several covered picnic pavilions, which are available to rent from the City of Mount Dora Parks Department. Advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend dates, and require coordination through the Mount Dora website or the main Recreation Department office. The proximity of the pavilions to the playground means you can host a memorable event with guaranteed entertainment for the children.

Reserving a Pavilion (Required for Guaranteed Space)

The park features two large, covered pavilions that are perfect for events. These must be reserved in advance through the city.

Because the online portal can be difficult to locate, the most reliable method for booking is to contact the City of Mount Dora Parks & Recreation Department directly:

• Parks & Recreation Phone: (352) 735-7183
• Operating Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

First-Come, First-Served Areas

If you are planning a smaller, informal picnic and do not require one of the large covered structures, the numerous smaller picnic tables, shaded areas under the oak trees, and open green spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservation is required for these individual tables.

Public Restrooms and Drinking Fountains

Conveniently located near the main parking lot and playground entrance, you will find clean, well-maintained public restroom facilities. These are essential, especially for an area catering heavily to families. There are also several drinking fountains available throughout the park, ensuring everyone stays hydrated during a busy day of playing and exploring.

The Boat Ramp and Lake Dora Access

For those looking to get out on the Harris Chain of Lakes, Gilbert Park provides a convenient public boat ramp with ample trailer parking. This is a popular spot for launching bass boats, pontoons, and personal watercraft into Lake Dora. The ramp is well-maintained and offers straightforward access for a day of fishing or cruising on the scenic waterways.

Walking Trails and Waterfront Views

Once the kids have tired themselves out, or if you’re simply looking for a peaceful stroll, the park features paved and unpaved walking paths that hug the Lake Dora shoreline. These trails connect Gilbert Park with the rest of Mount Dora’s beautiful lakefront area. It’s the perfect place to watch the seaplanes take off, spot local birds, and enjoy the classic Mount Dora waterfront sunset view.

When to Visit: Parking Hacks and Beloved Seasonal Events

As residents, we know the best times to visit and the best way to leverage this park.

A Look at the New Pirate Ship Playground

To get a full visual tour of the fantastic, fenced-in pirate ship structure we describe, watch this short video from Mount Dora Buzz, which covered the playground when it was first completed. It perfectly captures the scale of the new equipment that makes Gilbert Park a premier destination for families.

Thanks to our friends at Mount Dora Buzz for this great video. They have a lot of information about the Mount Dora Community.