Donnelly Park is the absolute gem of downtown Mount Dora. It’s not just a beautiful green space; it’s the epicenter of the city’s calendar, hosting major festivals, creating cherished holiday memories (like the annual sledding weekend), and serving as the essential meeting point for locals and visitors alike. This guide explores why Donnelly Park is truly the historical and energetic face of the town.
The Community Building’s stunning, seasonal landscaping and historic porch are maintained by the city, providing a picturesque backdrop for events year-round.
Donnelly Park’s location and topography—particularly the use of its central hillside—make it the prime, highly versatile venue for nearly every major event that defines Mount Dora’s small-town charm.
The Main Event Hub
If a festival isn’t at Sunset Park, it’s here. Donnelly Park hosts the annual Arts and Crafts Fairs, Plant Fairs, and cultural events like the Scottish Rites. Its central location makes it the necessary anchor for all major downtown foot traffic.
A Snow Day Tradition
A truly unique event is the weekend where organizers blow snow onto the hillside, transforming the slope into a sledding run for families—a beloved tradition that captures the community’s playful spirit.
Christmas Central
The park is known for its gorgeous Christmas lights during the holiday season. The trees and gazebo are meticulously decorated, creating a stunning, high-traffic destination for holiday tourists.
Holiday Tradition: Every year, the city hosts the iconic “Light Up Mount Dora” event where Donnelly Park’s trees are spectacularly covered in over two million holiday lights, a must-see Central Florida winter tradition.
Key Amenities and Community Hubs
The true appeal of Donnelly Park is how seamlessly it blends historic charm with modern community demands. It is perfectly equipped for both recreation and relaxation, serving as a social and functional hub for downtown Mount Dora.
Pickleball Courts: Social Sports Destination
Catering to the city’s active community, the park features state-of-the-art pickleball courts. These beautifully maintained courts are a key destination for social sports in the area, offering a fun and competitive outlet for residents and visitors alike. Whether you’re a seasoned player or looking to learn, the courts are always a hub of activity.
The beautiful central fountain area, a perfect spot for relaxation, is located adjacent to the park’s newly installed, state-of-the-art pickleball courts.
The Wishing Fountain and Green Space
At the side of the park lies the tiered wishing fountain, surrounded by paved walkways and ample benches. This area is perfect for relaxing, enjoying a take-out treat from one of the nearby downtown shops, or simply people-watching. Surrounding the fountain is a large, open grassy space that hosts children playing, reading, or simply enjoying the Florida sunshine. This flexible green space is essential for accommodating the thousands of visitors during Mount Dora’s famous festivals.
A view of the fountain, which is the perfect place to pause, rest on the benches, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the park’s central plaza.
Commemorative Memorials
The park is home to important monuments, including a memorial dedicated to Korean War Veterans and another recognizing Purple Heart recipients, adding a layer of solemn history and respect to the community space.
Community Building: The Heart of Downtown Events
The Donnelly Park Community Building is the architectural centerpiece of the park. This charming, historic, white-sided venue, visible from all angles of the park, is arguably the city’s most sought-after central venue. It features a spacious porch, ideal for ceremonies and receptions, and is available for private events, weddings, and community gatherings.
Walkability and Local Flavor
Donnelly Park’s surrounding neighborhood is a destination in itself, making it an ideal stop during any downtown excursion.
Gourmet Ice Cream & Candy
Directly across the street from the park, making the fountain area the perfect place to sit and enjoy a treat after shopping.
Downtown Restaurants
Immediate access to some of Mount Dora’s best casual and upscale dining options, encouraging visitors to relax and picnic (informally) on the park’s benches.
Boutique Shopping
The park acts as the gateway to the main street, connecting visitors instantly to the famous boutique shops and boutiques.
One of the beautiful, artistic touches near the park’s central fountain, encouraging exploration and acting as a fantastic photo backdrop.
The Local’s Insight
Donnelly Park is the standard against which Mount Dora walkability is measured. The energy, history, and amenity access it provides contribute significantly to the premium value of nearby real estate.
If you are looking for a home where the town’s most cherished events and the best local flavor are literally on your doorstep, a property within the Donnelly Park catchment area is non-negotiable.
Ready to find a home defined by this historic walkability? Contact the Garrison Realty Group today.
Quick Guide & Local’s Pro Tips
Pro Tip Focus
Resident Insight
The Best Parking Secret
Parking Gold: During regular, non-event times, the entire block surrounding Donnelly Park offers the most accessible and best-located street parking for visiting downtown Mount Dora.
Must-See Event
The Sledding Weekend: Don’t miss the one weekend a year when they literally blow snow onto the hillside. It’s a cherished, traditional, and incredibly fun event unique to Mount Dora.
Festival Logistics
Prime Venue: Since nearly all major downtown festivals (Arts & Crafts, Plant Fairs, Scottish Rites) center here, plan to arrive early or take a shuttle during large event weekends to avoid traffic.
Gourmet Pairing
The Dessert Zone: Grab a gourmet ice cream cone or candy bar from the shops directly across the street and enjoy it by the fountain. It’s the perfect pre-dinner or afternoon stop.
Donnelly Park Amenities & Essential Features
Donnelly Park is the heart of downtown Mount Dora, blending historic charm with modern recreational facilities. Below is a detailed list of key features you can expect during your visit.
Feature
Details
Park Address
530 N Donnelly St, Mount Dora, FL 32757
Recreation Hub
New Pickleball Courts, Central Fountain Area, Grassy Open Space
Community Venues
Donnelly Park Community Building (Event Rental), Historic Gazebo, Benches & Green Space
Restroom Facilities
Clean, Updated Public Restrooms (Located near the Pickleball Courts)
Event Center
Primary venue for major downtown events (Arts & Crafts Festival, Light Up Mount Dora)
Parking & Access
Abundant Free Street Parking surrounding the entire park block (Non-Event Days)
Location & Directions
Donnelly Park is centrally located in the heart of downtown Mount Dora, directly on the main avenue. Use the map to explore the area, and click the address below to quickly launch navigation on your phone.
Final Takeaway: The Unmissable Heart of Mount Dora
Donnelly Park is more than just a park—it’s the living, breathing heart of Mount Dora’s downtown experience. From the grandeur of the historic Community Building to the energetic new pickleball courts, and the famous festivals that fill its green space, this location defines the unique, small-town charm of the city.
Whether you’re planning an afternoon visit or thinking about moving to a community rich in history and activity, Donnelly Park is the perfect place to start your journey. We highly recommend grabbing a coffee and taking a stroll down to the fountain to soak it all in.
Local Real Estate Connection
If you dream of living within walking distance of the historic downtown, the beautiful waterfront, and this incredible central park, our local experts at Garrison Realty Group specialize in finding homes in the highly sought-after downtown Mount Dora area. Connect with them today to find your perfect spot near the gem of Lake County.
***FULL DISCLOSURE*** Garrison Realty Group LLC is owned by my wife Jennifer Garrison – The Bulldog Broker and I am totally biased, because I think she is amazing. Mount Dora has many very great real estate companies.
💡 Essential Donnelly Park Q&A
Donnelly Park Mount Dora is downtown’s heartbeat, so street spots fill fast during events like the Arts Festival. Head to the free public garage at 5th Ave & Baker St. (2-block walk)—it’s shuttle-friendly too. For smaller days, try side streets off N Donnelly St. Avoid towing zones! Full parking map in our Mount Dora events guide.
Donnelly Park Mount Dora hosts Central Florida’s biggest: Mount Dora Arts Festival (Feb), Blueberry Festival (Apr), Plant & Garden Fair (Nov), and Scottish Highland Festival (Feb). Expect live music, vendors, and fireworks. Free entry most days—check our Mount Dora events calendar for 2026 dates and tickets.
Light Up Mount Dora lights up Donnelly Park late November (typically the Friday after Thanksgiving). Features drone shows, Santa visits, and fireworks over Lake Dora. Free family fun—bundle up for the chill! See photos and tips in our holiday events in Mount Dora guide.
The Spring Festival hits late March (2-day vendor bash) on downtown streets—Donnelly Park Mount Dora is ground zero for overflow crowds. Free, with crafts and food trucks. Walkable from the park; arrive early for shade. Dive deeper in our Mount Dora festivals overview.
Late April (usually 29-30) brings the Blueberry Festival to Donnelly Park Mount Dora: 100+ vendors, pancake breakfasts, pie-eating contests, and blueberry beer. Free admission—peak picking season! Taste test recipes from our Lake County food festivals page.
Early November (1-2) transforms Donnelly Park Mount Dora into a plant paradise: nurseries, crafts, and Plein Air painting. Free, rain-or-shine (recent floods spared it!). Shop native picks—link to vendor lists in our fall events in Mount Dora.
Early December’s Snow Day blows real snow down Donnelly Park’s hill for sledding—Florida’s winter magic! Free, with hot cocoa and games. Kid heaven; lasts till it melts. Relive it via our Mount Dora family activities guide.
No reservations for casual play at Donnelly Park Mount Dora’s 6 dedicated outdoor courts—it’s challenge-style rotation. Leagues book ahead; open sunrise-10 PM. $5/day or membership via city rec. Gear up with our Mount Dora sports venues.
Call Mount Dora Parks & Rec at (352) 735-7183—books fast for weddings (up to 150 guests). Rates ~$100/hr; includes AV setup. Historic vibe! Full rental guide and availability in our Mount Dora venue rentals.
Leashed dogs welcome daily at Donnelly Park Mount Dora—great for walks under the oaks. Clean up required; no off-leash zones. Festivals ban pets (service animals OK). Paw-friendly trails nearby—see our pet-friendly parks in Mount Dora.
Dawn to dusk daily (roughly 6 AM-10 PM), but gates close at 10 PM sharp. Community Building: 8 AM-8 PM. Weather closes paths—check updates. Plan your day with our Mount Dora parks map.
Always free for general access—picnics, playgrounds, trails. Events like Highland Fest may charge ($10-20). No hidden fees; parking’s free too. Budget for ice cream nearby! More on costs in our Mount Dora budget guide.
45-min drive via US-441 N (45 miles). Amtrak to Tavares + Uber, or bike the Lake County trail. GPS: 530 N Donnelly St. Traffic peaks festivals—use Waze. Route details in our Lake County road trip planner.
Yes—paved paths, ramps to playground/Community Building, and ADA restrooms. Hilly spots may need assistance. EV charging nearby. Inclusive tips in our accessible activities in Mount Dora.
Shaded swings, slides, and climbing structures for ages 2-12. Plus grassy fields for tag. Storytime Wednesdays (10 AM). Pair with ducks at Lake Dora—full family itinerary on our Mount Dora kids guide.
Absolutely—bring blankets for the oaks or rent shaded pavilions ($20/hr). No alcohol; grills available. Sunset views unbeatable. Picnic spots ranked in our Mount Dora outdoor dining.
Prime for herons and egrets near Lake Dora—early mornings best. No feeding; binoculars recommended. Seasonal migrations peak winter. Spotter’s guide on our Lake County nature trails.
Shore fishing off Lake Dora for bass/perch (FL license needed). No boats from park; dawn/dusk hot. Catch limits apply. Tips and spots in our Mount Dora fishing guide.
Clean, ADA restrooms near playground; water fountains everywhere. Changing tables in Community Building. Vending for snacks. Facility map via our Mount Dora parks amenities.
Well-lit paths and patrols till 10 PM—stick to groups post-dusk. Festivals amp security. Recent stats: low incidents. Safety rundown in our Mount Dora night activities.
Built 1923, named for pioneer John Donnelly. Hosted since 1950s festivals; oaks date to 1800s. Ghosts? Locals whisper! Timeline in our Mount Dora history walks.
4 lit courts—first-come, $3/hr after 5 PM. Lessons via rec dept. Book online. Alternatives in our Mount Dora racket sports.
Downtown core: antique shops, breweries (try 3 Palms), ice cream at Sweet Dreams. 2-min walk. Itinerary on our Mount Dora downtown guide.
Walkable to top listings—homes average $350K with park views. Festivals boost values 10%. Search park-adjacent properties via Garrison Realty’s Mount Dora homes.
Mild FL highs (70-80°F year-round); festivals rain-proof. Check live cams. Forecast tips in our Mount Dora weather for events.
