BALDWIN PARK LIVING
JULY 2026
Women’s Health Made Easy
Same-Day Access to a Health Navigator
AdventHealth for Women’s comprehensive network in Winter Park is here for you through all of life’s milestones. And, our dedicated team of registered nurse navigators makes managing your health care easier. They can match you with the right doctors, help schedule appointments and find answers about insurance — for you and your whole family.
Connect with a women’s health navigator today at AdventHealthforWomen.com.
National Leader in Women’s Care
6:00pm - 10:00pm
Baldwin Park Village Center
Presented b
MUSIC AND DANCING
BEER GARDEN
FOOD TRUCKS
JointCommittee TO ATTEND!
BALLOON ARTISTS
FACE PAINTERS
PHOTO OPS
LIVE PERFORMANCES & MORE
OVER LAKE BALDWIN AT 9:15!
BALDWIN PARK LIVING
To
CONTACT
AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Community Calendar
THURSDAY, JULY 2
INDEPENDENCE BASH
6 p.m. Thursday, July 2, at Baldwin Park Village Center. Join your neighbors for a block party and firework display starting at 9:15 p.m. Check out the ad on page XX or our social media platforms for full details.
FRIDAY, JULY 3
Association office closed in observance of Independence Day
SATURDAY, JULY 4 INDEPENDENCE DAY
THURSDAY, JULY 9
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE
6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 9, 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.
SATURDAY, JULY 11 POOL PARTY
Saturday, July 11 at Enders Park. This party will feature complimentary ice pops. Check your weekly newsletter for full details.
THURSDAY, JULY 16
TOWNHOME SERVICE AREA COMMITTEE MEETING
6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 16, virtually. All information for the meeting also can be found on the Baldwin Park Network, along with the link to join the meeting.
THURSDAY, JULY 23 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE
6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 23, 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
#BEAUTIFULBALDWINPARK
Summer in Baldwin Park: Your neighborhood bucket list
BRIE BERNSTEL MULTIMEDIA & COMMUNITY COORDINATOR
Summer is one of the best times to enjoy everything Baldwin Park has to offer. From scenic lakeside strolls and family friendly parks to local restaurants, community events and hidden neighborhood gems, there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of the season right here at home. Whether you’re looking to try something new, spend time outdoors or simply enjoy a relaxing day in the community, this Baldwin Park Summer Bucket List is filled with fun ideas to help you soak up the sunshine and create lasting memories all summer long.
1
Walk around Lake Baldwin. Take in beautiful waterfront views while enjoying one of Baldwin Park’s most scenic walking paths.
2
Grab a coffee on New Broad Street. Start your morning with a coffee from a local café and enjoy the neighborhood atmosphere.
3
Watch a Sunset over the lake. Find a bench, bring a friend and enjoy one of Baldwin Park’s most peaceful evening traditions
4Have a picnic at Harbor Park. Pack lunch and spend an afternoon relaxing under the shade with family or friends.
5Explore the community trails. Discover miles of pathways that connect neighborhoods, parks and green spaces throughout Baldwin Park.
6
Treat yourself to ice cream. Cool off on a hot summer day with a sweet treat from a local favorite.
7
Dine al fresco. Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner on one of the many outdoor patios throughout the Village Center.
8Visit every park in Baldwin Park. Challenge yourself to explore all the community’s parks and discover a new favorite spot.
9Attend a community event. From seasonal celebrations to resident gatherings, there’s always something happening around town.
10Bring your pup to Lake Baldwin Park and Flea People’s Park. Let your four legged friends enjoy this popular dog friendly destination.
11Try a new restaurant. Step outside your usual routine and sample something new from Baldwin Park’s diverse dining scene.
12Read a book by the water. Choose a shady spot overlooking the lake and enjoy a quiet afternoon with a good book.
13Bike through the neighborhood. Take a leisurely ride along the tree lined streets and enjoy the community’s unique charm.
14Visit a local business you’ve never been to. Support a neighborhood business and discover something new right in your own backyard.
15Enjoy a family playground day. Spend the morning letting the kids climb, slide and explore one of Baldwin Park’s playgrounds.
16Catch live music. Check out local performances and enjoy an evening of entertainment at one of the local businesses that hosts weekly live music.
17Take a fitness class. Join a yoga session, group workout or fitness event and stay active this summer.
18Meet a new neighbor. Strike up a conversation while walking the neighborhood and make a new connection.
19Have a weekend brunch. Gather friends or family and enjoy a meal at a local restaurant.
20Photograph your favorite Baldwin Park view. Capture the beauty of the community and create your own summer photo collection.
21Spend a day screen-free outdoors. Leave the device behind and enjoy everything nature and the neighborhood have to offer.
22Visit Blue Jacket Park. Explore the community’s largest park’s green spaces, trails and rec areas.
23Attend a resident workshop or class. Learn a new skill while connecting with fellow residents. Find more information on groups and clubs by signing up at BaldiwnParkNetwork.com.
24Take an early-morning nature walk. Beat the heat and enjoy the sights and sounds of Baldwin Park before the day begins. You won’t regret it!
25Create your own Baldwin Park Adventure Day. Choose three new activities from this list and make a day of exploring your community like a visitor!
The best part about summer in Baldwin Park isn’t how far you travel. Rather, it is discovering just how much there is to enjoy right here in your community. Whether you’re spending time outdoors, supporting local businesses, meeting neighbors, or making memories with family and friends, each experience helps make Baldwin Park feel like home. So, grab this list, check off a few adventures, and make this summer one to remember!
For the love of the game
Since 1953, North Orlando Kiwanis Little League has been a cornerstone of youth sports in the community.
MICHAEL LYNCH CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Baseball.
That timeless, unifying force that connects generations of fans from the early 20th-century origins to today’s global game. It is deep-seeded, historic love for the game that continues to fundamentally influence American culture and foster traditional family values and patriotic pride.
It is essential that a child’s first introduction to baseball is grounded in fun, fitness and fundamentals that help grow a child’s love for the game. This first introduction is often participation in Little League baseball. Little League baseball offers community connection, encourages healthy lifestyles and provides a structured, fun environment for children ages 4 to 16. Players build lasting friendships, learn to cooperate with peers
and feel a sense of belonging.
Established in 1953, North Orlando Kiwanis Little League has been a cornerstone of youth sports in the community for more than 70 years, with boundaries including Baldwin Park and portions of the former Winter Park Little League and College Park Little Leagues. NOK Little League is more than just baseball — it is a community-based nonprofit where kids learn the game, grow in confidence, make lifelong friends, and experience the value of teamwork and sportsmanship in a fun, safe environment.
Baldwin Park resident Jana Polte serves as NOK Little League’s vice president of baseball operations. Polte and her husband, Ryan, have two boys, Braxton and Bryce, who have been involved in the league for more than five years.
“Little League has become a real anchor for our family — not just because of the games, but because of the people,” Jana says. “The coaches who actually teach, the kids who grow together, and the parents end
up becoming friends you look forward to seeing every week. It’s community in the simplest, most genuine way.”
NOK Little League proudly offers opportunities for every level of play — from seasonal recreational programs to competitive travel ball teams and a celebrated All-Star program. Throughout the years, NOK Little League teams have brought home numerous district and regional championships, adding to a proud tradition of excellence both on and off the field.
“In 2024, our 10U All-Star team reached the state tournament — a highlight in a long tradition of competitive baseball and softball All-Star teams,” Jana says. “It’s an exciting stretch of the year for players and families — and a chance to pack even more baseball into the summer. Now we’re gearing up for the 2026 All-Star season.”
Yoga Berra once famously quipped, “Little League baseball is a very good thing because it keeps the parents off the streets.”
Joking aside, NOK Little League baseball is perfectly designed for
Courtesy photos
family bonding and community involvement. Based in neighboring Blue Jacket Park, NOK Little League connects families, friends and neighbors in a safe, organized environment for players and parents alike.
“In our lower divisions, the focus is simple: fundamentals and fun,” Jana says. “We want kids to learn the basics, enjoy the game and build a love for baseball that lasts. As they move into the older divisions, the game naturally becomes more competitive, with an emphasis on advanced skills,
GET INVOLVED
Registration is currently open for the Fall 2026 season. You can find more details and a link to register at NOKLL.com. For more information on the North Orlando Kiwanis Little League, contact noklittleleague@ yahoo.com.
friends and learning the basics of the game. We are implementing things like having coaching clinics to support our new coaches and pitching clinics to introduce the girls to pitching at the lower levels. At the higher levels, we want to build a competitive program and provide an atmosphere for all our girls to have the make-up to play this game as long as they would like to. This year, we plan to introduce travel ball tournaments to continue to develop our girls.”
funds directly go to these kids and these fields,” Marcus says. “I felt it was an easy choice to sponsor and support this league. NOK has so many passionate volunteers with so many skill sets, we really can accomplish anything with the city’s support.”
The good news is that it is not too late get involved in the upcoming NOK Little League season.
game awareness and playing the sport at a higher level.”
Little League baseball is also deeply intertwined with American patriotism, functioning as the “national pastime” to promote virtue, family values and respect for military service. Through cherished customs such as the playing of the national anthem, special ceremonies honoring our country’s active-duty military and veterans, and Fourth of July celebrations, the game fosters a shared national identity and reflects American ideals of earned accomplishment, freedom and fairness.
NOK Little League also boasts a newly formed softball program. Baldwin Park resident Marcus Mofatt is vice president of softball operations and has spearheaded the growth and popularity of NOK Little League softball. In addition to being fun, the program helps create confident young ladies, providing positive role models and strengthening their sense of community.
“The community has really supported our young softball program,” Marcus says. “We started here just a few seasons ago with two teams, and now we are up to seven. NOK has a tradition of being a competitive league in baseball, so we want to build that same standard in softball. We have T-ball, coach pitch and hybrid divisions that focus on the girls having fun, building relationships with their local
Driven by passionate volunteers and a shared love for the game, NOK Little League is where our Baldwin Park community comes together, players become teammates, and legends begin. Sponsors are also always welcome. NOK Little League individual team and general sponsorships help provide for a quality program and are vital for funding uniforms, equipment, and field maintenance.
“What’s great about sponsoring NOK is that you know the
“There are a lot of things happening in the background to continue to grow this league and put those sponsor dollars to work,” Marcus says. “We are currently continuing to raise funds to put more batting cages in on AdventHealth Field and put batting cages in on Moffatt Real Estate Field. These are large investments in our community, and we are getting the community support and funding support. I am hoping newly elected commissioner, Robert Chaplin, can help us with getting these things done to support our children and support this great community.”
Opportunities to excel
The Baldwin Park Publix location has been a strong supporter of the OCPS’ Exceptional Student Education program.
MICHAEL LYNCH CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The Bible presents special-needs children as uniquely designed by God, deeply loved in his sight and a wonderful blessing to their families.
John 9:2-3: “His disciples asked him, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’ ‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned’, said Jesus, ‘but this happened so that the works of God may be displayed in him.’”
Providing a safe, supportive environment where these remarkable children can feel valued, understood and empowered to is a cornerstone of Orange County Public Schools’ Exceptional Stu-
dent Education program. Winter Park High School offers comprehensive Exceptional Student Education services for eligible students including specialized programs for students in the Autism Spectrum Disorder and those who have learning disabilities. Programs address more than 14 distinct categories of disabilities, including deaf/hard of hearing; language impairments; emotional/behavioral disabilities; and intellectual disabilities.
Elisa Mora has been with OCPS for 23 years and has served as assistant principal of Winter Park High School for the last four. She boasts the success of the WPHS ESE program has been an incredible source of pride and accomplishment for the school.
“Working with our ESE department is deeply rewarding, as their unwavering belief in every student’s potential comes to life each day,” Elisa says. “Their strong relationships with families and their commitment to student success make me proud to be a Wildcat.”
The goal of the ESE program is independent living for the stu-
dents and takes advantage of the ESE Transition School Program, dedicated to supporting students with personal, academic and emotional transitions through tailored education. The program also provides a Post High Program, focusing on career experiences for students with disabilities to prepare for employment through vocational training.
“Through the work experience program and our partnership with businesses like Publix at Baldwin Park, our students learn skills that can ultimately help them live independently,” Elisa says. “Seeing their pride when they put on their Publix uniform is one of the highlights of my week.”
Since 1999, Hatisha “Tish” Rouse has overseen the Community Based Vocational Education program. Tish is a true example of what has been called the “Blessing of Alignment.” It is the perspective is that one is truly blessed when God aligns your passions with your skills, allow-
Courtesy photos
ing you to find joy, fulfillment and excellence in your vocation.
“I never thought I would be working with kids, but after volunteering at my kids’ elementary school in 1997 when they were little, I was strongly encouraged to apply to work for the school system and given letters of recommendation,” Tish says. “After doing so, I realized this was my calling and have been here ever since.”
Community Based Vocational Education is the term used to define vocational education and training provided to students with disabilities in community work settings. This training is non-paid vocational exploration and assessment and promotes general work skills and habits and increases competency and fluency in employability skills.
“It does my heart so much good to see a student accomplish a work task/skill that they never thought they would be capable of doing,” Tish says. “And when the parent/guardian learns of their
achievements, there is a great sense of excitement because they also thought it wasn’t possible.”
The goal of the CBVE program is to help students identify career interest, assess employability skills and develop the skills and attitudes necessary for paid employment.
“Seeing our students interact with other employees gives them a sense of belonging,” Tish says. “Knowing that a potential career is attainable is the ultimate goal.”
WPHS has a long-standing relationship with the Publix Super Market at Baldwin Park through the ESE Work Experience program. Publix provides ESE students the opportunity to acquire career readiness, soft skills and hands-on job training to prepare for independent employment and life after high school.
“The Baldwin Park Publix is hands-down one of the best stores I have had the pleasure of working with,” Tish says. “The staff and customers interact very well with our student population, and
for me, that is very refreshing.”
The Baldwin Park Publix caters an end-of-the-year barbecue for WPHS CBVE students and provides a special send-off gift to graduating ESE seniors. The store also participates in the annual Giving Tree, a popular holiday community initiative that provides gifts to students with special needs in the WPHS Exceptional Student Program.
Baldwin Park Publix shoppers can select tags (wish lists) from the Giving Tree, purchase the items and donate them to ensure the students receive presents during the holidays.
“Vocational education programs like the one at Winter Park High School allow students to perform tasks alongside Publix associates and gain knowledge, experience and confidence in the workforce,” Publix Media Relations Manager Hannah Herring says. “The students enjoy learning job skills that will serve them well into their futures, and Publix is proud to invest in local students and our communities through these programs.”
Tish notes the CBVE program is always looking for more partners.
“If you are a business owner or know a business that is willing to accommodate our students and support our CBVE work program, please reach out and contact Winter Park High School,” she says. “You will not regret it.”
Emergency care
that’s in the neighborhood, and on your side.
Have a plan and find a location. Fast emergency care starts with a plan. Scan the QR code to find an Orlando Health ER location near you, with a dedicated team when you need them the most.
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 May 26, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes can be obtained on the Community Network, BaldwinParkNetwork.com.
n The board approved the Grace Hopper gathering room Monday through Friday time slot be changed to 5:30 to 11:00 p.m.
n The board approved the following language provided by SMI for the Grace Hopper gathering room reservations: “The Board of Directors hereby authorizes the General Manager or the Townhome Service Area Manager to approve, on a case-by-case basis, requests from residents reserving the Grace Hopper Hall gathering room for early access accommodations. Such requests shall be escalated by Association staff to the above-designated individuals, who are empowered by the Board to evaluate and determine
BALDWIN PARK COMMERCIAL OWNERS ASSOCIATION INC.
BY ERIN GILREATH
Independence Day is upon us! Get all your Red, White and Blue decorations and treats by shopping local in the Baldwin Park Village Center shops and restaurants.
THINGS TO KNOW
n Landscaping. Several projects around the parking lots are being planned over the upcoming months. This will give a fresh look to the parking lots.
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 Commercial Owners Association must sign
such requests with appropriate consideration for customer service, operational needs, and the maintenance of standards consistent with a professional and business-friendly environment. This authorization shall apply solely to Grace Hopper Hall, as the Association’s other venues have not experienced similar operational challenges requiring this flexibility.”
n The board approved All Phases Electric to remove existing fluorescent lighting in the fitness center at Enders and replace it with LED.
n The board approved United Land Service 2026 Hurricane and Storm Cleanup response.
n The board approved the pine straw mulch for City Homes 2, 3 and 4 Mews after final review and approval by Mr. Slavens.
n The board approved the following proposals: United Land Services: Canopy Tree Pruning and Crepe Myrtle V Shaping.
n The board accepted the 2025 Audit Report.
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 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.
HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS
Summer in Florida is here and brings with it longer days, heat, humidity and, of course, the beginning of hurricane season, which runs June 1 to Nov. 30. While the prospect of a storm impacting our area can be somewhat disconcerting, preparation can help lessen those fears.
The Baldwin Park Residential Owners Association, Commercial Owners Association and Joint Committee are responsible for the property owned by each association, including certain parks, facility centers, parking lots and landscaping. This is not an all-inclusive list.
As homeowners and business owners, you are responsible for your dwelling during a hurricane. If you are a tenant, you need to check with your landlord for specific responsibilities.
Here are some important steps:
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 dumpsters and contact the office so OUC can be notified to repair.
n Make a plan. All residents should prepare for hurricane season by creating a family plan and disaster supply kit, securing personal property and having a place to go in the event of an evacuation. A plan should answer the following questions. How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings? What is my shelter plan? What is my evacuation route? What is my family/ household communication plan? Learn more floridadisaster.org/hazards/hurricanes.
The most important part of your hurricane plan is a Hurricane Kit that includes the basic life support you will need after a disaster. Prepare for at least three days to two weeks.
n Tune in. Listen to and follow public announcements through local media. OCFL ALERT is an alert system that allows Orange County Government to contact you via email or cell phone text message during an emergency affecting Orange County. Download here: bit.ly/4dDnzJI.
n Bulk Pick-up. The dumpsters in the commercial lots are meant for trash bags and small items only. For all large items, please use OUC bulk pick-up. Stuffing these items in the dumpster or leaving them causes multiple issues, including dumpster break down and rodents. Visit orlando.gov/Trash-Recycling for more information and to schedule future pick-ups. 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 May 21, 2026, meeting. A complete copy of the official minutes can be obtained on the Community Network, BaldwinParkNetwork.com.
n The TSAC recommended to the ROA Board of Directors to approve the United Land Services proposals for the City Homes No. 1 service area.
n The TSAC recommended to the ROA Board of Directors to approve the United Land Services proposals for the Issa 28 service area.
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 has been completed.
n Mattamy/City Homes No. 2 Roof Replacement Replacements. Phase 2: G&A Certified City Homes No. 2 project will be completed first prior to moving to the Mattamy Phase 2 project. City Homes No. 2 Phase 2 includes roof replacements for three buildings. 1865-1895 Britlyn Alley roof has been replaced and is waiting on gutter installation. 1862–1898 Sipes Alley is dried in and 25% shingled. 1864-1894 Prospect Avenue was scheduled
HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR TOWNHOME OWNERS
Mulching is completed once or twice a year based on the approved budgets. The mulch used is pine straw (pine needles). The following reasons are why the TSAC decided to use pine straw:
n Pine straw breaks down quickly into the soil, thus helping the very high pH leaves in the soil.
n Pine straw does not attract termites. Pine bark/pine nuggets do.
n Pine straw is considered an all-natural or “green” mulch.
n Pine straw doesn’t float away as easily during rainstorms because the needles become tangled together. When pine bark /pine nuggets float away, many times it lands in the sod and can damage the sod.
n The groundcover beds have pine fines installed (instead of pine straw) to help enhance the overall growth of the groundcover beds.
to begin shingling on June 15, 2026 (weather-pending). Residents within City Homes No. 2 are receiving project updates through Constant Contact notifications and notices posted on their front doors.
n DRS Inc. currently is providing annual preventative maintenance in the Cambridge service area.
City Homes No. 1 service area will be the next area to receive maintenance following the completion of Cambridge. 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 and now provides lawn maintenance and landscape services throughout the townhome service areas. ULS has completed the annual tree trimming project. ULS has revised their lawn maintenance schedule; a copy can be found on the Baldwin Park Network.
PET OF THE MONTH
Lexi’s parents moved to Baldwin Park from Miami about nine months ago and love our new dog friendly neighborhood. Lexi is a 6-year-old Goldendoodle who loves all of her fur friends, neighbors and their parents. She loves walking around the park and saying hi to the kids walking to school and playing sports. After a long walk around the neighborhood, she will pick up a stick and proudly bring it home. She has embraced her new home, and is a big Rollins fan!
We want to meet your beautiful four-legged family members! Send in a pic of your pet for Pet of the Month, along with a brief description to Brie Bernstel, Mediacomm@BaldwinParkPOA.com.
