ParkWalk in theASholom Park, sandwiched between On Top of the World and Stone Creek, is

a serene and resplendent gift from the Colen family to nearby residents—and to anyone else who seeks refuge in its gentle curves and verdant beauty.

As with most great achieve-ments, Sholom Park began as a vision born in the heart

of Sidney Colen to create a source of inner peace for all who visit.

After years of conceptualizing the vision, a master plan for the park was developed in 1999 and the park concepts began to take shape. In 2001, horticulturist Steve Curl was engaged to oversee the final design and construction of the Park as it came to life.

Sholom Park was designed as a place to find inner peace and to thrive in the Central Florida climate. The park requires little or no supple-mental watering. Native plants are combined with cultivated ornamen-tals, perennials, and annuals creating

a beautiful and resilient landscape. Sholom Park offers a place of natu-ral beauty, comprised of meadows, woodland areas, added flowers and trees, as well as native wildlife for everyone to enjoy.

Paved walkways meander throughout the park, winding through mature oaks, hickories, sweet gums, and long leaf pine trees, as they allow guests to move from one trail or feature to the next. Trails lead guests to explore the park. There are numerous benches available upon which guests may rest as they con-template the peaceful surroundings.

Sholom Park’s grand opening and ribbon cutting was celebrated October 17, 2004. The event was attended by hundreds of friends and

A Photo Essay By Trevor Byrne • Text Supplied By Summer Best

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WANT TO GO?7110 SW 80th Avenue

(352) 873-0848, ext. 7650sholompark.org

supporters of Sholom Park.When you visit Sholom Park, you are en-

couraged to find your own symbolism in nature. Guests may look around and see beauty. Be mindful of what can be seen and felt with your heart and your soul. Perhaps you will find inspi-ration, whether something bold or brilliant, or just a common reflection that soothes your soul.

Whether introspection, silence, meditation, fresh air, or just a few moments to enjoy nature are your goal, Sholom Park’s purpose is to pro-vide a majestic place where each individual may experience a true and lasting contentment.

“Sholom Park has evolved into a place that has a transformative power on many of those who visit,” offers Ken Colen, vice president of Sholom Park. “Whether by a walking medita-tion or quiet contemplation in a beautifully alive place, the power of Sholom Park may begin to open a person to experiencing inner peace and a subtle joy.”

FAST FACTS:

Sholom Park• Sholom Park is named after Ken Colen’s great-

grandfather, whose name was Sholom.

• Sholom is a male name (noun); Hebrew root meaning “peace, wholeness or unity” and is used as a greeting.

• Sholom Park opened its doors to the public on October 17, 2004. The park is privately owned and managed by the Horticultural Arts and Park Institute, Inc. and receives no financial assistance from the government. All upkeep and improve-ments for Sholom Park are due to private dona-tions, sponsorships, and the help of volunteers.

• Sholom Park is open to the public 365 days of the year, admission free. During Daylight Sav-ing Time, hours are 8am-7pm. The rest of the year, the park is open 8am-5pm.

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