Mount Dora in Lake County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Serenity Park
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 25, 2026
1. Serenity Park Marker
For many years, until removed in November of 1991, this corner in Mount Dora was the site of the city water tower.
The fire department had a large whistle on the tower to advise volunteers of fires. The number of times it sounded indicated where to meet. Neighbors remember the daily noon whistle as a “Normal part of our lives”. Some found “something comforting about it” and others recall “climbing the tower at midnight” as teenagers!
In 2015, the first person to pursue the challenge of creating a park on the site was an adjacent neighbor, Doris Cole. She shared her thoughts with the City Council and with their encouragement, Doris contacted others to form a team. Neighbor Mary C. Miller agreed to coordinate the effort and the ‘Serenity Park Team’ became official. This hard working team of neighbors presented proposals, passed out flyers and created a brick fundraising program. The Mount Dora Community Trust supported the park by awarding funds for several projects.
The City of Mount Dora contributed greatly, and under the leadership of the Parks and Recreation Department, the park was completed in the Fall of 2017.
The Book Repository
The
this page online
Original ‘Serenity Park Team’ Members
Doris Cole, Mary C. Miller, Linda Brockway, Peggy Cannady, Deanna Howell, Fadia Khader, Darrin Peterman and Richard Santiago.
Erected 2023 by Mount Dora History Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Communications • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 2017.
Location. 28° 48.261′ N, 81° 38.582′ W. Marker is in Mount Dora, Florida, in Lake County. It is at the intersection of East 9th Avenue and North Tremain Street, on the left when traveling east on East 9th Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 215 East 9th Avenue, Mount Dora FL 32757, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Orlando and in Central Florida. It is also in the American South. Globally, it is in the North
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 25, 2026
2. Serenity Park Marker
Looking northeast through the park. The Book Repository (Little Free Library), reminiscent of the water tower, is in the background.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The First Congregational Church of Mount Dora (approx. 0.2 miles away); Lewis House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Mount Dora Community Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); John P. Donnelly House (approx. ¼ mile away); The World War (approx. ¼ mile away); Walter D. Patton (approx. ¼ mile away); Annie Donnelly Park (approx. ¼ mile away); Lakes and Hills Realty Company (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mount Dora.
Also see . . . Marker unveiled at Serenity Park in Mount Dora (Mount Dora History Museum - Facebook).
Excerpt: New Historical Marker unveiled in Mount Dora on August 8, 2023. Serenity Park, on East 9th Avenue and Tremain Street, received an historical marker reflecting the history of the property and the evolution of the park. Congratulations to Doris Cole, Mary C. Miller, Linda Brockway, Peggy Cannaday, Deanna Howell, Fadia Khader, Darrin Peterman (landscape designer) and Richard Santiago (architectural design of the park) for their effort and determination to see this project through to fruition. Additional kudos to new neighbor Tom Dring for his effort in helping to pursue the historical marker.(Submitted on September 27, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Credits. This page was last revised on September 27, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 27, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 3 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 27, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
