LONGWOOD, Fla. — A new amphitheater park is opening up in Longwood’s historic district.
- Reiter Park to open in Longwood
- One business owner hopes it brings more customers by
- Grand opening on Saturday, Sept. 15
- FLYER: Reiter Park grand opening info
Business owners whose shops are near Reiter Park are excited about the possibility the park could attract more customers.
On Saturday, Sept. 15, the City of Longwood -- in conjunction with its 140th birthday -- is throwing a huge grand opening celebration for the park that will include live bands, food trucks and a fireworks display.
City officials say the park will then close back down for a few weeks as crews finish up some work, but it will re-open for good in mid-October.
The park will have an amphitheater, pavilions, a splash pad, boardwalks and a serenity garden – just to name a few amenities.
Dave Manti owns a vintage toy store just about a block away from the new park. He says business is steady.
“A lot of parents will get these vintage toys to play with, because it’s what they played with as a child,” said Manti.
But Manti says he’s had trouble getting people to know his store even exists.
“Nobody knows that I’m here being off the beaten path a little bit,” said Manti.
Manti believes the park will help bring more people to not only his business, but also several other small businesses in Longwood’s historic district.
“I hope people come down here from the park, come in here and cool off after being out in the sun, and look at a few toys, and like I said, reconnect with their childhood,” said Manti.
The park’s grand opening is Saturday, Sept. 15, from 12 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Reiter Park in Longwood, which is not far from the intersection of Ronald Reagan Boulevard and State Road 434.