EDGEWOOD, Fla. — An effort to ease a congested spot in the city of Edgewood is facing backlash.

The plan to connect Gatlin and Holden avenues near Orange Avenue would require the new realignment go through a portion of Cypress Grove Park.

But that proposal is facing pushback from those who use the park.

“I love the park as it is, and I wish for it to stay as it is and not get any smaller,” said Edgewood resident Maria Mussi, who says she regularly walks in the park.

Cypress Grove Park is located off Orange Avenue near the intersections of Holden and Gatlin avenues, which are just 350 feet apart.

Area residents say the configuration is dangerous and regularly causes major backups.

In 10 years, 517 crashes have been reported at the two intersections. 

“You can’t get through it," said longtime Edgewood resident Larry Meddock. "I can’t tell you how many light cycles I go through."

Officials say the traffic configuration in the area has been studied for improvements for more than four decades.

To alleviate the problem, Orange County officials are considering extending Gatlin Avenue to the west through Cypress Grove Park to connect with Holden Avenue.

The plan to extend Gatlin Avenue would use 4 acres of land in the 80-acre park.

But some residents aren't convinced that the move would do much good.

“I’m not sure if it’s going to improve the traffic flow in the Orange-Gatlin area,” Mussi said.

The road would affect 60 mature oak trees and a multipurpose and overflow parking area at the park.

The exercise loop Mussi uses would also be reduced.

Orange County officials said they believe the realignment of Gatlin and Holden would reduce crashes in the area by 25%.

“I think (4) acres is a small price to pay to get this thing fixed once and for all,” Meddock said.