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Eustis is connected to the area communities through the famous Harris Chain of Lakes, which flows into the Oklawaha River, feeding into the St. Johns River and eventually travelling all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. The Dora Canal connects Lakes Eustis and Dora. In the 1930's Grantland Rice, and leading Sportswriter, called the canal the most beautiful half-mile of water in the world. Boat tours are available for experiencing the canal and its abundant wildlife. The City of Eustis has nine parks with playgrounds, benches, and picnic tables conveniently located throughout the city and ideal for family picnics and fun: Tennis Courts are located in several parks. Racquetball courts are available at Ward Avenue, and softball fields are located at Carver Park. The Eustis City Recreation Department sponsors activities for all ages, including special events for the youth of the community, and should be contacted for further information. They also operate a full schedule of classes at the Senior Service Center, while various local clubs and organizations sponsor potluck dinners, shuffleboard tournaments, card parties, square dancing, and musical events. The Golden Triangle YMCA, built entirely through the efforts of the residents of the community, offers a variety of water and gym programs. It also offers a Youth Sports Program and before and after school childcare programs. A Wellness Center at the YMCA offers state-of-the-art exercise equipment and weight machines, a physical therapy room, and a heated therapy pool. Ferran Park, located on the shores of Lake Eustis, is the oldest park in the area and offers a wide range of family recreational activities. These include year-round swimming at the Aquatic Center's two heated swimming pools (one of which is a six-lane training pool). This city-owned facility offers activities such as swimming lessions for all ages, water walking classes, lap swim, First Aid and CPR, community water safety, and special events. The Alice McClelland Memorial bandshell, also located in the park, offers a variety of entertainment for old and young alike. The band shell is one of only two in the state, and has been added to the National Register of Historic Places along with the Palms House and the Eustis Historical Museum (The Clifford House). The park also features a jogging trail, shoreline fishing, gazebos and benches. A lake walk extends for one-quarter mile along the shore. and offers four gazebos with benches and 20 boat slips. A new commercial boat dock is expected to provide opportunity for tours of the lakes. Florida's oldest continuous festival, Washington's Birthday Festival, began in 1902 and is held annually on the last weekend in February. The celebration generally includes a parade, arts & crafts, food, sailing regatta, water ski show, children activities, and a carnival. Additionally, the downtown merchants host monthly street parties and entertainment throughout most of the year. These community festivities include music and dancing in the streets and at the band shell, food and drink, and browsing the local shops. They are generally held the first Friday of each month, March - October. If you enjoy theatre, the Bay Street Players stage six live productions each year at the Players' Young Peoples Theater on Bay Street. The Eustis Art League and art leagues of neighboring towns sponsor frequent shows, as do noted artists and personalities who participate in the Annual Lyceum Series produced by Lake Sumter Community College. A stroll through downtown Eustis takes you back to yesteryear, as the renovated buildings comprise what is known as The Village. The shops, located on Magnolia Avenue and Eustis Street, overlook brick sidewalks and tree-shaded benches provide a relaxing shopping experience. Within the Eustis area, you will also find more than a dozen shopping centers, which include a full selection of grocery stores and national chain stores. Home | Members | Contact Us | Membership Information | About Our Chamber | About Eustis | Calendar | President's Letter Lake Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce Hosting & Maintenance by BusinessMasters.Net |