The City of Kissimmee officially celebrated the grand opening of Lancaster Ranch Park – Phase 1A on Tuesday morning with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held at 1881 Jack Calhoun Drive. The event was highlighted by the exciting return of an iconic local treasure—Green Meadows Petting Farm—at its new home.
“On behalf of the City Commission, I want to express how proud we are to deliver on our promise to the community: more green space, family amenities, and reasons to love living and visiting Kissimmee,” said City Mayor Jackie Espinosa.
City of Kissimmee officials, representatives from Green Meadows, and community members gathered to commemorate the unveiling of the new park and petting farm, a family-friendly attraction that offers interactive animal experiences for visitors of all ages. Operated in partnership with the City of Kissimmee, the petting farm is a key highlight of the park’s Phase 1A development.
“I’m proud of what we’ve achieved with Lancaster Ranch Park,” said Parks and Recreation Director Steve Lackey. “This park was built with everyone in mind, and we’re just getting started. We are looking forward to more phases that will further enhance this incredible space and our park system.”
The Return of Green Meadows Petting Farm
Do you remember Green Meadows Petting Farm? It’s the place where, for over 30 years, countless childhood memories were made! Originally opened in 1988 by Coni and Bob Keyes under the shady live oaks in Kissimmee, the farm quickly became a go-to destination where children experienced their first encounters with animals like cattle, alpacas, donkeys, pigs, and bunnies—or simply enjoyed the timeless joy of a classic hayride.
“We have pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, rabbits—mules and ponies too,” said Dan Keyes, owner of Green Meadows Petting Farm. “The reopening of our wonderful farm has been seven years in the making. It’s surreal… it’s just hard to believe this is really happening here at Lancaster Ranch Park. We are so thankful to the City of Kissimmee, and we’re so grateful for everyone who came out this morning to celebrate with us.”
Thanks to the City of Kissimmee, the farm has made a heartwarming comeback at Lancaster Ranch Park. Visitors can once again take a scenic hayride through “Old Florida,” see cattle grazing in the distance, and enjoy a day surrounded by nature and animals.
Don’t Miss Green Meadows’ First Annual Easter Egg Hunt!
Green Meadows is kicking off spring with their First Annual Easter Egg Hunt on:
🗓️ April 12, 13, 18, 19 & 20
This fun-filled family event is perfect for kids and includes egg hunts, photo ops, and all the charm of the petting farm experience.
🎟️ Order your tickets today at greenmeadowsevents.com or visit the Green Meadows Petting Farm in person at Lancaster Ranch Park to join in the fun!
🌳 Lancaster Ranch Park: A Vision for Recreation and Community
“The opening of Lancaster Ranch Park is a tremendous milestone for the City of Kissimmee, as it is set to become one of the largest parks in the City’s history,” says City Manager Mike Steigerwald. “This is part of the City’s ongoing $150+ Million Capital Improvement Campaign, which funds key projects in parks, roads, trails, community centers, and public safety facilities.”
Covering 150 acres, Lancaster Ranch Park includes:
-
Walking and biking trails
-
Event lawn
-
Playground areas
-
Dog park
-
Large shaded pavilions
-
Access to the Shingle Creek Bike Trail
Future phases will bring even more to the community, including a canoe/kayak launch, additional trails, and preserved green space—further cementing Lancaster Ranch Park as one of Kissimmee’s premier outdoor destinations.
Feature Photo Source: City of Kissimmee
