Lake Maitland (Winter Park Chain of Lakes)

Lake Maitland, part of the Howell Branch Creek system, is the southernmost lake in the Winter Park chain. Approximately 75% of its surface area lies within Winter Park, while the remainder belongs to the City of Maitland. Lake Osceola serves as the immediate upstream lake in Winter Park, but Lake Maitland also receives surface flow from Lake Minnehaha and Park Lake, both located in Maitland. Howell Branch Creek serves as the outlet for Lake Maitland, flowing over a control weir at Howell Branch Road. Like many lakes in the region, Lake Maitland’s water level depends on rainfall, surface flow, and groundwater levels. Navigable canals connect Lake Maitland to Lakes Osceola and Minnehaha.

Lake Maitland’s water quality is influenced by stormwater runoff and inflow from the three upstream lakes. Secchi disk transparency data from 1997 to 2015 indicate a positive trend toward improved water clarity.

Winter Park and Maitland collaborate on a plant management program for Lake Maitland. Winter Park handles plant management throughout the lake and bills Maitland for work done in their designated areas. The focus is on controlling exotic plants like hydrilla and water hyacinth, with occasional management of native pondweed to maintain boating access.

Lake Maitland features stormwater retrofits, including exfiltration systems at North Park Avenue, Sunnyside Drive, and North New York Avenue. Additionally, CDS structures are installed at McKean Circle and Green Cove Road (two outfalls), as well as Via Lombardi and North Park Avenue. Future plans include treatment systems for outfalls draining the Dixie Parkway and Summerland Avenue areas.