Union Park is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) located in Orange County, Florida, United States. It is an integral part of the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford Metropolitan Statistical Area, situated directly east of the city of Orlando and south of the University of Central Florida. Primarily a residential area, Union Park is characterized by its suburban landscape and a range of local amenities.
Geography
Union Park is located at {{coord|28|33|34|N|81|13|35|W|display=inline,title}}. According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP encompasses a total area of approximately 4.7 square miles (12.2 km²), all of which is land. The community is bordered by Azalea Park to its west and Goldenrod to its northwest. Major transportation routes intersect and serve Union Park; State Road 408 (East-West Expressway) runs through or near its southern boundary, offering efficient access to downtown Orlando and other parts of the metropolitan area. State Road 50 (Colonial Drive) traverses the northern section of the community, functioning as a primary east-west arterial road.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, Union Park had a resident population of 10,752. This represents a modest increase from the 2010 census, which recorded a population of 10,123. The community exhibits a diverse demographic profile, reflecting the broader characteristics of the Orlando metropolitan area. Its population generally consists of working-to-middle-class families and individuals residing in suburban settings.
History
The development of Union Park, much like many communities in Orange County, is closely tied to the eastward expansion of the Orlando metropolitan area, particularly from the mid-20th century onwards. Its growth has been significantly influenced by its strategic location near major transportation corridors and the expansion of key educational and commercial centers in eastern Orlando, including the University of Central Florida. Initially, the area consisted of scattered farms and citrus groves, but it gradually transformed into a vibrant residential suburban hub as Orlando's urban footprint expanded.
Points of Interest and Amenities
A central feature of the community is the
Union Park Community Regional Park, which provides a variety of recreational facilities, including sports fields, playgrounds, and designated picnic areas, serving as a key gathering space for residents. Educational services are provided by the Orange County Public Schools system, and the community benefits from convenient access to numerous commercial services, retail establishments, and dining options along its main thoroughfares.