President’s Corner – May 2026 – Lakeside at Viera Town Center

Well, I think it’s been in the news enough lately that everyone knows by now but it’s worth saying again… Lakeside at Viera Town Center is on the verge of opening this summer! Woohoo!

This is more than just a new park. It’s something we’ve been working toward and dreaming about for a long time. A true gathering place. A place where life happens. Where you run into neighbors, stay a little longer than you planned, and leave feeling more connected than when you arrived. And that matters more than ever. Studies consistently show that communities with strong social connections are not only happier, but healthier and more resilient. In fact, people who feel connected to their community are significantly more likely to report a higher quality of life. That’s not by accident, it’s by design.

That’s exactly what this space is meant to do.

We have all been anxiously awaiting this new park, which will become a central hub filled with great food, entertainment, and, most importantly, people. And since CVCA will manage the performance pavilion and open lawn side of the park, we have the unique opportunity to shape what that experience looks like. We’re not just scheduling events, we’re helping create moments that bring people together.

This park is very much a community resource and amenity. It’s not meant to be something you simply attend, it’s something you help create. We want it to be a place where local schools, non-profits, churches, clubs, neighborhoods, and groups of friends can bring their ideas to life. Yes, there will be times when we bring in professional entertainment, but the heart of this space will always be community-driven, accessible, and welcoming to all.

So, I want you to think about it…What are your passions? What brings you joy? What would you gather your friends and family to come experience? Because this space belongs to all of us. We’re starting to build out the calendar now, and I would love to hear your ideas. If you’ve ever thought, “Wouldn’t it be great if we had…”, then this is your moment. Reach out to me directly at eva.rey@viera.com. I can’t wait to see what we create together.

My team has started brainstorming ideas, but that’s just the beginning. The real magic will come from you. The possibilities here are endless. The only limit we have is our imagination and if there’s one thing I know about the people here in Viera, it’s that we are not lacking in creativity. Here are some of the programming ideas that we would like to see at the park. If you are interested in seeing any of these come to life, reach out and let’s talk!

• School Partnerships (Chorus Concerts, Band Concerts, Drama Performances, Award Gatherings, Poetry/Literature Readings/Events, Art Displays)
• Fundraiser Events for Local Charities
• Comedy Nights
• Open Mic Nights – Music/Comedy
• Battle of the Bands – Groove Shack
• Viera Has Talent Variety Show
• Yoga in the Park
• Exercise in the Park
• Art Festivals
• Bingo Nights
• Movies Under the Stars
• Ted Talks
• Outdoor Theatre
• Shakespeare in the Park
• Bands
• Cultural Festivals
• Pet Parades
• Beer Festival
• Family Game Nights
• Family Olympics
• Trivia Nights
• Game Show Nights
• STEM Programs/Events
• Food and Wine Festivals
• Church Worship in the Park
• Beginning/End location for Runs/Walks
• Nonprofit Showcase Days
• Hurricane Expos
• Transportation/Mobility Expos
• Holiday Gatherings – Festivals/Carols/Craft sales
• Improv Nights
• Silent Disco
• Farmers Market
• Makers Market
• Sound Bath Night – Meditation Bowls
• Star Gazing
• Meditation Hour
• Blessing of the Bikes
• Blessing of the Pets
• Spooky Storytelling
• Kids Storytelling
• Speed Friending/Neighborhood Mixer
• Bake-Off/Cook-Off
• Chili Cook Off
• BBQ Cook Off
• Glow Night (Music with Glow Items/Wearables)
• Base for a Community Scavenger Hunt
• Animal Adoption Event
• Dog Show
• Easter Egg Hunt
• Flashlight Egg Hunt
• Minute to Win It Game Show
• Earth Day in the Park
• Mommy & Me Meet-Up
• Daddy & Me Meet-Up
• Graduation Photoshoot Set-Up
• Prom Photoshoot Set-Up
• Themed Band Nights – 80’s/70’s/Beatles/ Big Band
• Sporting Watch Party
• Big Foam Dance Party
• Halloween Costume Contest
• Live Nativity Scene
• Live Painting Scenes
• Volunteer Expo
• College Expo
• Home Expo
• Plant Sales/Talks about Florida Friendly Landscaping/Master Gardner
• Paint and Sip Nights
• May the 4th be With You Star Wars Event
• Love Your Neighbor – Valentine Themed Event
• Clothing Drives
• Neighborhood Water Gun Fight Day
• Halloween Haunted House
• Derby Day
• Race Car Derby Contest
• Veggie Derby contest (have to carve a car out of a vegetable)
• Synchronized Sitting (groups have to choreograph a routine using folding chairs)
• Dad Dance Off
• Daddy Daughter Dance
• Wear Your Wedding Dress Again Party
• Slow Race to the Finish Run (games where the slowest wins)
• Wizard Battle in the Park – LARP
• Renaissance Fair
• Inflatable Costume Day (everyone wears an inflatable costume)
• Reverse Talent Show (people show off skills they are terrible at)
• Karaoke Roulette (karaoke night where a song is randomly picked for you)
• Karaoke Night
• Celery-Bration (a festival where you must wear green, have celery costumes, celery food, games with celery sticks)
• Awkward Photoshoot Night
• Interactive Movie Nights – Rocky Horror/Mommy Dearest
• Defense Classes
• Very Merry Viera Christmas Market
• National Day of Giving /Non-Profit Fair

So, until next time, remember, “Community is much more than belonging to something; it’s about doing something together that makes belonging matter.” – Brian Solis

Eva M. Rey, President
Central Viera Community Association, Inc.