Tucked in the heart of downtown Clermont, Kehlor Park stands not only as a scenic gathering place but as a tribute to the legacy of a generous winter resident whose name remains etched in the city’s history—Lamira Kehlor. The park’s roots trace back over a century to a time when Clermont was beginning to take shape as a growing lakeside community, built on neighborly spirit and civic pride.
A Warm Welcome for a Generous Spirit- In January 1917, Lamira Kehlor arrived in Clermont for her annual winter stay at The Gables, her seasonal home located at West Minneola Avenue and 5th Street. Lamira, the widow of millionaire flour miller James P.M. Kehlor of East St. Louis, Missouri, was known in the community not only for her gracious presence but also for her philanthropic contributions to local causes.
Her arrival that year was met with a remarkable public celebration. A large group of residents, led by a band and joined by city officials, members of the Advancement Club, Library Club, and other citizens, marched from the Baptist Church to her home. Major Campbell acted as master of ceremonies, presenting Mrs. Kehlor with a bouquet of roses and heartfelt appreciation for her generosity. She graciously opened her home to the crowd, who were welcomed by her brother-in-law, Ph.H. Brockway, and her guests. It was a fitting honor for a woman deeply cherished by the Clermont community.
A Final Gift: The Birth of Kehlor Park – Lamira Kehlor’s final visit to Clermont came in January 1918. She passed away just months later in April at her home in St. Louis. But her legacy in Clermont was far from over. In her will, she left Lots 13 through 20 in Block 50—directly across from The Gables—to the Town of Clermont with the request that it be turned into a recreational space: Kehlor Park.
The town quickly acted on her wishes, developing the property into a community haven that featured shuffleboard courts, tennis courts, horseshoe pits, and a wood-framed clubhouse. The park became a vibrant gathering place for local residents, hosting everything from card games to philosophical discussions. A gazebo-style bandstand was also constructed to house the town’s first band, which had formed in 1915 and had previously lacked a permanent home.
Decades of Community Use – Over the decades, Kehlor Park remained a cherished part of the city’s fabric. For more than 60 years, the original recreation center served as a senior hub, providing social and recreational opportunities to older residents. At one time, the park was privately maintained by a local recreation club, which handled all activities and upkeep.
A New Era: Kehlor Senior Recreation Center – By the 2010s, the original wood-framed clubhouse had deteriorated beyond repair. Recognizing the continuing importance of the park to Clermont’s senior community, the city included a replacement facility in its ambitious $22-million Downtown-Waterfront District Master Plan.
On November 15, 2019, the new Kehlor Recreation Center officially opened at 466 West Minneola Avenue. Designed by Powell Studio Architecture to align with the aesthetics of the city’s other civic buildings, the 1,937-square-foot structure includes modern amenities such as restrooms, storage, and multipurpose space, while still honoring the park’s legacy.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony included remarks from City Manager Darren Gray and Mayor Gail Ash, along with Jake Jacobson of the Kehlor Recreation Club, highlighting the collaboration between the club and the city. The South Lake Chamber of Commerce followed with its own celebratory ribbon cutting.
“This new facility will allow us to continue existing programs and create new opportunities for our participants to enjoy,” said Parks and Recreation Director Scott Davidoff.
Click the link below to view 2020 Clermont City Council celebrating the opening of Kehlor Recreation Center: https://www.facebook.com/southlaketablet/videos/1967583560054339/
Mayor Ash emphasized the city’s commitment to seniors, stating, “One of my requests for our Master Plan was to keep a focus on our seniors by upgrading this center.” City Manager Gray added, “One out of every three Clermont residents is age 55 and over. That means over 13,000 seniors call Clermont home.”
The Kehlor Center now serves as a hub for the city’s Champions For A Lifetime initiative, which has seen senior engagement skyrocket to more than 8,000 participants. The program continues to expand with new activities and classes for residents and non-residents alike.
A Lasting Legacy – Over a century after Lamira Kehlor’s heartfelt gift to the community, her spirit of generosity and civic engagement continues to thrive at the park that bears her name. What began as a simple act of kindness has blossomed into a vital community cornerstone—where generations of Clermont residents have come to gather, celebrate, and connect.
Kehlor Park is more than just a patch of green space—it is a living monument to community, history, and the enduring power of giving.
