The city of Orlando unveiled a new, solar-powered picnic table that it hopes will bring residents together.
Located at Prince Hall Park (4418 Prince Hall Boulevard), the table is part of a new Tables of Connection initiative that provides solar-powered, shaded tables that are outfitted with a Wi-Fi hotspot and charging station.
The tables will allow residents to connect to the internet and charge up to four wireless devices at once, including lap tops and phones.
As part of the project, a second table was also installed in Willows Park, located in District 5.
According to city officials, the tables bring needed connectivity to the two areas in which 57% and 33% of residents, respectively, lack broadband service. Both are significantly higher than the City of Orlando’s average of 18%.
City officials say the tables are rated for 175 mph winds, and can provide services to residents after a disaster, allowing people to charge phones, call loved ones, restore services, and get access to emergency information during a power outage.
The project was made possible after the American Association of Retired Professionals (AARP) issued a $20,000 grant as part of its Community Challenge Grant, which focuses on providing funding for “quick-action” projects that help communities be more accessible for residents of all ages.