Just played Winter Park earlier this week and my thoughts echo many of those expressed already. I love the way that it's woven into and enveloped by the leafy suburban community and every element of the design seems to maximize the fun, convenient and accessible ethos. Had I seen this thread earlier I would have definitely attempted to set up a round with Rees.
In answer to Mike Nuzzo's question, the local news said it was renovated for $1.2 million, which included all new irrigation, tees, greens and bunkers.
It does seem to be a bit of a paradigm shift in that it brings some very cool and strategic design elements (no rough, an economy (22) of strategic bunkers, firm and fast conditions encouraging the ground game) to a low cost municipal layout in the US. It's longer than an executive course and plays like an out-of-the-way UK village 9 hole links but is playable for all with absolutely no carries anywhere. I only brought 7 golf clubs with me (D, 3W, 5i, 7i, 9i, wedge, putter) and made a point of playing it differently on my two trips around. Each took slightly more than an hour, even with groups of "experienced ladies" ahead of me. Cost of $16 for an out-of-towner midweek.
Furthermore, the entire facility sits on about 40 acres and everyone I saw was walking!
I'd dare say that if more municipal golf could replicate WPs mix of fun, cost and pace of play, the sport wouldn't have so much trouble attracting and retaining players.
I can't help but wonder though, does this sort of course (at less than 5,000 yards from the back and par 70) appeal to really good golfers? Probably doesn't need to, right? I'm a 20 handicap and it had the design variety and playing characteristics to hold my interest most days of the week. Different kind of course obviously but I feel the same way about The Preserve at Bandon (that was also Keith Rhebb maybe?)...