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ECHO advisory reviews DCE plan changes, new park and parking proposals
Summary
The Echo Advisory Board reviewed proposed updates to the county's DCE plan, including new basketball courts at Spring Hill Park ($450,000), off-beach parking land acquisition ($2 million), Deltona amphitheater design work, and a $15,000 design request to illuminate the historic DeLand courthouse.
Volusia County ECHO Advisory Board members reviewed proposed adjustments and new entries to the DCE (design, construction, and equipment) plan for fiscal year 2025. Staff described new design-and-construction requests, project adjustments and a small number of removals where alternative funding has been secured.
Panel discussion and highlights: - Spring Hill Park basketball courts and improvements: Staff described a request for $450,000 to design and construct one full court and one half-court with pavilion, benches, bleachers and lighting. The parcel is on 415 across from the Yancey landfill and will expand access near Deep Creek. - DeLand Library Play Yard adjustment: An additional $100,000 was requested to add a boardwalk to meet ADA access because a swale/retention area was discovered during design. Library funds will cover the match. - Off-beach parking land acquisition: Staff proposed $2,000,000 set aside to acquire parcels for off-beach parking across the county. Staff said the strategy focuses on parcels with sufficient size and on cost-effective West-side A1A locations to provide future beach access if shoreline conditions change. Staff characterized these funds as an "insurance policy for the future" to preserve public access if driving on the beach becomes restricted. - Deltona Amphitheater design and engineering: The board discussed prior operational concerns (lack of performer spaces and backstage support) and staff said the new design effort will address access, infrastructure and ticketing needs before construction. - Historic DeLand Courthouse illumination (design/engineering $15,000): Staff proposed engaging a lighting consultant to develop historically appropriate exterior lighting and minimize structural impacts. - Removals and funding changes: Frank Reardon Park south-beach access was removed from the DCE plan because FEMA funding will support the work; the humpback skeleton exhibit at the Marine Science Center was removed because existing exhibits and space constraints now preclude the installation.
Why it matters: DCE plan adjustments set the county's near-term capital priorities for parks, cultural sites and public access. Some entries are planning/design requests intended to lead to construction in later fiscal years.
Next steps and staff direction: Board members asked for additional detail on operational costs (lighting, maintenance) and whether city partners would contribute to specific projects; staff said more detailed budgets and design packages will return to the committee in later phases. Acquisition authority for off-beach parking allows staff to negotiate parcels, with development of any acquired site expected to return to the committee for review.
