Resident urges native-plant restoration and water-wise design at Breakers Oceanfront Park

Ginny Naszak, a longtime Daytona Beach resident and frequent public commenter, told the board the Breakers Oceanfront Park should emphasize native plants and water-wise landscaping as staff proceed with renovations and programming.

Naszak described past programming at the Breakers building and said native beachside vegetation — ice plant, saw palmetto and gaillardias — provides ecological benefits such as stormwater absorption and reduced irrigation demand. She urged the board to favor designs that restore the barrier island’s natural function and asked staff to consider playgrounds that integrate nature education rather than a traditional splash pad.

Why it matters: Naszak argued that native planting would both reduce water use and improve the park’s aesthetics, and she offered to volunteer and coordinate grassroots outreach. Board members praised recent examples of native-plant restoration elsewhere in the city and thanked Naszak for her civic engagement.

Next steps: The board acknowledged the recommendation and noted park improvements will be part of staff reports and grant applications; no binding decision was made during public comment.