Orange County staff outline 10-year capital plan, keep Central Recreation Center on near-term track

David Stancil, a DEAPR staff member, presented the Manager's Recommended FY 2026—2036 Capital Investment Plan to the Parks and Recreation Council on May 6, describing it as a 10-year blueprint of capital priorities with only the first year operationalized.

Stancil said several DEAPR projects were deferred because of prior investments in school funding but that the Central Recreation Center (CRC) remains on the schedule in year two (2027'28). He said the CRC, built in 1957, has heavy usage and that the county plans to begin a community feasibility study in year two to shape a replacement; construction is scheduled to begin in 2030. Stancil also identified programmed funding lines for conservation easements, Hollow Rock Nature Park and Little River Regional Park development.

The presentation emphasized that later years of the CIP are subject to change and that only the first year is operationalized; the Board of County Commissioners will review the manager's recommendation and may make adjustments prior to its scheduled June 16 adoption. No final appropriations or construction contracts were approved at the council meeting; council members were informed of the proposed schedule for study and design work.

The timeline for the CRC (feasibility study in 2027'28 and construction beginning in 2030) was presented as a planning target rather than an executed contract. The council did not vote on any CIP items at the May 6 meeting; the BOCC retains authority to amend the plan and adopt the final CIP.