Volusia County library director outlines Pearson branch parking, fenced playground and funding

Lucinda Coley, Library Services Director for Volusia County, told the Pearson Town Council the new Pearson Public Library is nearing completion and that shelving installation is scheduled for July 8–9 with an anticipated opening in August. "We are getting very close to opening our new facility," Coley said, and noted the branch will employ four staff members plus one to two student workers.

Coley asked the council to approve development of a 24-space parking area north of the building — 22 standard spaces and two concrete ADA spaces — constructed as a crushed-shell surface over a compacted base, and a fenced play yard directly connected to the library entrance. She described the playground as modeled on the Daytona Beach Regional Library design that is accessible only during library hours and controlled from inside the building. "We are following a model ... those are fenced in and only accessible via the library during library hours," Coley said.

Coley told the council the play yard will be funded 50% with ECHO funds and 50% by the library. Council members and staff asked about access points and signage; Coley confirmed primary access from Highway 17 and said the library will install wayfinding and building lettering similar to other branches. Town Planner Mark Coret confirmed the normal review path: staff review, planning commission, and returning to council for land-use approvals. Coley said maintenance responsibilities for the building, parking area and play yard will be written into the lease so the library will maintain those improvements.

The council directed staff to route the site plan and the playground/parking request to the planning and zoning process. Next steps cited by staff include planning commission review and lease amendments after plan approval.

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