The meeting’s most significant topic centered on the application for exceptional status for DeBary’s new park project. The city’s Parks and Recreation director, Jason, and grant writer, Teresa, presented their case, focusing on the detailed budget and phased approach to the project. The first phase, for which the funding was requested, includes essential amenities such as restrooms, a kayak launch, a fishing pier, an observation tower, and nature trails. Jason highlighted that the project’s total cost is projected at $10 million, but the immediate phase requested funding only for $1 million.

Committee members raised concerns about the lack of a clear funding source for the remaining phases. Jason assured the committee that the city intends to focus on completing Phase One and managing operational costs within the existing parks budget. The projected operational costs for the park, amounting to $500,000, were a point of concern, as members questioned the financial implications for local taxpayers and the feasibility of sustaining the park long-term without partnerships or sponsorships.

Further scrutiny was directed towards the marketing budget, which stood at a minimal $2,000, raising doubts about the park’s ability to attract visitors beyond the local community. The committee emphasized the importance of ensuring the project’s financial and operational viability, particularly in light of its community impact and the substantial taxpayer investment required.

Despite these concerns, the committee recognized the park’s potential as a significant asset due to the region’s growth and its ability to offer recreational opportunities to a broad audience. The city manager of DeBary, Carmen Rosanda, outlined the city’s financial strategy, emphasizing a reliance on grants and state appropriations rather than traditional borrowing. Rosanda pointed out that DeBary has multiple ongoing projects totaling $22 million, with a considerable portion funded through external sources.

The park, spanning 170 acres, includes a two-mile boardwalk. Rosanda suggested that the park could attract visitors from across the region and serve as a nature-based community hub. Committee members deliberated on the park’s ability to serve several people, a criterion for exceptional project status, and discussed the potential for increased visitor numbers once the park gains popularity.

The committee’s deliberation on DeBary’s park concluded with a roll call vote, passing the exceptional status request with a majority.

Another notable discussion involved the City of South Daytona’s scope change request for Reed Canal Park. The city sought to relocate existing playground equipment to Ned Wagner Park and introduce a new prehistoric-themed playground. The committee confirmed that the scope change met ECHO guidelines and approved the request unanimously. The proposed playground’s prehistoric theme, linked to a giant sloth skeleton discovered at the site, garnered enthusiasm from the committee, which anticipated it would attract children from beyond South Daytona.

The committee also reviewed a proposal for South Causeway Park in Port Orange, seeking $600,000 for improvements, including a new floating dock and stormwater enhancements. Initial compliance issues were resolved, allowing the project to move forward. The committee expressed support for the project, emphasizing the need for more recreational infrastructure to meet the community’s demands.

Other discussions included the strategic plan update, which remains incomplete. Concerns were raised about the outdated data from 2016 and the need for better user data to evaluate project proposals effectively. The committee suggested incorporating public input into the planning process and conducting listening sessions to gather community feedback.

The meeting concluded with updates on various projects’ scores to ensure they met the required thresholds for County Council approval.