- December 15, 2025
The Nova Community Park expansion project may not begin for several years.
BY MATT MENCARINI | STAFF WRITER
A master plan has been finalized, although the product may not be seen for years.
The City Commission approved, by a 4-1 vote April 16, the final long-range master plan for the Nova Community Park expansion project.
The proposed cost of the conceptual plan, an estimated $3.4 million for future park expansion projects and $1.3 million for existing park additions, resulted in the lone vote against, from Commissioner James Stowers.
Stowers praised the long-range plan and concept, and said he was appreciative of the parks the city had, but he was concerned about cost.
“When this item came up earlier this year, I had some reservations about adding to this constrained site, this constrained location, due to the landfill that’s previously been covered,” he said. “And I have no problem spending our city’s tax dollars on recreational facilities, but I do think this constrained site presents some unique issues.”
During a commission meeting Jan. 8, the commissioners gave Ginger Corliss, of HHI Design, feedback regarding the conceptual plan. Changes were made, including additional parking, a circuit training fitness area and adjustments to the configuration, size and quantity of multipurpose fields and racketball, handball and basketball courts.
Because future park elements in the conceptual plan expand onto a covered landfill, there are additional costs and limitations, as well, which Stowers said add up to about $862,000.
Commissioner Rick Boehm was on the Leisure Services Advisory Board in 2004 when the long-range conceptual plan for the Ormond Beach Sports Complex was adopted.
“That particular master plan, I believe, the cost at the time was closer to $8 million,” he said. “We are nowhere near completing what was in that master plan, and in fact, we’ve modified it enough that it will never be completed in the way it was drawn.”
A master plan is needed for the eventual development of a park, Boehm said, but they’re generally never “fully developed along the lines of the master plan.” The plan gives an idea of what could be developed on the land.
City seeks designer for skate park
The city is requesting proposals for the expansion of the Nova Community Park Skate Park expansion project.
The request deals specifically with the design and construction of the skate park and skate-able elements, the city said, adding that it’s looking for a contractor with experience in the construction of skate parks.
The project’s budget, according to the city, is $450,000, with $150,000 for design and build elements. Other elements include the addition of a vendor and restroom building, relocation or addition of site lighting, installation of new fencing and utility service extensions.
The city applied for a $225,000 ECHO Grant Nov. 15, 2011, and received approval March 15. The grant funds will be available for two years.
