- December 16, 2025
The building should be complete by the end of 2015.
A small but very interested group of people showed up at The Casements on Nov. 12 to learn about plans and provide input for the Environmental Learning Center to be constructed at Central Park.
“I’ve never heard of a city trying to get feedback before something is built,” said Joanna McKasy, who moved to the area from Wisconsin a few years ago. “This is awesome.”
In addition to opinions, the city is also seeking volunteers from the community to help plan and run programming for the center.
“I’m in, totally,” McKasy said. A former science teacher with a major in biology,
Mckasy said she would like to see a center that fosters a bonding with the outdoors as well as learning. She said the nearest nature centers are in St. Cloud and at Lyonia Preserve.
“I’m just so excited,” she said.
At the presentation, attendees had the opportunity to fill out a questionnaire to indicate what they would like to see at the center. Those who did not attend can find the presentation on the city’s website, and also fill out and submit the questionnaire. Visit ormondbeach.org, and then click on Environmental Learning Center.
“It’s important to get input from the community,” said Maryann Zeledon, recreation programming specialist for the city.
In addition to opinions, the city is seeking involvement.
“I’m looking for a dedicated group of volunteers who want to come in and teach programs,” Zeledon said. “But we don’t want volunteers to feel overwhelmed. We’ll start out simple.”
The Central Park location will be utilized. Zeledon said children will be able to learn about ospreys and other animals and then go outside and see them.
She said the city wants to increase awareness and appreciation of the local environment.
John Noble, city engineer, said the programming provided by volunteers will make the learning center “special and unique” to Ormond Beach.
People will be able to see exhibits at the center, even when no programming is scheduled, according to Leisure Services Director Robert Carolin. He said the city wants to staff the center with someone who can rent boats, sell concessions and answer questions.
For other staffing, Carolin compared plans to The Casements where tours are provided by a volunteer group, the Casements Guild.
Outside agencies are showing interest. Carolin said the city will partner with the Florida Fish and Wildlife, which can bring in animals. Zeledon said she has heard from the Museum of Arts and Science, which is interested in having outdoor astrology programs. There is too much “light pollution” at their location in Daytona Beach, she said.
Noble said the 2,000-square-foot building should be complete by the end of 2015. Half of the $800,000 building expense will be paid by an ECHO grant.
The architect is Mark Dowst & Assoc. Inc. and the AM Weigel Construction Inc. will be the construction manager, Noble said.
Mark Dowst, company president, said Central Park, with its 149 acres including 75 acres of lakes, is a rare jewel, and a natural location for the learning center. The center will be built on one of the lakes.
Call Ormond Beach Leisure Services at 676-3277.
