- April 25, 2024
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"Welcome to the next chapter of the future of Port Orange."
Those words, spoken by Port Orange Mayor Don Burnette, were a fitting way to announce the grand opening of the city's Riverwalk Park — a project years in the making. The words were also a nod at the growth and development since the city was founded 150 years ago.
Burnette, along with other city, county and state officials, addressed the crowds gathered at the new area situated between the Halifax River and S. Ridgwood Avenue for the Riverwalk Park ribbon cutting on Saturday Nov. 4. The park opening coincided with Port Orange's 150th anniversary since being established in 1867 making the day a two-fold celebration.
With the park officially open to the public, Riverwalk began to fill with visitors, from families wanting to sit on the open green space to individuals and their dogs meandering down the waterside walkways. There were children playing at the splash pad and stand up paddle boards ready to be taken out on the river.
Some residents, like Mercy Barry, had been soaking up the sunny weather while walking around the 10-acre area.
"I'm very glad to be here today, I've been here for almost two hours," Barry said. "It's just beautiful. It's something good."
The park was completed in two phases, the first consisting of the northern section and the second the southern section. According to the Port Orange city website, phase one cost $1,048,664 while phase two came in at $3,546,537. The city received grants that went toward both phases relating to design and construction.
"It's beautiful. The area is so open, it's relaxing," Vicki Carey, who was was visiting the park with her husband, said. "This is really nice."
With Riverwalk Park now open, Burnette proclaimed that the eastern area of Port Orange will be known as the River District for the more than 61,000 people who live in the city. Burnett added the park would be at the heart of the newly-named district.
According to Burnette, there have also been changes around the park, including the refurbishing of all medians on Ridgewood Avenue, new entryway signs and more irrigation in addition to commercial development plans, like Jimmy Hula's, and further expansion.
"We're very lucky to have a community like this here in the sixth district," Rep. Ron DeSantis said. "And I think this is going to be really, really special not only for the folks here in Port Orange but really for all of Volusia County."
The evening's festivities ended in true celebratory fashion — with fireworks.
And as former Port Orange mayor and current Florida State Senator Doothy Hukill put it, Port Orange is a place that both city officials and its residents love.
"I was on council when we started planning this along with many others," Hukill said. "And we envisioned it at that time to provide many different opportunities for the residents of Port Orange, but most of all to maintain what Port Orange is known for, and that is being family friendly."
