- November 27, 2024
Loading
The city of Ormond Beach celebrated the opening of its new gym at the Joe and Ellwillie Daniels South Ormond Neighborhood Center on Monday, Oct. 23.
The need for an additional gym was first advocated for by the Leisure Services Advisory Board in 2019, and the city awarded $1 million construction contract to Saboungi Construction, Inc. in 2021. A grant of over $235,000 by the Daytona Beach Racing and Recreational Facilities District helped fund the project.
“The South Ormond Neighborhood Center is a beloved facility, and this new gym expansion is only going to add to what is already a fantastic gathering place for our community,” Mayor Bill Partington said during the ribbon-cutting.
Volleyball, pickleball and basketball are among the sports that will use the new gym.
Former Ormond Beach City Commissioner Rick Boehm, who helped secure the grant by the Daytona BBeach Racing and Recreational Facilities District, was also present at the ribbon-cutting. He said that he was motivated to push the project forward because of his memories practicing on the outdoor courts with his son during cold months.
“It just dawned on me a few years thereafter ... that Ormond Beach could use another indoor recreation facility, built so the kids and now the adults, could come indoors and play and practice and get the benefit of what an indoor recreation facility can do,” Boehm said.
Partington also thanked Joe Daniels for his love for SONC, located at 176 Division Avenue.
“Every brick laid, every beam set, and every ball that will be dribbled here carries the echoes of his passion and commitment,” Partington said. “This center thrives today because of the foundational work he did over the years, and this new gym is a beautiful reflection of that commitment.”
The city of Ormond Beach will host its annual Veterans Day Celebration and luncheon from 12-2 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 9, at the Ormond Beach Senior Center, at 351 Andrews St.
Veterans may attend for free and guest tickets cost $7, according to a city notice. Reserve tickets in person until Nov. 6 at the Leisure Services Office, located at 399 N. U.S. 1. The office is open 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday.
Volusia County is accepting applications from nonprofit organizations interested in becoming a certified Community Housing Development Organization.
CHDO certification is necessary to become eligible for some HOME Investment Partnerships Program opportunities to expand affordable housing and “strengthen the ability of state and local governments to provide housing by public-private partnerships,” the press release states.
Applications due by Nov. 17. Contact Dudley Joseph at 386-736-5955, ext. 12211, or [email protected].