Ormond Beach could soon transform a vacant school property into a public park — and city officials say acting quickly is the only way to keep it out of developers’ hands.
City commissioners are considering purchasing the former Osceola Elementary School site, a move that would preserve the 11.6-acre property for public use. The school closed in 2021, and preliminary plans showed the possibility of 30 to 40 homes being built on the site if it were sold for residential development.
Neighbors near the former school say they are relieved the city is stepping in.
“I absolutely think it’s worth 2.5 million to the city to spend,” said Larry, a neighbor who lives just down the street.
Larry and his aunt, who live nearby, have been among those hoping the land would be kept out of development for years. He says the community deserves more than an empty lot.
“Not an empty school sitting there — it’d be nice to have some places for our kids to go and play,” he said.
City commissioners directed staff to explore the purchase, believing the property would otherwise be sold for residential development. The $2.5 million contract is now ready to be signed and is on the agenda for Wednesday night’s city commission meeting.
John Roy, who lives across the street from the former school, says the site should benefit the entire community.
“I am so relieved about that. I’m glad. I really hope that they put a park in there for the kids. Not any housing. We have more than enough of affordable housing going around. So yeah, so I think a park would be just great,” Roy said.
City officials say the city’s parks and recreation master plan identified a need for more recreation space on the beachside. Roy says the school’s nearly 70-year history is worth remembering — but it may be time to move on.
“I think it’s history, but it’s probably time,” he said.
“A park is really good to have and it’s good for everybody, and you got animals and just it’s just nice,” Roy added.
What a future park would look like — and when it could be built — has not yet been determined.