County Council Awards ECHO Grants that Expand Water Access and Outdoor Recreation

Posted On: October 6, 2026

The Volusia County Council today approved $13,144,290 in Volusia ECHO grants for 10 projects that will expand water access, environmental education, cultural programming, and outdoor recreation in communities throughout the county. Combined with more than $13.2 million in matching funds from the grant recipients, the awards represent a total community investment of nearly $26.4 million.

This year's recipients include six cities and four nonprofit organizations. Projects range from new boat ramps in Edgewater and a scenic observation pier in Holly Hill to a dinosaur-themed splash pad in DeBary and a two-story nature center at the D Ranch Preserve near Osteen.

Water access, which residents ranked as the most important amenity in a 2025 ECHO survey of 1,585 respondents, is a highlight of this year's slate. Four projects will add or improve access to the water: boat ramps and a fishing pier in Edgewater, a pier on the Halifax River in Holly Hill, a passenger-boat dock on the Indian River Lagoon in New Smyrna Beach, and an oceanfront boardwalk extension in Daytona Beach.

2026 ECHO grant awards

• Marine Discovery Center - Phase IV Education Center & Dock, New Smyrna Beach: $1,019,290. An open-air environmental education pavilion of about 3,000 square feet, accessible walkway and restrooms, and a passenger-vessel dock on the Indian River Lagoon.
• Museum of Arts & Sciences - The Brown Public Site Amenities, Daytona Beach: $2.5 million. An event lawn for performances and community gatherings, native landscaping, outdoor classroom and sculpture spaces, and walking paths connecting to the Tuscawilla Preserve.
• City of Edgewater - New Boat Ramps & Amenities: $2.5 million. A regional waterfront facility with up to four boat ramps (eight launch lanes), floating docks, a fishing pier, restrooms, and about 85 vehicle and trailer parking spaces.
• City of Ormond Beach - Sports Complex Softball Quad Field Improvements: $1 million. New clay, sod, and irrigation for four softball fields, plus shade, fencing, and parking improvements as funding allows.
• City of DeBary - Community Park Splash Pad Improvements: $125,000. A dinosaur-themed, zero-entry splash pad designed for visitors of all ages and abilities.
• City of Port Orange - Willow Run Park: $2 million. An expanded playground, accessible bike track, improved courts with LED lighting, pavilions, a new restroom, and accessible routes and parking.
• City of Holly Hill - Ross Point Heritage Park & Scenic Observation Pier: $1 million. A 250-foot accessible pier on the Halifax River at the historic 1868 Ross homestead site, with an observation platform, covered pavilion, and historical marker.
• Conservation Florida - D Ranch Preserve Nature Center, Osteen: $2.5 million A two-story environmental education center at the 476-acre preserve with classrooms, exhibits, restrooms, and a wetland overlook deck.
• Volusia Flagler Family YMCA - Port Orange Family YMCA Playground Project: $100,000. A new accessible playground with a shade structure.
• City of Daytona Beach - Harvey Avenue Boardwalk Extension and Beach Access Improvements: $400,000. About 245 feet of accessible oceanfront boardwalk with lighting, connecting Breakers Oceanfront Park to the Harvey Avenue beach access.

ECHO grants require a dollar-for-dollar match, and recipients have two years to complete their projects.

About Volusia ECHO

Originally approved by voters in 2000 and overwhelmingly renewed in 2020 with 72% support, the Volusia ECHO program provides grant funding for projects that preserve the environment, enrich culture, honor history, and expand outdoor recreation throughout Volusia County. The program has become a cornerstone of the county's quality of life, funding dozens of projects that enhance the social, economic, and environmental fabric of the region.

Learn more about the ECHO program at www.volusia.org/echo or www.exploreechoforever.com.