Daytona Beach Riverfront Esplanade Transformation Starts to Take Shape

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

The Beach Street Streetscape in Daytona Beach is near completion, but the reimaging of the downtown area continues with the transformation of Riverfront Park into the Daytona Beach Riverfront Esplanade.

Work began in the Spring for Phase One, which is from Main Street to International Speedway Boulevard (ISB). A new dog park and sweeping event lawn are starting to take shape.

A Kress-building-inspired restroom will serve as a gateway to Manatee Island is almost complete.

The area will feature swings for adults and kids, Bethune Plaza, which is on axis with Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd, a Ranger station to house park staff, an Osprey Tower, and a Veterans monument with a color-changing fountain added on each side.

The Halifax River Overlook is almost complete, which will have an ADA-compliant spiraling walkway and the overlook will be raised about 10-feet.

When the overlook is complete, visitors will be elevated above sea level, and be able to enjoy enhanced views of the area.

The walkway will be bordered by the large coquina boulders, weaving it into the water’s edge.

Phase One is to be complete in March, and then Phase Two will begin, which is from ISB to Orange Ave. This area will feature four gardens—Coastal Dune, Palm, River, and Rose, as well as an iconic splash pad.

The park is scheduled to open in late 2021.