Grand reopening of Dickerson Recreation Complex in Daytona Beach set for August 5.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

The City of Daytona Beach is proud to announce that a massive three-year project to enhance and modernize the John H. Dickerson Center, James Huger Park, and Campbell Aquatic Center is complete, creating the spectacular Dickerson Recreation Complex at 308 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, which has long been a hub for various community activities, serving a diverse population, including families, churches, schools, and local clubs like the esteemed Boys & Girls Club over the years.

Residents are cordially invited to a grand reopening community event on Saturday, August 5, from 9 a.m. to noon to celebrate this transformative achievement. The festivities promise fun-filled activities such as tours of the newly revamped facilities, free swimming, games, music, and refreshing treats for all attendees. To make the grand reopening event even more meaningful, the nonprofit organization Pay it 4ward, based in Daytona Beach, will generously give away 2,500 backpacks to school-age children during the celebration.

Initially acquired by the city in 1975, the Dickerson Community Center holds historical significance as it once housed the Campbell Street elementary and high schools from 1948 to 1969. After the schools closed in 1969 to adhere to desegregation plans, the visionary John H. Dickerson Sr., former principal of Campbell Street Elementary School, played a pivotal role in persuading the City Commission to purchase and refurbish the property as a community center. In 1979, the building was rightfully renamed in Dickerson's honor, solidifying his legacy and dedication to the betterment of the community.

Some significant upgrades at the Dickerson Recreation Complex include brand-new playground equipment, an outdoor basketball court, expanded and reconfigured parking areas, and connecting sidewalks. Enhanced exterior lighting, fresh paint, and upgraded landscaping enhance the center's overall appeal. Inside the 75-year-old facility, renovations included new paint, flooring, ceiling tiles, installation of an HVAC dust system, and mold remediation in specific areas.

Across the way at the Campbell Aquatic Center, visitors will now be greeted by a new entrance on the facility's north side. Adding a pool entry pavilion, stairs, and an ADA-compliant ramp further ensures convenient access for everyone. The center also boasts new canopy shade structures over picnic tables, providing a comfortable and shaded area for visitors to relax and enjoy.

A modern LED sign for the complex and three identifying monument signs for the Campbell Aquatic Center and James Huger Park will be installed before the grand reopening, adding a touch of contemporary elegance to the newly transformed recreational complex. This extensive revitalization effort was made possible by nearly $1 million in grants from the Daytona Beach Racing and Recreational Facilities District, demonstrating the community's dedication to providing state-of-the-art facilities for its residents.

Thanks to the extensive improvements, the Dickerson Recreation Complex has become a holistic destination that connects the Dickerson Center to the Campbell Aquatic Center and the surrounding neighborhood.