Alonzo 'Babe' James Community Center unveils new shade structure and turf.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

Officials with the City of New Smyrna Beach are inviting residents to a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, January 26, at 3:30 p.m. to officially cut the ribbon on playground upgrades, including a shade structure and synthetic turf outside the Alonzo "Babe" James Community Center at 201 N. Myrtle Avenue in New Smyrna Beach.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will include an introduction by Community Resources Coordinator Irma Terry and an opening prayer by Pastor Marlene Lucas of Emmanuel New Smyrna Church of God. Community Development Block Grant Advisory Board Member Mildred White and Mayor Fred Cleveland will deliver brief remarks before cutting the ribbon with local children in attendance and inviting them to start enjoying the new playground with New Smyrna Beach Fire Department mascot Sparky, the Dalmatian.

The new shade structure provides a fun new look and protects children at play against harmful ultraviolet rays and cool temperatures by up to 25 degrees during the summer. The turf installation gives off a natural look and soft, compliant feel while being easier to maintain than loose-fill mulch.

According to a release, the new amenities represent a continuing investment in the city's Historic Westside neighborhood, including the addition of a splash pad at the “Babe” James Community center, and upgrades to the playground ball courts, and skate park at Pettis Park. Upcoming projects include a $23 million, 80-unit senior affordable housing project named Greenlawn Manor at 911 Oleander St., slated to be completed this summer, and the development of a $1.5 million stormwater master plan, currently underway.

For more information, contact Leisure Services at 386-410-2890.