GIFFORD — Indian River County officials cut the ribbon Monday on new playgrounds and a concession building at the Victor Hart Sr. Community Enhancement Complex, adding age-separated play areas, more shade and updated facilities at the longtime neighborhood hub.
The ceremony took place at 4:30 p.m. at the playground area on 43rd Avenue. The new playgrounds include modern equipment with separate sections for children ages 2-5 and 5-12, along with an accessible walkway.
More shade was a key request from residents. Wendy Swindell, assistant director of Parks, Recreation and Conservation, said community input shaped the project.
“Community feedback played an important role in shaping the project, with particular emphasis on increasing shaded areas for both children enjoying the playgrounds and parents and guardians supervising them,” Swindell said.
A new concession and restroom building near the parking area features improved lighting and a service window to support local sports teams and events. The nearly 39-acre complex, previously called Gifford Park, also has baseball and football fields, the Gifford Aquatic Center, tennis and basketball courts, and the Gifford Youth Achievement Center.
County Administrator John A. Titkanich Jr. said the upgrades address residents’ requests.
“We listened to what residents wanted and focused on improvements that would make a meaningful difference,” Titkanich said. “From accessible play areas to improved facilities, these investments reflect our continued commitment to providing quality public recreation spaces for the community.”
Commissioner Joseph E. Flescher pointed to the park’s place in the neighborhood.
“Victor Hart has long been a place where families come together, and lasting memories are made,” Flescher said. “These improvements are an investment in our children, our neighborhoods, and the future of this community.”
The complex was renamed in 2017 to honor Victor Hart Sr., a longtime Gifford resident and Indian River County NAACP leader who died in November 2025 at age 94. Hart spent decades advocating for better infrastructure in the community, including the park and youth center. It was the first county-owned facility named for a person of color.
The park is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. at 4715 43rd Ave., Gifford.
