Recreation

This historic site, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, was dedicated and named for William J. “Bill” Dreggors, Jr. Mr. Dreggors is known throughout Florida for his work in historic preservation and his knowledge of the area’s history. The DeLand Garden Club invites visitors to enjoy a self-guided tour of the Sensory Butterfly Garden. Created for the visually and physically challenged, selected plants offer easily sensed characteristics such as scent, color, texture, taste and touch. You can also enjoy a 7/16 mile loop paved walking/jogging path and Freedom Playground. The City of DeLand Parks and Recreation Department’s Administrative Offices are located here in the fully restored historical Memorial Hospital Building, built in 1920. This facility now includes the Bert Fish Room, as well as the Operating Room & Apothecary Exhibit, the Veterans Gallery and the Ice & Electric Exhibit. Behind the building are The Veterans Memorial Wall, the Lemon Room and the Burgess Building which houses the Hawtense Conrad Elephant Fantasyland, the West Volusia Black Heritage Gallery and Conrad’s Toyland. Freedom Playground is DeLand's only community built playground designed by Robert Leathers. The playground is nestled under shady oaks trees and has four picnic pavilions on site which makes this a popular birthday party spot.Freedom Playground is DeLand's only innovative playground nestled under shady oaks trees. This is a popular birthday party spot due to the fact that reservations can be made for the four picnic pavilions located nearby. Charcoal grills are located at each of the pavilions. Restroom facilities are available on site. Please call 386-740-5800 for current pavilion rental rates.