DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — More than $2 million will go toward renovating a historic Daytona Beach park thanks to a local foundation and the efforts of city officials.

City officials say the improvements happening at Daisy Stocking Park are essential to providing a space where people can gather.

“The renovations might increase the desire for people to come in,” said longtime Daytona Beach resident Harold Lucas Jr. 

Lucas will have lived in the city for 90 years as of Oct. 5, and said he has seen and accomplished almost everything that could be done in the area.

That includes carrying on the legacy of his father, who worked closely with Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune and created the business department at Bethune Cookman University.

“It has changed so much,” Lucas said. “There’s been a lot of positive changes, but there were also some negative changes when urban renewal came through and they tore down a lot of the buildings.”

Preserving the city's history is something Lucas says he takes pride in doing, which is why he’s created a foundation to give back to his community and provide service for the area he loves.

“This is Miss Daisy Stockings’ home,” he said, pointing to the building while holding a picture from the mid-1900s. 

Currently, Daisy Stocking Park is often closed off to visitors, and nearby neighbors cannot use the property.

According to the Daytona Beach city manager, the enhancements will be pivotal for increasing the park's usage. Updates include a shade covering, playground equipment, pavilions and parking improvements.

“I think the renovations will help,” Lucas said.

City officials say they’re hopeful the project will create a better quality of life for those who live near and around the park. A large part of the funding for the renovations, $1 million, will come from the state of Florida in the form of an African-American Cultural and Historical Grant. The city of Daytona Beach will contribute $700,000.

In addition, a grant worth $330,000 is also coming from the Daytona Beach Racing and Recreational Facilities District. 

Lucas said he’s looking forward to what he thinks could be a positive change.

“It would mean a great deal to me if we can revitalize this area because it needs it,” he said.