![[L-R] Orange County Sherriff Jerry Demings, Orange County District 1 Commissioner Betsy VanderLey, Deputy Pine’s wife Bridget Pine, Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs, Orange County Public Schools Board Member Pam Gould and former District 1 Commissioner S. Scott Boyd joined Deputy Pine’s children to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Deputy Scott Pine Community Park.](https://newsroom.ocfl.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/OCFL051017-0220.jpg)
Community Gathers for Groundbreaking of Deputy Scott Pine Community Park
Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs, Orange County District 1 Commissioner Betsy VanderLey, Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings and the Orange County Parks and Recreation Division celebrated the groundbreaking of the Deputy Scott Pine Community Park with numerous dignitaries, guests and law enforcement community.
The 19.5-acre property is located at 17199 Ficquette Road in Windermere, south of C.R. 535/Winter Garden – Vineland Road.
“Since 2014, our entire community pledged to never forget Deputy Scott Pine, who paid with his life so that our community would be a safer place. With today’s groundbreaking, we continue to act on that promise – not only to remember the good and loving heart that Deputy Scott Pine brought to his work, or his devotion to family, but above all, to honor Deputy Pine’s extraordinary sacrifice,” said Mayor Teresa Jacobs. “This park will serve as a place of special remembrance for all those who loved Deputy Pine, as well as a visible reminder to our citizens and visitors of his dedication to public service and of our profound gratitude for the ultimate sacrifice he rendered while protecting the citizens of Orange County.”
Funding for the Deputy Scott Pine Community Park came from the Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) and Orange County INVEST funds. Through INVEST, $3.7 million was allocated under former District 1 Commissioner S. Scott Boyd and $3.7 million were matched by OCPS. The remaining funds come from Orange County Parks and Recreation capital improvement program funds. The total construction cost for the project is $9.7 million.
“We are happy to break ground on this park. The multi-purpose fields will be a great addition to our facilities on the west side of Orange County,” said Matt Suedmeyer, manager of the Orange County Parks and Recreation Division. “As the population continues to increase, the demand for field space has increased as well.”
Deputy Scott Pine Community Park will have two multi-purpose fields – one for the new Windermere High School stadium and one for recreational activities. The development will be overseen by Orange County Capital Projects. The expected completion date is early 2018.
Construction on the 19.5-acre multi-purpose field and stadium has a begun.
Construction on the 19.5-acre multi-purpose field and stadium has a begun.
“Our family is truly honored and blessed by the community support of dedicating a park after our hero, Deputy Scott Pine,” said Bridget Pine, wife of the deputy. “His legacy will continue to live on through this community park.” Their three children – Haley, Ryker and Maddox – were given yellow hardhats with Deputy Pine’s photo on the front and kid-sized shovels to use in the groundbreaking ceremony.
In September 2015, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners unveiled roadway signs in honor of the fallen hometown heroes, Orange County Deputy Sheriff Jonathan Scott Pine and Windermere Police Officer Robert German. In 2014, both beloved officers tragically lost their lives to senseless acts of violence while in the line of duty.
The Deputy Scott Pine Memorial Roadway is located on S. Apopka Vineland Road and Officer Robert German Memorial Roadway is located south of Conroy-Windermere Road and seen by an average of 14,000 drivers daily in West Orange County. The signs also serve as symbols of gratitude to local law enforcement officers and will help the community recognize the selfless sacrifices officers make on a daily basis to ensure the safety of citizens.
Deputy Scott Pine Community Park is one of 100 parks, trails and facilities that the Orange County Parks and Recreation Division maintains on 15,000 acres of land.
“This park is meaningful on a number of levels,” said Commissioner VanderLey. “First, to honor our fallen deputy for the sacrifice of his life given to protect all of us. It also marks the beginning of a new collaborative spirit between Orange County and Orange County Public Schools. Finally, this park provides recreational opportunities for both Windermere High School students and area residents.”
For more information on Orange County Parks and Recreation, visit www.OrangeCountyParks.net.
Featured Photo Caption: [L-R] Orange County Sherriff Jerry Demings, Orange County District 1 Commissioner Betsy VanderLey, Deputy Pine’s wife Bridget Pine, Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs, Orange County Public Schools Board Member Pam Gould and former District 1 Commissioner S. Scott Boyd joined Deputy Pine’s children to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Deputy Scott Pine Community Park.
