VERO BEACH, FL (January 2, 2026) - The School District of Indian River County is proud to announce the grand opening of the Jimmy Graves Sports and Community Complex with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. Located at 1900 16th St., Vero Beach 32960, this world-class facility stands as a testament to the power of partnership and the shared vision of a community united by purpose.
The vision for this complex was set into motion on January 26, 2021, when the School Board of Indian River County accepted the gracious donation of approximately 11.15 acres from the Jimmy Graves Sports Complex, LLC. Donated by local attorney Joe Graves in memory of his son Jimmy, this gift established the foundation for a space dedicated to athletics, recreation, and community connection.
Since that initial donation, the Jimmy Graves Sports and Community Complex has evolved through extraordinary collaboration among public, private, and corporate partners. We extend special thanks to Senator Debbie Mayfield for her leadership in securing $3,000,000 in state appropriations, significantly advancing the realization of this community treasure. The School District also expresses deep appreciation to the City of Vero Beach for its approval of $1,000,000 in funding, paving the way for essential progress.
Florida Power & Light Company, through its charitable arm the NextEra Energy Foundation, has invested $500,000 to support the FPL Bright Spot Playland at the complex, a 5,000-square-foot playground featuring ramps, sensory elements, and adaptive swings. This inclusive play space invites children of all abilities to learn, explore, and grow together.
The newly completed phase represents a $7.6 million investment in the future of Indian River County. For the first time, home track and field meets will take place just steps from Vero Beach High School, supported by an eight-lane FHSAA-regulation track and fully equipped field event stations. Inside the track, a regulation-size soccer field doubles as a lacrosse field, creating versatile, competitive-grade spaces for athletes.
Additional amenities include LED sports lighting, a digital scoreboard, bleachers, a press box, and a combination building with concessions, locker rooms, and restrooms—creating a venue that rivals collegiate facilities.
“This ribbon cutting represents more than a new track, soccer field, or playground,” said Superintendent David K. Moore. “It reflects our community’s shared commitment to providing high-quality experiences for every student. We are grateful to all our partners including Florida Power & Light, the City of Vero Beach, state funding, and private donors whose collaboration made this complex a reality. This facility is a symbol of what we can accomplish when we invest in our students and work together as a community.”
The School District of Indian River County invites families, students, and community members to join this celebration and experience the Jimmy Graves Sports and Community Complex, a space designed for athletes, learners, and the entire community.
This ribbon cutting is more than celebrating a new facility. It is a demonstration of our commitment to students, families, and the community.
Together, we are Connected by Community.
Together, we are MySDIRC.
Members of the media who wish to attend or cover the event are asked to contact Dr. Kyra Schafte at Kyra.Schafte@indianriverschools.org.
For updates and announcements, visit https://www.indianriverschools.org/ or follow us on Facebook at School District of Indian River County and Dr. David K. Moore, and on Instagram @MySDIRC.