Bill Dreggors Park

I write this reviewing the newly renovated park absolutely beautiful, bravo to all volunteers and donors.
Unfortunately, history will repeat itself, it’s already started with graffiti (pictures posted).
Let’s make a stand and keep our park pristine. Call law enforcement on vandalism, tell people not to smoke or litter.
Don’t tolerate overgrown thugs running amuck scaring the little ones.

This review is specifically for the Museum at Bill Dreggors Park.
As you walk into the entrance of a beautifully restored building that used to be a hospital, you’re greeted with a guest book and a note that tells you to proceed to the second floor to begin your tour.
After coming off of the elevator, I was greeted by a little old lady (said to be 92 years old) and she told me she would be my tour guide. We proceeded to each room, with her unlocking each room as we entered and locking it back up behind me as we exited.
This isn’t your typical museum where you could wander off by yourself, take your time to read each plaque and artifact, and take pictures. I felt more like I was being supervised.
Also, what I didn’t like, was that I was under the assumption that all of the artifacts would be native to Deland, but in fact, they were brought in by a doctor and his wife. Yes, they were still pretty amazing to see, but they weren’t directly connected with Deland’s history like I was hoping for. The iron lungs were pretty amazing to see. I would say that was my favorite part. There is an Electrical room, WWI and WWII room, Airplane Room, Doctors office, Elephant collection, and some others.
My tour guide was so sweet and pleasant. I enjoyed her company and stories of when she worked during the war, and what her family has gone through in the past. She was very knowledgeable about specific people and certain things but other things, she would tell me to refer to my reading material because she forgot and/​or she couldn’t see the items in the case to point something out to me.
This is the first time I feel harsh writing a review. I enjoyed this woman who was my tour guide, but at the same time, this wasn’t a museum experience I expected to have. I probably wont be back.

PARK– Falling apart but getting remodeled in October! !
MUSEUM — Cool tour to take in the old hospital. There is a lot set up and you can learn some history. Free, donation jar set up too.

A secluded gem of a park on the west side of DeLand. Bill Dreggors Park features a quarter-​mile asphalt running loop, which is quite popular in the afternoon. In addition there is a small butterfly garden, a popular playground and plenty of open grass for frisbee, etc. Unlike other parks which are practically deserted or home to sketchy characters, this park is widely-​used morning and evening, as it is in the middle of a residential neighborhood. I have enjoyed running here many an afternoon, in the company of my neighbors and their children.
In addition to the playground and running facilities, the park is home to the DeLand Memorial Hospital, a museum in DeLand’s original hospital. They feature a recreated 1920s operating room and apothecary. Creepy – I’ve never been inside, but I’ve seen mannequins dressed as nurses and doctors peeking out of the third floor windows! Must check it out some day.