James R. Smith Neighborhood Center

Nice park, crummy area. I play Orlando Sport and Social Club Flag Football (and used to play Kickball) at this complex. The facilities are nice, although there is no restroom facility for the fields.
Unfortunately, this park is located in an area of town where we have been repeatedly warned about car burglaries during our games, and the league has hired an OPD officer to sit in the parking lot with his lights on to warn off the danger.

Enjoyed myself as we held our foster parent appreciation program here and the center was just right for the occasion. The staff were nice, helpful and supportive.

Been playing kickball here for years. Not had any problems other than the occasional lights going out or the sprinklers going on during our game… that is until someone drove a knife into my buddy’s car tire. It’s not in the best part of town, but I’ve never felt unsafe with a few dozen people around playing kickball.

I must admit if it was not for my kickball league holding its games here this is not a place I would frequent. It is in, shall I say, a rougher part of town. Proof being in the fact a kickball player’s car was stolen right out of the parking lot last season as well as several cars being broke in to. Not a place you would probably chose to hang out. But for these very reasons a neighborhood center is important for those who take advantage of it. For residents actually living in the neighborhood its a great facility. Having a place those tweens and teens can throw the football around or shoot some hoops is necessary and not a give-​in for this type of community. When you think about it, providing group recreational activities could really help in the development of this neighborhood’s youth by making them feel a part of something positive. As far as the 2 softball fields go, they are in good condition. I haven’t ever been inside the actual facility but I know there are restrooms for use and basketball courts. James Smith can get crowded when all the kickball teams are present as well as parents and children for a youth event so having the option to park across the street at the church comes in handy. All in all its not bad, and now that we have a uniformed officer on patrol during our Thursday night league I suspect all cars will be staying with their owners this season.