TAMPA, Fla. — A long-awaited investment in East Tampa is now a reality.

What You Need To Know

For years, East Tampa residents voiced the need for an updated Fair Oaks Community Center and recreational complex. That vision officially came to life with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by hundreds of neighbors, friends and local leaders

The $34 million facility is packed with amenities, including computer labs, a recording studio, weight rooms, multipurpose spaces and basketball courts

The larger Fair Oaks site also features one-and-a-half miles of walking trails, an inclusive playground and a football field

Once finished, the full 10-and-a-quarter-acre Fair Oaks complex will include additional outdoor courts, trails and a splash pad, with full completion expected by spring 2026

Community members gathered Tuesday for their first look inside the new Fair Oaks Community Center — a project years in the making — celebrating a space many say reflects the needs and pride of the neighborhood.

For years, East Tampa residents voiced the need for an updated Fair Oaks Community Center and recreational complex.

That vision officially came to life with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by hundreds of neighbors, friends and local leaders.

“This was really worth waiting for,” said Denese Meteye-James, who grew up in the community and attended the celebration.

As crews cut the ribbon, residents poured inside for the first tour of the newly completed 33,000-square-foot community center. The facility is packed with amenities, including computer labs, a recording studio, weight rooms, multipurpose spaces and basketball courts.

“I can’t believe it looks like all the lights so they can really focus on the games,” James said. “This is state-of-the-art.”

The larger Fair Oaks site also features one-and-a-half miles of walking trails, an inclusive playground and a football field. The project was made possible through a $34 million investment championed by the late Tampa City Councilwoman Gwen Henderson. She died earlier this year.

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor called the opening a bittersweet moment.

“I must say that this, for me personally, is a bittersweet moment because my friend Gwen Henderson, we toured this property many times,” Castor said. “I don’t know if there was a time that I spoke to her that she didn’t talk about how excited she was for this day.”

Tampa City Council member Nya Young echoed that sentiment, offering a message of gratitude.

“Thank you, Miss Gwen,” Young said. “I know you are smiling down and thinking, yes!”

Project leaders say the impact of the development goes beyond recreation. OT Delancy with Strategist Project Support Services said the project prioritized local and minority contractors, creating jobs and opportunities within the community.

“When you have opportunities for those businesses or those aspiring entrepreneurs and they get an opportunity to grow, you do so much more for the community,” Delancy said. “You create options for the citizens and for folks who are looking for work.”

For residents like James, the new center represents access and opportunity for all ages.

“I visit all the recreation centers in my immediate area,” she said. “This is the closest one and one that I will utilize the most.”

She called the opening a meaningful gift for the neighborhood.

“That’s one of the best Christmas presents we can have,” James said.

Crews are still hard at work on phase two of the project, which is scheduled to be completed in the spring. Once finished, the full 10-and-a-quarter-acre Fair Oaks complex will include additional outdoor courts, trails and a splash pad, with full completion expected by spring 2026.

BELOW: More photos from Spectrum Bay News 9 reporter Fadia Patterson