Construction has begun on a historic recreation center in Tampa with $5 million in funding from the West Tampa CRA.<\/p>\n
The center, which replaces one built in 1955, is at 2301 N. Howard Street in the city\u2019s 1.35-acre Rey Park.<\/p>\n
The project calls for the Rey Park Center to be torn down and rebuilt as a larger and modernized community center \u201cwith West Tampa charm,\u201d according to a statement. It will total 5,082 square feet, with an additional 2,281 square feet of covered porch area.<\/p>\n
West Tampa is a historic community west of the Hillsborough River between Walnut Street to the north, Cypress Street to the south and Howard Avenue to the west.<\/p>\n
It was founded by prominent local resident Hugh Macfarlane in the 1880s, who drew workers to the area from the city\u2019s then burgeoning cigar industry.<\/p>\n
The Rey Park Center itself has long been at the heart of the community.<\/p>\n
According to the city, starting in 1959 the center hosted Teen Nights twice a week with dances, novelty games and mixers. By the 1980s, it was a place for teens and seniors to gather and in the 1990s it offered activities ranging from cooking classes to homework help to weightlifting.<\/p>\n
The last major renovations took place in 1997.<\/p>\n
In addition to replacing the center, the project will include a new playground, shade structures, basketball court, walking loop, open play lawn and an event stage and outdoor fitness area.<\/p>\n
A city spokesperson says $4 million from the CRA will cover the demolition, park amenities and the new building. An additional $1 million in CRA funding will go toward streetscape improvements around the park.<\/p>\n
Work is expected to be completed by December 2027.<\/p>\n
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