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Community Center May Open Soon

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By GEORGE WILKENS, The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 9, 2008

TAMPA PALMS - Construction of the New Tampa community center is nearing completion, and it could open in late February.

"We are close," said Brad Suder, project manager for the city's 19,568-square-foot community center intended as the centerpiece of New Tampa Community Park. "They're thinking, like, in three weeks construction will be done," he said Wednesday of the building's contractors.

After that, however, additional time will be needed to move in furnishings and install equipment in the multipurpose building, which includes a 12,500-square-foot gymnastics area.

The $3.7 million community center is at the entrance to the 40-acre park on Commerce Park Boulevard.

The wooden flooring in the community room and lobby has been installed, and power washing is under way, Suder said.

"It's nice," Suder said. "Any construction project has its challenges, but this is turning out very nice. I'm pleased with it."

Heather Erickson, the city's gymnastics supervisor, who has visited the site periodically to monitor progress, is equally pleased.

"I believe it's going to be one of the nicest in the state," she said. "I'm excited to get the doors open; we all are."

The center is poised to receive the gymnastics equipment and other furnishings.

"It's all ordered," she said. "It's just a matter of getting logistics together and getting it set up right before we open the doors because there's a lot of equipment going in there."

Because of such delivery and logistical uncertainties, city recreation officials are unable to pinpoint an opening date, but indications are it could be in late February.

The multipurpose community center is designed to accommodate everything from hip-hop classes to mom-and-tot exercise sessions and fitness instruction. There also will be a snack bar and two large rooms for public meetings, parties and other functions.

Construction of a skate park at the site is expected to begin in mid-February, Suder said. Following a preconstruction meeting between the city and the design committee, a final community workshop will be scheduled to discuss the $500,000 skate park, Suder said.

Reporter George Wilkens can be reached at (813) 865-4847 or gwilkens@tampatrib.com.

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