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City shows off plans for rec center

By DONG-PHUONG NGUYEN
Published April 19, 2006

NEW TAMPA - A state-of-the-art gymnastics area, a tot lot and a food bar are the key elements of what will be the largest city-owned recreation center in Tampa when it opens in the fall of 2007.

The New Tampa Recreation Center will be built adjacent to Freedom High School in Tampa Palms at a cost of about $3.5-million, officials said.

It will be more than 19,600 square feet, with possible expansion for a skate park, said Brad Suder, a landscape architect for the city.

The public got a look at plans Tuesday at a meeting at Freedom High School, where the city displayed artists' renderings of the project and solicited people's responses. Attendance was small, however, with about as many city officials and members of the media as residents at the meeting.

With a focus on fitness, the building will offer space for gymnastics and rooms for community events. The work of local artists will decorate the building.

The city plans to accept bids in June and break ground in September.

Heather Erickson, the gymnastics and dance supervisor for the city, said there is only one other city-owned gymnastics facility in Tampa, in Seminole Heights. There are more than 1,000 children on the waiting list to learn gymnastics, she said.

"It's exciting," she said. "We'll have lots of energy going."

Pete Burgue, deputy director for Tampa parks and recreation, said the center is not just for gymnastics enthusiasts.

There will be a play area for toddlers and most of the gymnastics equipment can be moved to make room for other activities. A snack area features a bar where people can sit and eat but also have a full view of everything going on inside the center.

"I think it will be real functional for the whole city," Burgue said. "There's lots of need out here."

[Last modified April 19, 2006, 01:57:07]