Palm Harbor Unveils Plans for New State-of-the-Art Recreation Center and Emergency Shelter

Excitement filled the room at The Centre on October 28 as Palm Harbor Parks & Recreation hosted a Town Hall meeting to reveal plans for its newest recreation facility — a landmark 28,000 sq. ft., two-story center designed to serve the community in multiple ways.

The new facility will feature a full-size basketball gymnasium adaptable for pickleball, volleyball, and other indoor sports, along with a suspended indoor walking track above the gym, providing residents with a safe, climate-controlled space to walk and exercise seven days a week — all without a gym membership. Multiple flexible programming spaces will accommodate activities for residents of all ages and fitness levels.

Beyond recreation, the facility is being designed with resiliency and safety in mind. Constructed to withstand major storms, it will function as a generator-powered emergency shelter to protect Palm Harbor residents during hurricanes and other critical events.

“This project represents a huge step forward for recreation in Palm Harbor and marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in both community recreation and safety,” said Erica Lynford, Director of Palm Harbor Parks & Recreation.

The Town Hall featured guest speakers including Pinellas County Commissioner Dave Eggers and representatives from Wannemacher Jensen Architects, who provided insight into the facility’s innovative design and the broad benefits it will bring to the community.

The project promises to expand recreation access and wellness opportunities, provide a year-round, all-weather space for sports and community programming and enhance public safety through its emergency shelter capabilities.

Construction is anticipated to begin in early 2026, with completion expected in 2027. Residents who attended the Town Hall Meeting got the first look at the exciting plans that will shape the future of recreation and safety in Palm Harbor.