The Start of Something Big; Westchase Recreation Center Expansion Begins

Hillsborough County officials, kids, parents and educators came out to the Westchase Recreation Center on Thursday afternoon as the official groundbreaking for the new gymnasium took place.

"It's a very exciting day for the families and kids of Westchase," said Ken Hagan, Hillsborough County Commission chairman. "Some of my fondest memories took place in our park programs."

Hagan's sentiment were echoed by many who spoke at the groundbreaking on Thursday. The $2-million project will be a 10,000-square-foot gymnasium addition to the recreation center, located at 9791 Westchase Drive. The space will provide a centralized location in northwest Hillsborough County to accommodate basketball, volleyball and other organized indoor activities.

"I can remember getting up on Saturday mornings and driving to the recreation center to play basketball," recalled Westchase Elementary principal Scott Weaver of his childhood. "It's very important of have facilities such as this."

Westchase Elementary School and the recreation center have an afterschool program partnership. The program often has turned kids away because of size limitations. The new expansion should accommodate another 200-250 spaces for participants.

Now that the groundbreaking has taken place, the recreation center's playground will be closed on July 16 and moved to another location on the property. The new location will reopen two weeks later.

The gym expansion will be completed in September 2013 and is being funded by the Hillsborough County Community Investment Tax. The gymnasium expansion project has had strong community support from the beginning with many community members going before the board to petition for the expansion.

"Today is a great day you should be proud. It's because of you," said Commissioner Sandra Murman, who represents Westchase. "That's what it takes is strong community advocates."