A small group of residents joined local government officials and chamber of commerce members earlier this month to celebrate a special groundbreaking for a new neighborhood gymnasium to be built at the existing Gardenville Recreation Complex in Gibsonton.
The afternoon ceremony, hosted by the Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department, as well as members of the neighborhood group known as the Concerned Citizens of Gibsonton, Inc., emphasized the importance of the improvement at the regional center located at 6219 Symmes Rd. Once completed, the new structure is said to become the premier gathering place for families and friends in the Gibsonton area. On hand for the event was Hillsborough County Commissioner, Sandra Murman, who spoke highly of the center along with the number of improvements taking place within the borders of the community and the South Shore area. “I have been seeing the continual improvements and this is just another example of it in this part of the county, which is becoming a vibrant community,” Murman said. “I just want to thank everyone for chipping in and making this event a reality. Facilities like these keep our communities tight, as they bring people together.”
Improvements for the new 10,000 sq. ft., $2.2 million, multi-purpose facility will include spring-flooring to provide shock absorption for a variety of athletic participants. While part of the old building will be renovated and turned into a senior center, the new portion will house a much larger exercise room, new restrooms, storage and office to support the new 7,000 sq. ft. gym. Pete Johnson of the Concerned Citizens of Gibsonton group praised the project and its necessity to serve the community. “This facility has been 21 years in the making,” Johnson said. “All I can say is that with all the efforts put into this center, we now have a beautiful building and a great new gym in the making.”
Representing the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce, Joe Eletto agreed with Johnson, adding his excitement to see such improvement in the south part of the county. “As a realtor, I get excited when I see dirt being turned as it means progress and I want to thank you all for letting us become a part of this project,” Eletto said.
Along with existing programs for all age groups, the County will expand offerings for athletic leagues, tournaments, classes and other events to be held at the new gymnasium. Construction is expected to be completed by early 2015.
For more information, visit www.HillsboroughCounty.org/Parks or call 635-3500.
