By Tamas Mondovics
Local residents, County Commissioners and community leaders, including representatives of the neighborhood group, Concerned Citizens of Gibsonton, Inc., and members of the Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation department, celebrated the opening of a brand new gymnasium recently added to the Gardenville Recreation Center last month with a festive ribbon cutting ceremony.
After a yearlong construction project at a cost of close to $1.6 million, the new 9,500-sq.-ft. multi-purpose facility located at 6223 Symmes Rd. in Gibsonton, now adds a 6,700-sq.-ft. gymnasium that includes a weight room properly equipped with free weights and fitness machines, restrooms, as well as storage and office facilities.
Even as work on the new structure began last winter, it was said to become the premier gathering place for families and friends living in the Gibsonton and Riverview communities.
Following the ribbon cutting, all present had a chance to take a tour of the new building and see as well as experience the improvements inside the existing recreation center, which has been serving the community for decades.
While enjoying the event, some refreshments were also provided by the neighborhood group, Concerned Citizens of Gibsonton, Inc.
Also present and excited about the continued growth within the borders of her district, including the recent groundbreaking of two new recreation centers to serve the Ruskin and Progress Village communities, County Commissioner Sandra Murman spoke highly of the new gymnasium addition and what she is sure to accomplish for young and old.
“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. “Facilities like these keep our communities tight, as they bring people together.”
Special features of the gym includes a mechanized curtain available to divided the court and accommodate multiple concurrent activities.
The basketball backboards can also be raised and lowered to serve ages 5 and up, while the spring-flooring provides shock absorption for a variety of athletic participants.
Along with basketball, pickleball, volleyball, and netball, the new recreation center will offer expanded senior programming, teen nights, and organized youth and adult athletic leagues to accommodate community needs.
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.
For more information about Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation, visit www.HillsboroughCounty.org/Parks or call 635-3500.
