Curing New Tampa Rec Center's Growing Pains

New Tampa has been known as one of the fastest-growing communities in the region. 

So it should be no surprise that a plan is in the works to almost double the size of the 19,500-plus-square-foot community recreation center. Construction is expected to begin in 2013, according to www.tbo.com.

Tucked away in Tampa Palms, the recreation center features an Olympic-caliber, 12,500-square-foot gymnastics area; plus multipurpose room, playground equipment and a concrete skateboard/inline skate park with enough curves and inclines to make pro skater Tony Hawk jealous.

The 4-year-old site has been wildly popular. 

While all necessary permits are not yet secured and renderings are currently not available, www.tbo.com reports officials want to increase space for the popular gymnastics training, address administrative space shortcomings, plus add a climbing wall and fitness areas for adults. 

Paula Slown Van Wicklin likes the idea of an expansion.

"There needs to be more community activities in New Tampa!" she wrote on Facebook. "I feel like I have to drive so far to get to everything."

Stay with Patch for updates to this story.

What do you think? Has the recreation center become way too small? Tell us in the comments section below.