City Of Tampa Closes On Property For New Senior, Recreation Complex

TAMPA, FL — Plans for a new, state-of-the-art recreation complex took a big step forward Tuesday as the city of Tampa closed on the purchase of the Penny Saver Food Market Property next to Fair Oaks Park on North 34th Street.

The 1.8-acre purchase will allow the redevelopment of Fair Oaks Park into a new, multi-generational complex that will include a senior center, recreation center, athletic field and exercise trail.

The city earlier this year had to cancel a purchase contract because the owners failed to meet the terms of a deal, but city leaders kept pressing forward to build a state-of-the-art recreation complex in East Tampa.

"This is a big day for East Tampa, a huge wow for our community. Acquiring this property not only removes a blight but helps us a create a first-class, regional recreational complex," said Tampa City Council member Orlando Gudes. "This has taken a lot of hard work and persistence to pull off, and I am grateful to the East Tampa CRA's Community Advisory Community for contributing $1 million for this effort."

Demolition of the existing Penny Saver building is expected within the next 60 days, followed by a groundbreaking ceremony soon after.

Construction can't start soon enough as far as Tampa Mayor Jane Castor is concerned.

"It has taken a lot of determination and hard work to get to this point, but it will pay off in the end. The new senior center and recreation complex will be an East Tampa jewel, and I can't wait to see our kids, Jazzy Seniors and everybody else enjoy it," she said.