Skanska Selected to Lead Construction of Transformative East Tampa Recreation Complex at Fair Oaks in Tampa

Skanska USA, a leading construction and development firm, has been selected by the City of Tampa to spearhead the $34.69 million redevelopment and expansion of the East Tampa Recreation Complex at Fair Oaks. This world-class, comprehensive recreation complex will provide a variety of indoor and outdoor community spaces, services and recreational activities that will better serve the local community. The project will also incorporate the Herbert D. Carrington Sr. Community Lake, and several recently acquired adjacent properties into a pedestrian-friendly and better-connected campus. The existing Fair Oaks Community Center will remain open until the new community center is completed.

The forthcoming 10.25-acre complex is situated in the heart of East Tampa and will include a 33,055-square-foot recreation center, an athletic field, 1.5 miles of walking trails, two basketball courts and two pickleball courts. The complex will also include a fenced-in outdoor playground with an ADA-compliant swing and vibrant splash pad featuring 18 LED nozzles and tree fountain, creating a safe, playful and engaging play area for children and families to enjoy.

“The key to transforming underutilized public spaces into community centerpieces is understanding the ever-evolving needs of residents and implementing design elements that foster a sense of community and cater to diverse interests and age groups,” said Chuck Jablon, senior vice president of construction for Skanska’s Florida building operations. “Our team has a proven track record of building world-class parks and recreational complexes across Florida and we hope to make the City of Tampa and the local neighborhoods proud with the delivery of a modern, multi-functional complex that will serve as an anchor and further elevate the recreational offerings and community services in East Tampa.”

The project’s design-build team is led by Skanska as the builder, with local architect Howard and Associates as the architect of record and Convergence Design as the associate architect. The project will begin construction in Spring 2024 with full project completion anticipated in Spring 2026.

Leading the construction on several of the largest high-profile public projects in the region, Skanska recently completed the largest renovation at the Tampa Convention Center and celebrated the opening of the reimagined Coachman Park in Clearwater, Florida. Previously, Skanska constructed the award-winning Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park in Tampa and the internationally acclaimed St. Petersburg Pier, Pier Approach and Gateway in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Photo: Skanska

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