Chere Simmons photos.
Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department held the groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion project at Ruskin Recreation Center Thursday, Jan. 15.
The $1.7 million facility will include a 7,000-square-foot gymnasium and recreational space equipped with a multipurpose room and gym equipment storage room. The new building will meet the requirements for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for energy efficiency.
The gym not only will be a place to play basketball, flag football and pickleball but it also will offer expanded programs for school-aged children, adults and seniors. Open gym nights will also be offered. The expansion is expected to open in the fall.
Hillsborough County Commissioner, District 4, Stacy White addressed the crowd, as did Commissioners Ken Hagan and Sandra Murman.
County Commissioners and other dignitaries were on hand to toss shovels of dirt symbolizing the go-ahead on the project.
The Center provides after-school care, a senior center, picnic shelters, programs for seniors, teens and toddlers, along with sports and fitness programs. It is located at 901 6th Street S.E. in Ruskin.
Ken Hagan, Countywide Hillsborough County Commissioner, District 5, along with Commissioners Sandra Murman and Stacy White, was among the dignitaries at last week’s groundbreaking for the Ruskin Recreation Center’s $1.7 million expansion.
