Another historic gem in West Tampa is getting a complete makeover thanks to the West Tampa CRA. The Rey Park Center, built in 1955 as the centerpiece of a 1.35-acre park, will be torn down and rebuilt as a larger and modernized community center with West Tampa charm.
"This is a first-class upgrade," said Naya Young, the CRA Board Chairwoman. "This facility and park have been a part of the West Tampa family for 70 years, so this upgrade is well-earned and will lift not just Old West Tampa, but also Macfarlane Park, Bowman Heights, West River, and other nearby neighborhoods and families."
With a CRA investment of nearly $4 million, the entire project will include a brand new community center, playground, shade structures, basketball court, walking loop, open play lawn and event stage and outdoor fitness area.
Over the last 70 years, the recreation center has seen a lot of change. In its first decade, "Teen Nights" at Rey Park Center were held twice a week starting in 1959, with dances, novelty games and social mixers. By the 1980s, seniors came to play a game of bridge and teens played pool after school. In the 1990s, it offered a variety of activities, from cooking to homework help, to weight lifting. One of the last major renovations took place in 1997, under then-Tampa Mayor Dick Greco.
Now, nearly 30 years later, Rey Park Center will enter a new era.
Part of the unique charm of the Rey Park Center is the iconic mural that faces Howard Avenue. Carl Cowden III, the artist who painted the mural in 1984, will recreate his work on glass and the new piece will be displayed inside the center.
The new community center will total 5,082 square feet, plus another 2,281 square feet of covered porch area, and is expected to be completed by December 2027.