Forest Hills Rec Center Field To Be Renamed In Honor Of Roland Paz Sr.
The Forest Hills Recreation Center has thriving athletics programs, and the Multipurpose Field there has been renamed after a man who laid so much groundwork for it half a century ago.
Roland Paz Sr. was a dedicated member of the Forest Hills community, known for his deep involvement in local initiatives.
"Roy Paz was a community pillar and leader - a community pillar and leader whose son became one of our finest Tampa Police officers," City Councilman Luis Viera said. "Forest Hills is proud of the Paz name."
In the 1970s, Mr. Paz founded the Forest Hills Soccer League, which called the Forest Hills Recreation Center home. He also coached a team, making a lasting impact on many young players.
Recognizing the need for improvements, Mr. Paz worked tirelessly to organize projects and advocate for field enhancements, resulting in the addition of tennis and racquetball courts, but the sports field was left mostly undeveloped.
The new Multipurpose Sports Field at Forest Hills Park now sits at the exact location where Mr. Paz envisioned one for many years prior to his passing in 1977.
Born in Spain, Paz played First Division Soccer and immigrated to the United States, where he built a successful business, Roland’s TV and Electronics. He and his wife raised four children in Forest Hills, frequently attending the Forest Hills Recreation Center. There, he played guitar, participated in meetings, and enjoyed table tennis.