The Fair Oaks Recreation Center is officially open, marking one of the City of Tampa’s largest recent investments in parks and community infrastructure and a major moment for East Tampa as the city looks toward 2026.
The $34.7M project anchors the broader East Tampa Recreation Complex and reopens a long-awaited space for wellness programs and everyday connection.
City leaders, neighbors and project partners gathered this week as the center welcomed residents back inside.
A new community anchor for East Tampa
Mayor Jane Castor said the opening goes beyond bricks and mortar.
“What a gift it is to welcome East Tampa community members to their new recreation center right in time for the holidays,” Castor said. “Although this facility stands out for its features and amenities, the real value comes from what happens inside.”
The 33,055 sq ft community center sits at the heart of the 10.25-acre complex.
It includes dedicated senior space, multipurpose rooms, a teaching kitchen and an indoor basketball court. Solar panels installed on the building are expected to help reduce long-term energy costs.
Built for everyday use across generations
The East Tampa Recreation Complex was designed to serve residents of all ages and abilities.
Outdoor amenities include one basketball court, two pickleball courts, a multipurpose sports field, a children’s splash pad, a playground built for all abilities and 1.5 miles of walking trails.
Councilwoman Naya Young said the project reflects a long-term commitment to the neighborhood.
“There’s no better way to uplift our communities than investing in meaningful generational projects,” Young said. “Parks and Recreation facilities build health, wellness and a sense of belonging.”
What comes next
Work is still underway on the site’s final elements. The Herbert D. Carrington Sr. Community Lake will receive a lighted aerator and a shaded lookout pier. The full East Tampa Recreation Complex is expected to be completed in Spring 2026.
For East Tampa residents, the reopening of Fair Oaks restores a shared place to gather, reconnect and build routines that last.
Why it matters
Fair Oaks is more than a new recreation center. It signals a commitment to neighborhood investment as Tampa grows. Projects like this help ensure public spaces remain accessible, welcoming and rooted in the communities they serve.