This time next year, people living in the Seminole Heights neighborhood
of Tampa will have ample opportunities to dribble, volley, pass and
perform when the Springhill Park Community Center opens in March, 2011,
at 1000 Eskimo Ave.
Groundbreaking took place
on June 5, 2010, for the 16,000-square-foot facility, which will feature
a gymnasium, kitchen, classroom, multipurpose room, theater arts
classrooms, splash pad, play equipment, and a new sports field. The
gymnasium features clerestory windows that take advantage of natural
light. Anticipated programs include youth and adult sports such as
basketball, flag football, volleyball and softball; adult and senior
fitness and nutrition classes; computer classes; teen programs such as
cheerleading and step instruction; and classes in theater, arts and
crafts and cooking.
Budding young artists will
have an opportunity to place their individual imprint on the new center.
Seminole Heights resident and glass sculptor
Susan Gott is engaging the help of school-aged children this fall to design a glass piece that will hang in the center's atrium.
"We'll be working with hot glass," says Gott, owner of
Phoenix Glass Studio.
"It'll be a lot of fun for all of us because we have to get these
tear-shaped pieces of glass hot, color each one, and then swing it to
shape it. And it's good for all of us to be a part of this because it's
for our community and we can take ownership of it."
And the
Springhill Park center will be environmentally sound. According to Thomas Hester, the
city of Tampa's project architect, the center is being designed according to LEED standards, although it will not be certified.
"Although
this building will not be certified, the design guidelines were
utilized," says Hester. "And where common design practices met the
requirements and the budget allowed, the design reflects green building
practices."
Writer:
Missy KavanaughSources: Susan Gott, Phoenix Glass Studio; Thomas Hester, City of Tampa