Construction crews are moving in to completely demolish and replace the historic Rey Park Center in West Tampa, launching a nearly $4 million modernization project funded by the West Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA).
The original facility was built back in 1955 as the centerpiece of a 1.35-acre park. Rather than patching up the aging structure, the city is tearing it down to construct a much larger, updated community center designed to serve Old West Tampa, Macfarlane Park, Bowman Heights, West River, and surrounding neighborhoods.
“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.”