The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Grand opening festivities offered countless fun options

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Kids competed at Hula-Hooping, checked out the new gymnasium, played some outdoor hockey and had a chance to enjoy other activities, at the grand opening celebration of the Wesley Chapel District Park Recreation Center, at 7727 Boyette Road.

Seven-year-old Reagan Peal, of Land O’ Lakes, concentrates on keeping her Hula-Hoop spinning during one of many games and events at the grand opening of the new facility. She was with her 10-year-old sister, Kendal, and her mom, Samantha. (Fred Bellet)

The atmosphere was festive — from the archway of balloons that greeting those arriving at the rec center, to the free cupcakes doled out to those wanting one.

The celebration also included inflatables, games, music, ball hockey clinics and food trucks.

Children had a chance to play and adults could find out about the various programs that will be offered in the new center.

The new 17,800-square-foot gymnasium and activity rooms have been added to the 144-acre park, making it the largest indoor/outdoor county park in Pasco County.

Many classes will be offered there, including ballet and jazz, boxing, chair yoga and cheerleading, according to the district park’s Facebook page.

Youth ball hockey players honed their skills in a rink outside the new recreational center.

According to previously published reports in The Laker/Lutz News, Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore has long advocated for an indoor recreation center to be built at the district park.

He knows how hot it gets at the park: He coached flag football, baseball and soccer there for years, when his three children were younger.

This is a look at the exterior of the new Wesley Chapel District Park Recreation Center, at 7727 Boyette Road. Grand opening festivities drew hundreds. This was one of those times when the cliché, ‘and a good time was had by all’ appeared to ring true.

As designed, the center can accommodate basketball, volleyball, pickleball, summer day camp, toddler activities and community events.

The new facility features a gymnasium with a regulation-size basketball court that can be converted into two smaller courts, two volleyball courts or four pickleball courts.

There are restrooms and showers, too.

Multipurpose areas will accommodate a range of activities for groups, such as the Rotary Club, community associations, Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts.

The district park already is packed with outdoor sports activities, including several athletic fields for youth and adults, a lighted soccer field, basketball and tennis courts, and picnic tables and grills for barbecues.

It also is home to the county’s only universal playground — designed specifically to enable all children — regardless of their physical capabilities — to be able to enjoy time at the park.

Note: Those wishing to participate in the district park’s programs must purchase a yearly membership for $10 per person, which applies to everyone over age 13. All memberships must be purchased at the district park’s front desk. Membership sales began on Oct. 4. For more information, call 813-345-3145.

Published October 06, 2021

Eight-year-old Saraya Mercado, of Wesley Chapel, takes a shot during the ball hockey clinic.
Five-year-old Eliel Leibovici munches on a cupcake at the grand opening of the Wesley Chapel District Park Recreation Center. The child was there with mom, Cynthia Leibovici, and grandmother, Lila Manzana, both of Wesley Chapel.
An inflatable dinosaur looms in the background, as Phyllis Olsen, of Tampa uses an umbrella to shield herself from the hot morning sun. She was waiting for her granddaughter, 9-year-old Claire Olsen, who will be taking part in the youth soccer program at the park.
What’s a party without balloons? Stephanie Salimbene, of Wesley Chapel, enters under an archway of balloons in the new recreation center, pushing her 2-year-old son, Lorenzo, in the stroller and holding her 3-year-old son Andrew’s hand. Salimbene said they are frequent visitors to the park.
The writing literally was on the wall, as visitors to the new recreational facility search informational leaflets to find out about the diverse programing offered at the center.
Wideline Joseph of Zephyrhills decorates cupcakes with sprinkles. Sponsor Hope Services made it possible for cupcakes to be offered to each visitor at the new recreation center building.
University of South Florida National Champion cheerleaders Bri Wilson, left and Jason Brooks, right, of Tampa, show off their championship rings. They will be among the instructors for cheerleading classes, which begin Oct. 6.
While a little too young to join cheerleading classes, 1-year-old Jaylen Jean-Francoise, of Wesley Chapel, will have a lot of fun watching his 9-year-old sister, Aaliyah, right take cheerleading classes at the new recreation center. Their 6-year-old brother, Justin, was checking out other classes offered, along with their mom, Brandi Jean-Francoise, of Wesley Chapel.

 

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