Major upgrades are on tap for the Keystone Park & Recreation Center in Odessa.
A renovated community center, expanded playground, resurfaced tennis courts and the creation of a walking trail with exercise stations are some of the higher priorities for a $2.5 million improvement project.
Additional parking, along with drainage and lighting improvements, are also expected from the project, which is funded through Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation’s Capital Improvement Program.
The entire scope of the project will be finalized after public input is received and analyzed by Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation.
An open house is set for Jan. 11 at 6:30 p.m., at the Keystone Recreation Center, 17928 Gunn Highway in Odessa.
At the meeting, a short presentation will be given on the project, and parks and recreation officials will be available to answer questions.
Attendees can also fill out comment cards on park upgrades and desired requests.
From there, work will be prioritized based on the highest demand of requested changes, and maintenance and operational feasibility.
The design and permitting process is expected to begin sometime this year.
The entire project could be complete as soon as spring 2019, according to Kyla Booher, planning and development manager for the county’s parks and recreation department.
Keystone Park averages about 4,500 monthly visitors.
Besides a community center, the 26-acre park features a playground, baseball field, multipurpose field, four tennis courts, two basketball courts, two picnic shelters and a park restroom building.
As part of planned upgrades, the county may look to reconfigure some of those amenities, Booher said, “so that it lends more towards a friendly site that is accessible.”
That could include the transformation of its lone baseball field to an open field space for special events and more informal sports activities. An AAU baseball team, the Tampa Thunder, is no longer a tenant of the park.
Accommodating more after-school youth is another general objective.
Proposals call for a new or expanded playground and a multipurpose court.
Other feasible upgrades range from new signage and security cameras, to additional water fountains, benches, picnic tables and other miscellaneous amenities.
Public meeting on Keystone Park improvements
Where: Keystone Park Community Center, 19729 Gunn Highway, Odessa
When: Jan. 11 at 6:30 p.m.
Details: The park and community center are slated for upgrades beginning in late 2018. The scope and specific type of the improvements won’t be decided until after residents have had an opportunity to give their opinions.
Information: Hillsborough County Citizen Engagement at (813) 272-5272.
Here’s a look at some possible renovations and improvements to the Keystone Park & Recreation Center, based on the Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation’s master plan.
- Renovate/expand community center
- Restroom renovations
- Replace and/or resurface tennis courts
- Install basketball court cover
- Construct more paved parking lots
- Re-sod multipurpose playing field
- Remove & relocate basketball court
- Install band shell with concession
- Expand playground area and install sun shades
- Explore alternatives to the baseball field location
- Remove miscellaneous surplus buildings
- Consolidate drain fields
- Add miscellaneous amenities: new signage, water fountain, benches, picnic tables, security cameras, landscaping
Published January 10, 2018
