Commissioner Murman quoted in this Tampa Tribune article on the Ruskin gymnasium:
South Shore News
Ruskin area kids to get new gymnasium, construction begins
BY DOUG ARNOLD
Special Correspondent
Published: January 28, 2015
RUSKIN – The Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department recently broke ground for the new Ruskin Recreation Center in a public program attended by Hillsborough County officials, civic leaders and community representatives.
Located at 901 Sixth St. SE, the center is under construction adjacent to Beaudette Park. The $1.7 million facility will include a 7,000-square-foot gymnasium and recreational space and be equipped with a multi-purpose room and gym equipment storage for youth, adult and senior activities.
The indoor gym will allow for expanded athletic and recreational programming for youths, adults and seniors, plus adult and youth athletic leagues. Completion of the structure is expected later this year.
“This is a tremendous resource that will be a fun and safe environment for families and children,” said Stacy White, Hillsborough County commissioner representing the Ruskin area. He added the facility will be an important gathering place for the Ruskin community and noted he grew up in the area and graduated from East Bay High School. “I played on these fields as a kid.”
The backdrop for the groundbreaking was alive with construction workers busy preparing to pour the foundation of the building.
“Today the county continues to demonstrate our commitment to the children and families of the South Shore region of Hillsborough County,” said County Deputy Administrator Greg Horwedel. “This new building offers the promise of a brighter future for our friends, neighbors and businesses in Ruskin.”
Commissioner Sandra Murman agreed.
“One of the best investments for our people is in our parks,” she said. “There is tremendous growth in Ruskin right now, and this center is one of many projects coming out of the ground.”
Murman reminded a crowd of approximately 50 well-wishers that there are considerable opportunities for even greater partnerships in the future.
“Not only does this contribute to additional construction jobs, but it means growth and added resources for neighborhood families,” she said.
Jean Gaylord, Ruskin community volunteer, said she was “as excited as a child with a new candy store.” She said the Ruskin facility staff play a unique and important role in helping raise the neighborhood kids.
“Our town is growing and prospering,” she said. “It continues to grow as a diverse and wonderful place to live for young families.”
“Many of life’s great lessons happen on our ball fields and gyms,” added Commissioner Ken Hagen. “After-school activities, summer programs, health programs for seniors and team sports all help to better connect our citizens.”
Funding for the new rec center was gained from the consolidation of 43 smaller centers into 12 enhanced neighborhood centers. The County Commission approved five new programs in 2012 for Gardenville, Palm River, Progress Village, Town ‘N Country and Ruskin.
Dee Fridella, Ruskin Neighborhood Service Center manager, said the center plays a vital role serving working families with children.
“We attract a wide variety of partnerships with nonprofit agencies and youth sports programs essential for after-school and summertime childhood education,” she said.
The park presently provides outdoor basketball, softball, a fitness room, summer camps and other activities for small children, teens, and seniors.
Freelance writer Douglas Arnold can be reached at bylinedouglasarnold@aol.com.
