Palm Harbor is getting a brand-new recreation center

PALM HARBOR, Fla. — A project that was first approved in 2000 is just months away from finally breaking ground.

Palm Harbor is getting a brand-new recreation facility.

It will allow for more programs and greater public access. The new building will also serve as an emergency shelter.

The recreation center had its last tap class in the room that it has been in for decades on Dec. 18.

The room has seen better days — many of the dancers have been using it for more than 20 years. Tammy Ely has been teaching in it for about three years. 

“We have a temporary floor, and windows that kind of shine sun in all the time, and the air conditioners kind of get hot,” Ely said. “It’s due to have a new building here.”

The other building on the property was originally a senior center. It’s been repurposed for pickleball games and other programs. The problem is that the pickleball courts are not the right size and the ceiling fan can get in the way.

“I’m not like a real competitive pickleball player, but the courts are definitely not the normal size pickleball courts and the lighting isn’t always the best in this room,” said Hailey Bechet, a Palm Harbor resident.

But change is coming, as the rec center is getting a complete overhaul. The older of the two buildings will be demolished to make room for the new 28,000-square-foot, two-story facility. It will have a full-sized gymnasium that can be used for multiple sports, a suspended track, a flex programming space and more.

“This will give us an opportunity to offer parents that need a place to put their kids so that it’s affordable and safe. So that is huge for us,” said Erica Lynford, director of Palm Harbor Recreation.

Lynford said the new facility will also serve as an emergency shelter. According to Pinellas County’s bid, the county has a shelter deficit for category 4 and 5 storms. The proposal said that after Hurricane Irma the county recognized that non-school facilities are needed after a major storm.

“This will open up an ability to, I believe, house over 400 people during an emergency situation,” Lynford said.

She said the estimated cost of the project is between $10 and $13 million. The director said the funds will come from Penny for Pinellas, a 1% sales tax.

Lynford also says the new building will reduce the wait time to play pickleball and, more importantly, reduce the waitlists for summer programs.

“I think it’s really exciting. I think the more growth in this area the better because we are for sure getting overpopulated,” said Bechet.

The tap class is also growing, and the long-time dancers are looking forward to a new floor and ballet barres.

“That’s really ideal, better for your joints. Anybody that had dances in a dance studio situation, a sprung wood floor is ideal for ballet, tap, jazz,” Ely said.

Lynford said the bid will be awarded in early 2026, with a groundbreaking to follow in the spring.

The entire project is estimated to be completed in 18 to 24 months.