TAMPA – People gathered for the ceremonial groundbreaking of the new additions to Fair Oaks Park in East Tampa.
City Council approved the 34.7-million-dollar project in March. The project will be one of Tampa’s Parks and Recreation Department’s biggest projects to date.
A 33,055-square-foot center is at the heart of the new-look East Tampa Athletics complex. The building will have indoor basketball courts, classrooms, and space dedicated to seniors.
Outdoor renovations include a basketball court, two pickleball courts, a field, a walking trail, and new benches. A local appreciates the investment into natural areas.
“I think there are many things the city of Tampa needs to be working on,” says Tampa resident Andrew Staab. “I think that it’s important to preserve nature and to start promoting going outside so I think that’ll help a lot of people manage stress.”
For others in Tampa, the price tag is an issue. Resident Edwin Evans senior said: “It’s ok for beauty, but look what’s around it. You have your communities that are 5 or 6 blocks away that is going through poverty that people are in and out, having a hard time.”
Tampa officials set Fall 2025 as the target for the recreational center’s opening but said the other changes should be complete by Spring 2026.
Earth Day’s origins lie in the need for change
Earth Day is right around the corner. The occasion falls on April 22 as a reminder to support our environment.
Despite its popularity, few know where the holiday came from.
Problems like toxic drinking water and air pollution stirred concerns for Gaylord Nelson throughout his political career. As governor of Wisconsin, Nelson made strides in conservation like banning DDT, protecting the Appalachian trail, and promoting clean water.
The former governor spent time as a senator, where he continued his charge for environmental change.
On April 22, 1970, Nelson helped launch the first Earth Day. “I don’t think there’s any other issue viewed in its broadest sense which is critical to mankind as the issue of the quality of the environment in which we live.”
Anchors: Victoria Harris & Dawson Cordova
Producer: João Victor Pina
Reporters: Abigail Papasodero & Ariana Angelo
Social Media: Ariana Angelo
Technical Director: Melissa Baldelomar
Teleprompter: Samantha Allen
Video Editors: Aviva Kram & Melissa Baldelomar
Audio: Abigail Papasodero
Cameras: Ariana Angelo
Web Editor: Jimmy Rosilio
Graduate Assistant: McKenzie Muskett
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Stephanie Anderson