Cross Creek Park's Revamped Recreation Center and Playground Now Open in New Tampa

NEW TAMPA, FL — After nearly a decade of planning, Cross Creek Park has officially reopened to the public, giving New Tampa its first indoor community recreation center.

What's New 

The 15-acre park now features a 16,000-square-foot recreation building with a full gymnasium, fitness room, multipurpose room, and classrooms. Outside, the renovation brought a state-of-the-art playground, renovated basketball courts, new pickleball courts, a walking trail, a pavilion, improved landscaping, and expanded parking.

The Cost and Timeline 

The project, funded by taxpayers, carried a price tag of roughly $8.6–8.7 million. The park officially reopened to the public on June 29, 2026, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony following on July 8 to formally celebrate the milestone with county leaders and the community.

What Residents Are Saying 

Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan called the transformation a milestone for the area: "I'm blown away by how this park has been transformed into the first community gym for the area and a true destination for New Tampa." He added, "This is incredibly special to have places that our youth can go, make friends, make memories last a lifetime, and again learn some of life's greatest lessons."

Local resident Nikita Dera said the renovated park fills a real need: "This is exactly what the people of New Tampa needed." Another resident, Arabinda Bithaldas, said the upgrade means his family no longer has to drive across town for summer camp: "We wanted something inside the New Tampa... we always wanted something in, in our neighborhood."

What It Means for the Community 

The recreation center is expected to host after-school programs, summer camps, senior programs, fitness classes, and community events year-round. The project also improved accessibility and comfort throughout the park with upgraded pathways, additional seating, and shaded gathering spaces.

Why It's Worth Knowing 

Located near the New Tampa Performing Arts Center, John B. Sargeant Sr. Park, and Flatwoods Park, Cross Creek Park now joins a growing network of Hillsborough County parks — giving one of the county's fastest-growing communities a true indoor recreation destination close to home.

📍 19019 Bassett Creek Drive, New Tampa, FL — near K-Bar Ranch and Pride Elementary School 

📅 Reopened to the public: June 29, 2026

🌐 hcfl.gov/locations/cross-creek-park for hours and programming details